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Mike Hall
Illustrated Map of the
London Borough of Islington
It’s important to have original ideas
and convey what you are passionate
about through your work.
Mike Hall
WHAT LED YOU TO ILLUSTRATION? For as long as I can remember I have always enjoyed
drawing, colouring in and creating things. I took a lot of inspiration from the picture
books and comics I devoured as a child, creating crowded scenes full of characters
just like in Where’s Wally, devising my own comic strips like Hergé’s Tintin stories (I
loved the amount of incidental detail he crammed into every frame he drew – domestic
furniture, pictures hanging on walls, little architectural motifs, street furniture – that
sort of thing!) and even mapping whole towns and countries of my own invention!
ANY FORMAL TRAINING? A two-year course in graphic design before switching to a
degree in Illustration at the University of Westminster. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? Highbury
in north London. I used to live in south-east London where both my parents’ families
originated. DESCRIBE YOUR STUDIO. Until recently I had a studio in Dalston, but I’m
now working from home where it’s generally quieter, more comfortable and where
there are much nicer facilities! WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? The city I live in
is a constant source; not only the bustle and sheer amount of people from all kinds
of backgrounds, but also its long history, culture, architecture and the way in which
every suburb and street has its own distinctive identity and character. HOW DO YOU
GET IDEAS? I have ideas for new map designs and illustrations floating in my head all
the time. Often I like to learn from examples of design and imagery from the past and
create my own updated versions with a contemporary edge – as is the case with my
London map designs which are inspired by 19th century engraved prints. DO YOU KEEP A
SCRAPBOOK? I keep sketchbooks in which I occasionally do observational sketches, and
I like to keep a motley collection of handwritten notes and scribblings on random pieces
of paper. WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF ILLUSTRATION? I still maintain a keen
interest in graphic design, as well as art and exhibitions; history is also a big interest of
mine (for example I’m quite addicted to In Our Time on Radio 4 at the moment!) and I’m
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