The Ice Breaker:

First, let everyone know something about yourself.
Originally from Texas, I moved to Arizona to chase my ambitions and become a successful graphic designer. In the spring of 2007, I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree from the Art Institute of Phoenix. Since then, I've been busy living the strange and demanding lifestyle that comes with being a hard working design fiend. Sucking up every bit of creative energy I can get my eyes on.

How long have you been designing professionally?
I would say about 3 years deep.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Designing, developing brands, drawing, painting..living life. Whatever it is, I don't want to stop being creative. In all seriousness, I aspire to be an art director with some major design skills. Start my own business maybe(hint, hint..)?

What challenges have you faced in this industry thus far?
When you are a designer, people start thinking that your job is so easy and you can just poop out a great design without breaking a sweat. Pleasant accidents do happen but, in reality it is a process. Can I design you something in 5 minutes? Sure, but I guarantee it will not be my best work. My aspiration is to only put out the best that I can give. I wish more people would understand that great things don't fall from the sky. If that was the case, my job would be irrelevant and everybody would have the best design..simply because it fell straight from the sky.

Who are some artists/illustrators/designers you admire?
My list grows daily. I like to always give credit where its due. I don't have a big ego. There are just way to many great artist out there. Check my blog for a few answers to that question.

How do you overcome creative blocks?
Step away and take a break. I go for a small journey. I need time away from the problem then, I come back at it full force. Usually works 90% of the time. Sometimes I need to take a day away from the problem. What gets me going is being around other creative minds. Something is bound to spark at that point. If not, then you know you are working with the wrong team of creatives.

What's in your ipod?
A whole bunch of hip hop. It's like heroin for my ears. I've been listening to hip hop for like 18 years or something..it's great!

What does Mike do during his free time?
Spend time with my wifey and two girls. Once in a while, we'll go out and eat Sushi and just relax. When I'm not doing the family thing, I'm reading an art magazine or listening to music (Yep,pretty exciting).

What would you be doing if graphic design was not an option?
I think I would become a mechanical engineer and build race cars. I've also thought about industrial design as a career option. It would have to be something that involves creativity and building a finished product. I swear my DNA is laced with creativity..I can't seem to shake it.

Any inspiring quotes you would like to share?
"The life of a designer is a life of fight. Fight against the ugliness. Just like a doctor fights against disease. For us, the visual disease is what we have around, and what we try to do is cure it somehow with design. ~Massimo Vignelli~