Michael Driver
The final year illustrator at Kingston who is already making big strides in the professional world
As a final year undergraduate at Kingston, Michael Driver is already taking strides into the world of professional illustration. Always looking to push his working process, the constant development in his field has led to stellar results so far.
Whether it’s for personal or university projects, hours of exploring different textures consistently renders exquisite illustrations. Michael tells us that productivity is key to his working process – “I work best if I hit the ground running straight away…drawing thumbnails, experimenting with mark making”.
Michael’s work is crafted with care; a beautiful “collage of the digital and the analogue”. Using a digital composition process, he synthesises scanned pencil drawings and print textures to create clean lines and graphic shapes.
Often based on specific characters, the final products are the result of a considered process, which is particularly evident given the refined colour palette he uses. In overlaying a select few colours, Michael can create several more, mimicking the process of using a transparent base when screen printing.
Michael tells us that past internships at design festivals, including the Nobrow’s East London Comics and Arts Festival and Somerset House-based Pick Me Up, have taught him the importance of being confident in your craft, and demonstrating that to others. It’s an important lesson to learn: while crucial and purposeful, university can only train you so much. As our forthcoming Issue Three explores, there are a wealth of lessons taught beyond the classroom.
Also a member of the illustrious (no pun intended) PUCK Collective, Michael has exhibited his work at London’s The Printspace, and will also soon see a print on show as part of the No Culture Icons Risograph Exhibition at Northern Monk Refectory. What’s more, these experiences have stirred aspirations to explore further the intriguing relationship between reality and the screen -befitting our digital era.
Having made magnificent forays into the professional world and with a remarkably confident portfolio to match, we can only see Michael going on to bigger and better things. Check out his site below for more first-rate work.
Card design for Godspeed Shop
For Puck Collective group show
Two-colour risograph poster design
For Puck Collective group show
Wally Olins
For Puck Collective group show
