Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Talbot.
Michael, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in Jamaica where growing up, I would find myself drawing or doodling at any chance that I got. As time went by, I was torn between going into Zoology or Visual Art, but the decision was pretty much made for me as almost everyone I that I knew had known me for art or already associated me with it. After graduating from high school in 2012, I immigrated to the US with my parents and began my journey as an aspiring Illustrator. I went to school at Lesley University where I double-majored in Illustration and Graphic Design and minored in Animation, making use of as many opportunities I could find along the way. Over the next five years, I ended up winning an international Illustration award, illustrated a children’s book, self-published my own graphic novel and tabled at the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo three years in a row. Since graduating, I can safely say that I’ve achieved part of my goal by establishing myself as a successful freelance illustrator (at least in my eyes) and I look forward to what the future has in store!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My main intention with my art is to tell a story. Whether it’s a comic, children’s book illustrations, graphic novels or single standalone images, I want people to look at it and be able to see/understand the story behind the image(s). I like to make people hang in the balance of reality and wonder, giving them something that at the very least is thought-provoking. I’ve worked in both traditional as well as digital media, but I find myself gravitating more towards the traditional approach (pen/ink, markers, watercolor, etc.).
What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
Honestly, despite all that’s been happening in the world I don’t believe that the purpose of art, in general, has changed at all. It will continue being a source of commentary (social or political), it will continue being a creative outlet for solidarity and expression of voice, etc. Though my art, specifically, doesn’t cover most of these areas, I do feel that it’s important and will continue to be.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work to date has spanned a variety of different venues which include public spaces (Kendal Square “Imagination Mural”), apparel (Nicki Minaj merch design), bookstores (Barnes&Noble), various websites and social media.
Most of my work can be viewed via my website or my Instagram account.
Contact Info:
- Website: talbotsart.com
- Phone: 508-948-5653
- Email: mikeytalbot@gmail.com
- Instagram: @talbotsart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TalbotsArt/
Image Credit:
Michael Talbot
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