Brought up in the Shires of the North of England, Mitch’s fascination with design and illustration was initiated by a love of comics and the Star Wars phenomenon. His first true influence was Ralph McQuarrie (Star Wars’ chief illustrator) and, much do the disapproval of various art teachers, he spent most of his early years in the realms of fantasy art and graffiti.
Concentrating on what he calls ‘hip hop surrealism’ during his design degree, Mitch spent his final degree year working at Swifty’s London studio. As Mitch was already a huge fan of Swifty’s work for Mo Wax and Straight No Chaser magazine, this was a logical progression and served as a valuable apprenticeship.
Working from his own London studio over the last 10 years, Mitch has carved his own niche not only in music cover design but also in illustration, fashion and more recently, video production. His work has become synonymous with new music and club culture, working alongside the most prominent musicians of the last decade, including; Amp Fiddler, Bugz in the Attic, Incognito, The Bees, Howie B and many others.
In addition, Mitch has worked on many special projects, live paints and collaborations with other artists; 55 Roots for 55 DSL (live paint and group art show with Dragon and Shibuya from Japan), Bacardi brand development (with Mode 2) and Black Twang/We Love You album projects (with Banksy).
His reputation has also led to his inclusion in numerous art shows, such as; the Art Basel/ Miami (alongside Doze Green, Swoon, Rostar), Candela Festival/Puerto Rico (with Swifty, Mode 2 and HVW8) and Board / London (with Jamie Hewlett and Pete Fowler).
MITCH Interview
Early influences?
As a tiny child - RalphMcQuarrie (Star Wars chief illustrator). As a schoolboy - Henry Chalfont & Martha Cooper’s ‘Subway & Spraycan Art’ books and as a youth - Ron Lim (Silver Surfer/Marvel comics’ penciler)
When did your portrait style that’s so recognisable first surface?
It was born from necessity. I was looking for more than just ‘the photo and some type’ approach, which has been a music industry standard for so long. So I developed an illustration style that was both ‘painted’ and realistic. Somewhere between graphics, graffiti & comic book. The first time this style made it toprint was on Sie’s ‘Lost Control’ LP & 12” for Pussyfoot Records in 2002. It later became synonymous with the Amp Fiddler ‘Waltz of a Ghetto Fly’ campaign from 2003 onwards.
How do you describe your technique?
Essentially its a hand done ‘vectorisation’ process, with spray-paint dribbles!
What’s the significance of THE drip? it’s almost like a signature within your work?
Its become a signature by default. I’ve tried lots of other drips....but I guess ‘that’ drip always seemed to finish the illustration so well. Perhaps its the perfect drip?
Just how influential do you think films like Tron have been in the design/graphics/popular culture?
Films like Tron are pretty much essential. There’s certainly aresurgence in retro - CAD right now. Perhaps most credit is due to Syd Mead - without his influence I think the visual landscape of today would be a very different place.
Apart from your work with Addict do you work solely in the music business?
Design for music has kept me busy for the last 10yrs: cover artwork, websites, event visuals, music video etc. More recently however, things have become even more diverse: including more ‘signature’ products, advertising projects, art shows & some cheeky ‘viral’ marketing.
How do you choose clients?
They choose me! Thankfully most jobs originate from a certain artistic mutual appreciation. Who’ve you worked for…?: Couldn’t possibly list them all, its been over 10 years!
Have you ever worked in conjuction with other artists if so what on?
I’ve been involved in some excellent group shows such as: Candela Festiva, Puerto Rico - with the Chaser crew (Swifty & Mode 2) Miami Vices/Art Basel, Miami - with Doze Green, Swoon, Jose Parla (& many others). Loud Graphix, Berlin - with Delta,Machine, Parra (& many others). I’ve so collaborated on coverartwork for We Love You & Blak Twang with Banksy and not forgetting the Addict ‘joint’ T’s with Swifty!
Most respected?
I gotta say the best show of paintings I’ve seen recently was Futura and Jose Parla’s ‘Pirate Utopias’ exhibition at Elms Lesters (July 07)
Art was often thought of as a doss at school, what advice would you give to the kids these days who might have this attitude?
Personally I would always look forward to art at school, but I gotta say - I sometimes caught up on some sleep during art history lessons! I would advise any ‘bored by art’ kids to watch an old documentary film from the 80’s called Style Wars - that mightinspire them a little more than ancient portraits of religious icons & rich people!
How important is pen and paper still to you before you go to the mac?
There’s lots of really talented digital artists out there, but its easy to get trapped in a world of plug ins and filters. I always get new ideas from painting & doodling. Also its much harder to copy a ‘drawing’ style.
Finally, your top five films of all time…
That’s a hard one........in no particular order: Akira, all Star Wars films, Blade Runner, Tron, 2001, Caddyshack, Alien, Night Watch, Sleeper.........is that more than 5?
Check out Mitch’s work at myspace.com/mitchybwoy and online for Tron at www.tron-sector.com and www.disney.com
