The skinny on Mike Perry.

Mike Perry works in Brooklyn, NY making books, magazines, newspapers, clothing, drawings, paintings, illustrations and teaching whenever possible. His first book titled Hand Job published by Princeton Architectural Press hit the book shelves in 2006 and has become a staple at Urban Outfitters and arty book boutiques across the globe. His second book titled Over & Over was released fall 2008 and is currently working on two new books. In 2007 he started a magazine called Untitled a… that explores his current interests.

He has worked with clients from Apple, New York Times Magazine, Dwell Magazine, and eMusic, to Nike, Urban Outfitters, and Target. In 2004 he was chosen as one of Step Magazines 30 under 30, in 2007 as a groundbreaking illustrator by Computer Arts Projects Magazine, 2008 he received Print Magazines New Visual Artist award and the ADC Young Guns 6.

Doodling away night and day, Perry creates new typefaces and sundry graphics that inevitably evolve into his new work, exercising the great belief that the generating of piles is the sincerest form of creative process. His work has been seen around the world including a recent solo show in Portland at the Grass Hut titled "Giant Zine Art Show." Mike Perry may look like a doodler but there is something very fresh about his work that go far beyond the doodle.

Chatting with Mike Perry.

Q: Oddest item you’ve ever been commissioned to design?
A: Band Aids for Urban Outfitters.

Q: Things you'd like to design but haven't had the opportunity to yet?
A: Dish set, wallpaper, some sweaters, a lamp, bolts of fabric, a movie, music videos, patterns for women's clothing, a watch, a large 3D alphabet, and a comic book.

Q: Books or magazines you’re currently reading?
A: The Fountain Head by Ayn Rand

Q: Favorite gizmo you’ve recently purchased?
A: Well I recently purchased a house and bought a stove. Its super bad ass. Its a DéLonghi.

Q: Favorite letter in the alphabet?
A: Lower case e.

Q: Would you consider yourself a professional doodler?
A: I like to doodle but I like to think that I am making drawings not doodles. So no.

Q: Favorite store to shop for clothing?
A: A.P.C.

Q: Best part about living in Brooklyn?
A: The people. There is an amazing community here. I think of Brooklyn as the smallest town I have ever lived in. I walk everywhere I know my neighborhood. I believe in the community here.

Q: Current albums you’re listening to?
A: Timber Timbre, Kid Cudi, Wild Beasts, Bill Callahan, Passion Pit.

Q: Favorite exhibition you’ve ever been a part of?
A: A Small Number of Things at Giant Robot SF.

Q: Biggest perk that comes with your job?
A: Flexibility. Freedom. Exploration.

Q: Favorite type of cupcake?
A: Red velvet with cream cheese icing.

Q: The 3 favorite people you follow on Twitter?
A: @the_chris_perry, @hugoandmarie, @rendamorton.

Q: Do you watch Curb Your Enthusiasm?
A: Big time!

Q: Favorite bar in Brooklyn?
A: Barn at Flatbush Farm.

Q: Percentage chance we’ll see a Hand Job Pt. 2 book in the near future?
A: 75%

Q: What are you currently showcasing on your coffee table?
A: We are remodeling our house so our house is totally out of control and the coffee table has no room for displaying things. I have a coffee table at my studio but it just has art supplies on it.

Q: Things you’re inspired by?
A: So many things… I am really inspired by the community here in Brooklyn. I am really into science and feel it has a lot of inspiration to offer.

Q: What’s a Friday night with Mike Perry like?
A: A good meal and a few whiskys (I am a die-hard Jameson Whisky fan) with friends.
 

Mike Perry's Top 5 top 5 lists:

5. Top 5 favorite colors
4. Top 5 favorite meals
3. Top 5 pieces of art I would like to own
2. Top 5 movies
1. Top 5 records

Thanks to Mike Perry for his time and help in working with us to put this together. Get connected with Mike Perry on Facebook, Twitter, and on his website.

Click here to shop Mike's online webstore and click here to see our Mike Perry gallery on Facebook with samples of his work below.