Nerd Guy of the Month

Posted by terraolsen on January 25, 2013 in Interviews | Leave a comment

Meet Michael, an Art Nerd

Interview by Terra Olsen

You are clearly nerdy for many things, but it seems that art is your true nerdy passion. How did art spark the ‘nerd’ in you? 

Unlike my love for, say…cartoons about giant robots, I never had a moment where something set off a love of art.  I’ve always just been into it, for as long as I can remember.

How did you first discover your artistic ability? 

Probably while lying on my belly, doodling giant robots on bits of cardboard while watching cartoons.  I always found enjoyment in drawing, which led to me doing it more, which lead to me getting better at it.

Where do you want to take your art in the future?

Life most artists, I’m just trying to find better and easier ways of pulling more of what i have in my head out onto paper.  Other than that, I’m trying to write and draw more comics.

Favorite moment/memory involving illustrating/art? 

It’s always good.  Even at the most stressful times, I try to stop and remember that I’m drawing pictures on paper for a living.   Most of my best recent memories involve drawing and painting with my 4-year-old daughter and watching her discover the joy of art.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Michael Cho immigrated to Canada at the tender age of 6 years old. There, he continued his lifelong practice of drawing on whatever surface he could find.  A graduate of the Ontario College of Art (before it added the ‘and Design’ part), Michael now divides his time between freelancing on illustration assignments and drawing comics (preferably ones he writes himself). He’s been the recipient of a couple of Canadian National Magazine Award nominations, finally winning a Silver in 2007. Shockingly for a freelancer and comic-geek, Michael does not own any expensive designer toys.  He currently lives and works in Toronto, Ontario, having recently moved into a nice house with his lovely wife and daughter. Check out his site to see more of his work, and follow him on twitter!

Do you know a self-proclaimed nerd we should interview? If so, please contact Terra at terra@haveyounerd.com and tell us about them.