Illustrator Highlight: Mike Perry

Mike Perry is an artist, illustrator, graphic designer and self-described Maker (with a capital “M”). He lives and works in Brooklyn, New York, where he runs Mike Perry Studio. Mike makes books, zines, prints, paintings, drawings, clothing, and typography whenever possible. He has worked with clients like Urban Outfitters, Zoo York, The New York Times Magazine, Dwell Magazine and Nike 6.0.

We’re so excited to work with Mike on the newest edition of Scout Book Illustrated!

Read our interview with Mike and see more pictures below!

Reaching for Something Larger Than You Will Ever Know Photo Gallery:

Your work straddles the worlds of art and design in a really awesome way. Do you consider yourself primarily an artist or a designer, or a little bit of both?

Lately I have been calling myself a Maker. Not for any good reason other than when I think about the way I spend my time it really comes down to that. I sit around and make things. Sometimes it’s for an exhibition, sometimes its for myself, and other times it’s for someone else. I think all of these come together to inform each and every side.

Pattern design for Nike 6.0 shoes

You live and work in Brooklyn. Do you absolutely love it?

I am a huge fan. I believe in my neighborhood. And we just purchased a home in Brooklyn and it has elevated this love to a new place. I actually admitted to my mom that I think it would be great to run for a small form of public office in Brooklyn. That would be at a different place in my life but that is my level of conviction for my home.

You do a lot (like, a TON) of hand-drawn work. How did you get your start in this vein of creative work? Have you always been into drawing?

Yeah, I have been drawing forever. My mom jokes that I was born with a pencil in my hand. I don’t remember ever not drawing.

Illustration for Vibe Magazine

How does sketching play into your creative process?

It is essential. But not in the way that I am sketching for a particular project and more in that I am aways drawing and that process informs all of the work I am making.

Mike Perry at the Grass Hut last summer, right here in Portland!

Are you a notebook kind of guy or do find yourself drawing on anything you can get your hands on? (Napkins, paper scraps, etc.)

I went through a phase where my sketch book was loose sheets of paper but I got so fed up with having piles of loose paper everywhere that I threw it all away. Before that and again now I am a hardcore sketchbook keeper. It gets more complicated then that though. I have a hard-bound book that I take my time with and fill every page. I have a soft bound book that I am super loose in and do a lot of scanning from, and I have a back pocket one that I use just in case.

Illustration for Nickelodeon Magazine

Your work finds its way into all sorts of formats and onto all sorts of products: books, printed matter, prints, clothing, shoes, appliances, and even a trash can. Do you have a favorite type of project to work on, or is it all fun?

It’s almost all fun. I love what I do and try and put that love into anything that comes my way.

Amsterdam Part 1 Illustration

You self-author a lot of work in addition to working for clients. Why do you think making personal work is important?

Well, for me I just need to make this stuff. So it is important because I have no choice. I would say your desire to make personal work should be a personal thing.

All images © Mike Perry Studio.