Features

From looking at your website I was overwhelmed by how much work is in your portfolio, all quality too. You must be one of the hardest working men in the business. This continuous making of work, is it something you know you must do and it’s a conscious effort, or is it more of an impulsive urge, you just need to keep creating things?

I have no choice but to make these things. I am a bit compulsive and I have a pretty short attention span so I kinda jump around from one project to another always moving always making.

The range and media of your work suggest you are what is coined a ‘slashie’ in the industry. (i.e. Artist slash designer slash typographer slash art director.) How do you feel each different role informs the other, or do you really approach each different role quite differently?

I like the 'slashie' thing. I have never heard that before. I just say 'maker.' I just make things, sometimes it’s a book; sometimes its a drawing. And all of these things really inform each other. I try and care about everything I make and consider its role in the world. So yeah the client stuff informs the personal work. The books inspire the drawings...

What role does digital media or computer-generated graphics have in your work if any?

I use a computer every day. But I think of it as just another tool. Its like a pencil or a paint brush.

You have completed a lot of commercial work for a wide range of clients. How do you balance this with work that is specifically for you and your own profile or are they one and the same?


It depends on the project but as I said before I try and let them inform each other. Sometimes, say on an art direction project, I try and draw a distinct line. But it’s not always that easy.

I’ve read that you got your first job out of college with Urban Outfitters, which was a great experience as your boss was a great mentor. How does this differ with some of your other commercial work experiences? Any particularly tough clients or situations?

What's that saying "work is great except for my clients and my employees." No, but things sometimes get complicated and I always try and remember it’s just business. Sometimes I have to raise my voice and say no to something and other times I have to compromise. I try and keep a level head about it and often those compromises end up really rad. If you are working for a good client there is a lot to learn form them. All that said, I have told people to fuck off. Business is business and everyone needs to stand up for their own rights. People want to take advantage of you and all of us in the industry need to stand up and not let assholes get away with things they shouldn't. 


Growing up in the Mid-west, do you think this informs your practice at all? And was the move to New York a big or difficult transition to you?

Maybe not my business skills but my work ethic.

As a designer you often have to be part businessman. How have you found the experience? Is it at odds with being a creative person but also having to balance the books and look at budgets?

I love it. I read business book and totally love reading them.

You also work on your own publication called ‘Untitled’. How do you approach working on your own magazine compared to working on briefs from other clients? Are you your own worse critic?

I look at the magazine as an opportunity to explore and make something that I really want to make. The first issue came out of me wanting to make a magazine and meeting lots of awesome photographers. The second because I wanted photographer and illustrators to work together. That and I thought it would be funny to make a swim suite edition. The third was just a fun weekend of photos and collage. I am working on a science issue and as it grows I am going allow other people to do this same thing. Photographer Anna Wolf is curating the next issue to come out. And Hugo & Marie are working on one that should be out early next year. This gives me the chance to give people I believe in the opportunity to make something they may not normally make.

We are also an independent magazine and budgets with us are generally very tight. As both a designer and a publisher yourself, what do you think is the most important aspect of a magazine to invest in? Original images? Writing? Design? Any words of wisdom?

Well, all of the above. Untitled is totally self funded. I have no advertising and want to continue to grow the magazine without ads. That said all of money goes to just the printing. Really it’s a labor of love and everyone involved has generously donated their amazing talents and ideas to make it happen. That is partially why I want to give back to those friends and give them the opportunity to see their own ideas come to life.

They say print is dead or at least dying. While the internet has no doubt garnered you much attention and exposure, do you feel print still has it’s purpose with today’s consumer? If so, in what way?

Print is not dead. People will never not have bookshelves that over flow with book and printed object of desire (Never is a long time so I will say it will be a very long time before this happens if it does). This is why I think small independent publishers like myself will be okay. I do not have piles of overhead. I do not have to let my advertisers tell me what to do. I can just make what I can make. When I started the magazine I told my self that if I have a bad year the magazine would just be a bunch of Xeroxes. If I win the lottery it will be gold plated and I think my audience understands that.

What do you think print can do that the internet cannot and vice-versa?

Print reminds people that things are real. The internet exposed people to the things, ideas, concepts, objects that should not be withheld based on location.

What inspires you to draw what you draw?

Everything.

Any favourite artists/designers/typographers?

So many. My peers / community in New York. I love Geoff Mcfetridge, Experimental Jet Set, MM Paris, Robert Rauschenberg, Deanne Cheuk, Rinzen, Alexander Calder. I started going to this museum about an hour and half north of NY called Dia:Beacon. It is totally mind blowing. The best museum ever. It’s hugely inspirational to me. I also really really love science and it is my new obsession. There is so much to be inspired by in science.

What do you think differentiates an artist with a designer? If anything?

I can only speak for myself so... I just like making things. Some times it’s for me and sometimes it’s for someone else.

You’re currently part of an exhibition called GO FONT UR SELF* which specialises in font and typography. Your works are being showcased at the exhibition, what is it your preferred medium and what is it about font that inspires you?

Well I really like words and language. That is a big reason I started working with type. But there is such a rich history of typography that if you get into it, it’s easy to get lost within the never ending pile of amazing typographers. From illustrated type to something clean and classical. Also the best thing about drawing type is that everyone does it. Any time you write your name; kids do it; moms do it; it is universal.

What is your favourite letter/word? Why?

Letter: R

Word: AND - I like how all of these letters easily sit next to each other.

What are you working on currently, any exciting projects in the works?

The pile just keeps growing. I am getting ready for a solo show at the Grass Hut gallery in Portland, Oregon. I am part of a little benefit show at Design Within Reach in New York in July. An awesome group show in San Francisco in September with Damien Correll, Justin Fines, Scott Berry, Andrew Holder. I have 4 pairs of sun glasses coming out in July that I did with Collab. I am working on a new book. Art directing some packaging for Brooklyn based chocolatiers The Mast Brothers. A cool poster project with insound. Some Nike stuff. Just trying to stay busy.

Mike Perry’s works can be viewed at GO FONT UR SELF* Exhibition, Thursday 11th June at Peer Gallery – 153 Bridge Road, Glebe, 7pm and Thursday 18th June at Don’t Come Gallery – 314 Little Collins Street, Melbourne at 7pm. Visit gofonturself.com.au for more info. More of his work can also be found at his own website.


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