Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike.
Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised in an art-rich home – my Dad is a painter and his Grandfather and Great-Grandfather were both prominent landscape and portrait artists. I discovered my path in High school under the guidance of my art teacher, Kevan Nitzberg and after graduation, I chose to attend the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul. I spent most of my time learning as many techniques as possible with the goal of carving out a career as an illustrator. After some years of working with art directors on several editorial illustration gigs, I found myself interviewing for Target Corporation as an industrial designer. There I learned invaluable skills in navigating business operations, time management and art directing others. After 5 years in corporate, I struck out on my own to pursue a collaboration with my second love: music. I’ve been working with bands to illustrate memorable posters as well as wearable merchandise. Additionally, I’ve been drawing portraits of my kids on a daily basis for 13 years (“Brekkie Sketches”) and continue the practice to this day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, I hadn’t defined a real style of my own and looked to other artists to glean inspiration. I struggled to make my illustrations work as I rarely had a “beginning-to-end” vision. I’ve since discovered that being true to my heart despite stringent graphic parameters from art directors and management teams often yields more authentic artwork. I’ve also adapted to work more spontaneously and quickly as deadlines can be limiting to my creative process.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently I’m an illustrator working primarily with musicians locally and nationally to produce posters and merchandise for their promotion. I’m known for my traditional “pen-to-paper” approach and I specialize in very detailed textural looks. Although not necessarily digitally averse, I prefer to work in an analog fashion – using tracing paper overlays and hand-drawn ink. I still love the feel of a pen or pencil on various paper surfaces. I’m most proud of my working partnership and friendship with local string-band favorites, Pert Near Sandstone (Minneapolis) and Arkansauce from Fayetteville, Arkansas. I like to think my attention to details and seemingly tedious linework, while not unique unto itself, is my trademark of sorts.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As an avid outdoor enthusiast, my most memorable pieces are almost always inspired by nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mikecarina.com
- Instagram: mike_carina
- Facebook: Michael Brewer Carina
- Other: https://www.theispot.com/artist/mcarina
