May 14, 2008
Michael Wilson is a graphic designer in Chicago, who continually finds his subject matter from “people, places, conflicts, form and truth.” He collects thoughts, sketches and scraps of paper inside journals.
“I have a journal and a concept book. I have also invested in smaller size books for doodles. You never know when an awesome idea will hit. I have sketch books for explorations and illustrations. I also collect images from anywhere I can. All of this makes for a simple library to pool from.”
In 1999 Michael graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BFA degree in Visual Communications and left his home state to pursue a career in Chicago. At his first job for Big Idea Productions he designed packages for Veggie Tales products and later, he freelanced for many companies such as Sanford LP (makers of Papermate pens), Paterno Wines and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
With over ten years of experience in packaging and web design, Michael advises, “I would say to a young designer, to turn around and get a degree in accounting. Well maybe not that drastic. I would advise the designer to stay open to a wide range of mediums and technologies. Designers will have to be able to work in a diverse range of medium. Be a professional! Work hard and remain humble. Get a good reputation for quality and detail. So many designers become big headed or bitter, so their work suffers and so too their reputation. Never stop learning.”
Like most graphic designers in Chicago, Michael has weathered the ups as well as the downs with his chosen profession. His faith in God is what has kept him grounded as he has weathered layoffs and recessions. Yet, he has been startled at such few resources in Chicago there have been for artists, and especially those of faith.
Recently Michael’s attention has shifted to forming an online community of artists in Chicago. Michael has named this "The Good Fight." It is his goal to retake the higher ground in art often ignored by most evangelicals. While he would like to bring together artists for fellowship, his dream is to eventually provide a physical center in Chicago that could aid starving artists through grants, train others that would not have the financial income to buy video cameras or expensive software packages, and provide a location for exhibiting and a hands-on space for creating art.
Please visit Michael's website at http://worththefight.publishpath.com