Southern freelance graphic designer/illustrator taking a big ol’ bite of the big apple. Interview with Michael J. Hildebrand.
Where are you from?
I grew up in a small town in rural Arkansas town named Stuttgart, but hit the road running when I was 18 and spent most my adult life in Memphis, TN.
Did you always know you wanted to be a painter?
I knew from when I was very, very young that I wanted to do something in the visual arts. I drew as soon as I was able to hold a pencil, and my mother always made sure I had plenty of scrap paper, tape and cardboard around to make stuff with. I didn’t fully realize my love for painting until I was around 12 or 13 and was given a box of oil paints from the daughter of a painter in my hometown. Been making a mess ever since.
Who is your favorite painter?
Hard question! I have SO many. I would have to say that my favorite or favorites is Lane Smith. He is an illustrator and does fabulous work that is full or life and fun. He is very adventurous his mediums too. I love that.
You joining a drawing club in New York, could you tell some background information about this: How do you get into it, how is a regular session, why do you like to be there?
I am apart of a couple, but help put together the one at the LGBT community center in NYC. I heard about it after attending a drink-n-draw at G Lounge, a local bar, and from there I discovered many more groups, like the one that meets at the Leslie-Lohman gallery on Wednesday and a nude men’s group that meets here and there around the city.
You do graphic designs too, can you tell a few information about this project too?
It’s what tends to pay the bills. I worked for a wonderful firm in Memphis, TN called Harvest (harvestcreative.com) for a bit more than 8 years. They allowed me to work remote and I was very lucky to have worked on so many different types of projects. Everything from websites, to trade shows, to entire store designs. Pretty cool stuff.
Can you tell us what moment/event was the highlight of 2016 for you?
This year has been such a topsy-turvy sort of year. SO bitter sweet. I think the highlight was having my work displayed twice by the Advocate and also being a part of the Dirty Little Drawing show here in NY. But besides those items, I think just being in NYC and having the chance to draw and be inspired by so many things on the daily is wonderful.
What do you do when you are not working?
HA! Um… I draw more? LOL! Nah, beside all that, I love to be play and laze with my two dogs. They keep me very happy.
How your ideal men looks like?
I’ll admit that I have a thing for tall, black hair (or ginger) men with pale skin (in white briefs), but I never really know my type until I am actually meeting the person. Smells, voice, personality are all so very important to attraction for me.
Have you ever dated with any of your models?
I’ve had flings with people I drew when I was younger, but I try to not do that these days, unless the model wants to break that wall down and have some fun.
What is your next to do today?
Today? Hmmm… I am all over the place. Working on more paintings, brushing up on my coding and drawing more beautiful men.
Find more: @michaeljhildebrand