Mike T (Thompson) lets me know what time it is....

You may not know the name of the man behind the "bionic crayons" but you definitely know his work. This visual assassins work stems from the infamous Ecko ad campains to the Coca-cola commercial that he did. Mike has also recently wrapped up an Infiniti car commercial and continues to do countless projects ranging form video game covers to magazine illustrations. Welcome to the inner workings of Mike Thompson.

What did u want to be as a kid?

A Superhero. When I found out that could never be, I decided to become the best Astronaut Cowboy I could.

Did your parents instrumental in you honing your talents as a child? If so how?

Yes, they were very supportive. My parents encouraged me to take art classes when I was young and kept the
starving artist comments to a minimum.

As a child were you formally trained in fine art?

I took some oil painting classes. I also drew the "Can you Draw Me?" Pirate on the back of my comic books.
That and a Grand got me into the Art Institute home classes.

When and where did you engage in your training?

For the three weeks that I was interested in the AI course, in my room. Big thanks to my dad for not killing me
for only finishing 25% of the paid classes.

What artist(s) do you think has (have) influenced your style?

Alex Ross and Norman Rockwell, not necessarily in that order.

What non-artist has influenced your style?

George Lucas.

Did you ever go through the "starving artist" syndrome?

Of course. I have a thousand and one ways to prepare tuna.

When did you realize that you would be able to make a living off of your artwork?

Probably, when I noticed that the companies that I worked for were getting rich off my work.

Who are some of your clients that the people may not be aware of?

I just picked up an Artist Rep in the UK that handles Europe for me, so cats over there.

Do you do any personal pieces for yourself, or just sit and sketch sometimes? If so what was the last thing that you did?

I am always painting for work, so I don't get too much time to do my own stuff. Plus, it's probably like being a porn star... in their free time
they probably just want to read a book. I did just finish a Public Enemy painting for myself.

What are the ups and downs of the business of being an illustrator?

Biggest up is working in my pajamas. Biggest down is waiting to get paid.

I know that you are a big family man,... actually a "Super Dad". How important is family and a good support system with what your doing?

It's the best. My wife took a couple of years off work to stay home with the kids, so at any given moment they will pop into my studio to show
me something fantastic.

What is next for Mike T?

I just finished a video game cover for 2K Sports which shipped this week. The next project I have coming up is a Slam 5 page spread for their Kicks issue.
It's a big one, so I am enjoying a short break right now.

Everyone know you for your incredible artistic prowess, but what are some of your other talents?

I sculpt too. Oh, and I'm pretty awesome at Guitar Hero 2.

What is a jewel that you could drop for all of the freelance illustrators that are in the struggle trying to make it incorporate America? (what do you wish someone would of told you)?

Find a style that is unique and comfortable for you. Also, Time is Money, charge for it.






tell a friend 2 tell a friend so we can BUILD!!!