Published on

Q&A with Michael Tabie

Two Arms Inc.: Boutique design agency in Brooklyn

My name is Michael Tabie I run a small boutique design agency in Brooklyn with my wife and partner Karen.

How did you get started in design?

Karen and I both went to school for design and printmaking. I worked at a small agency in Florida before I moved to NYC. Once I got here I worked at a few different agencies before we decided to go at it on our own.

What are you working on with your wife now?

At the moment we jus finished up some really fun posters for Miller Lite. We are currently working on a new apparel line for Dave Matthews Band.

What tools and software do you use for your work?

We primarily use illustrator and photoshop programs when we are working on the computer. I do a lot of hand lettering and illustration with brushes, pens, markers, etc. My favorite is straight up crayola marker. It's surprising what you can do with one. We also do a lot of in house screen printing for our clients. Karen and I are both print makers at heart. It's good to get your hands dirty.

What is your ideal work environment?

My ideal work environment is a clean studio, with lots of light, and loud music (if it's the weekend this would also include a cold beer).

Where are your favorite places for art?

New York is an epicenter for art and design, there are too many places to list. I personally really appreciate old hand painted signs. They are everywhere here. I am constantly taking pictures of random letters and textures.

Who are the designers, artists you admire most?

I think I admire a lot of the same designers and illustrators out there that are getting the well deserved praise. So I think I would like to list some badasses that maybe are going under the radar.