Features

How did you get involved with Addict?

Through mutual appreciation really – we seem to share the same taste and inspirations. We started about 5/6 years ago working on ‘artist tee’ series which later evolved into more in depth ‘signature’ collaborations.

Whose idea was it for a Star Wars tribute line and why?

It’s something we’d always wanted to do. It’s basically ‘fan art’ – with a professional edge. Myself and Chris (Addict’s main man) are both huge fans of the original Star Wars films – I guess they kick started our interest in art and design as kids.

Why did you choose Boba Fett, Sandtrooper and Scout Trooper?

Purely a visual decision – they’re our favourite character designs – timeless and charismatic.

When did you make the transition from traditional illustration media to digital illustration?

It’s more a mixture of the two– hand drawn outlines coloured in on the Mac – pretty much everyone I know works like that when producing something commercial…much easier to make any changes the client may require, imagine re-drawing and painting the same thing over and over! I think its important that my ‘one off’ self motivated work is hand done rather than digital – this is also possible due to the lack of any client direction, I generally get my own stuff right the first time.

What other media do you work in?

Whatever suits the job at hand really – this could be painting, video, electronics – mostly pens and Mac for the day to day.

Was there one particular project that propelled your rep and gained you the recognition that you now have as an artist?

Probably the Amp Fiddler artwork – I was able to do my best work for the Waltz of a Ghetto Fly album – this quality really stood out at the time. Of course it helps that Amp is a really charismatic and a visually stunning dude to begin with!

Your style is very distinctive, how do you describe it?

Ham, spam, chicken and lamb. A cup of tea twice – with a nice slice of cake!

Is fashion design/collaboration a priority for you?

Absolutely – I get so much satisfaction from seeing people wear the finished product.

What other projects are you working on at the moment?

There’s some really cool surprises to come from Addict. Also my new signature work for WESC should be hitting the stores soon…as well as loads of music stuff, Ziggy Marley, Colonel Red, Sunburst Band, Coopr8 etc ...

What inspires you on a daily basis?

I’ll often procrastinate until I put my music on. Good music has always been my biggest inspiration.

What drives you as an artist?

The fact that, if I work hard enough, I may one day achieve the same wonderful lifestyle that my cat enjoys!

How did you get started as an artist?

Its probably genetic – my Dad stared out as an art teacher. Our house was full of his student’s work.

How hard was it to reach a level where you could make a living as an artist?

I live in the most expensive city in the world – so making a living is never easy. Being patient, adaptable and versatile is vital.

What else would you like to achieve in your life?

I’ve always wanted to be a vigilante super hero type character with special powers and a slammin’ costume – I have the ‘inner turmoil’ but sadly no bat-cave as yet.

What do you do to de-stress?

I haven’t worked that out yet……know any good therapists?

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Its probably unwise for me to offer any sort of advise – ‘always inspire, never dictate’, although this phrase itself may be a contradiction in terms...

For info on Mitchy and his creative movements you can check for him on myspace.