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Mike Friedrich |
Interview by Arshia Khan
Mike is from Germany and has won Scopial's fortnight contest for his stunning design "Quetzalcoatl". This is what he had to say after this win! |
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Wassup Mike? Could you please tell us something about yourself and how did you get your start in designing? |
Hi Arshia! I am a 32 years young freelance illustrator, based in Berlin, Germany. I do my business since 2000 with some international success! In past I was Art Director for laFraise and Cyroline. Right now I am the Art Curator for A-better-tomorrow. But also I do a lot of other projects (bandshirtdesigns, consulting and making art for different exhibitions). Everything started with loving drawing since I am a little boy. drawing is my most important thing (ahh, for sure, also my girl, my friends and my cat moeschel ^^).
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‘I am also a big fan of Michael Ballack, Who is your favorite German player? (Sorry for this out of context question, but I am a football maniac) |
Haha, I am really the wrong person for questions like that, as I give a s**t on soccer :D (I know, this is not typical for a german guy, but ..... anyway :DD) I only watch soccer during the world championship and then i go for the great brasilian guys.
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Okay, so now tell us all about ‘Quetzalcoatl’. If I am not wrong the name means Aztec God or the creator God which itself gives me goosebump. The design has got intensity and it seems there is a hidden message. I have seen lot of designs describing anger of Mother Nature, but this one is extremely different from all others. How did this idea strike you? (I believe your answer would be longer than my question..J) |
Hum, during the years I've decided to use my skills and my little communication power to SAY something, not only showing nice pics). And what kind of theme is the most important?? The nature!!!! All religions, all human things are nothing against the problem we have with our behaviour on our planet. And so I've decided to open some more eyes with my designs, maybe!! Quetzalcoatl is the best known god and i thought, if i make him really angry (but not scary) the people get the hidden message about the frustation of mother earth. Also I think, the most of the people don't get things like this on an abstact way!! they need a angry face to get messages like this!!! WE NEED TO SAFE OUR PLANET N-O-W !! |
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| Every designer has got lot of variety in his/her designs, but still there is couple of ideas which they find too compelling. Are there any specific ideas (Mother Nature, environment, zombies)/themes (like grunge style, half-tone) which you try to incorporate in your designs? |
Yes, indeed!! In past i did a lot of dark styles (also with my label siXsiXsiX), but this changed a bit, right now my first mission is it to speak about all "nature-killer" in my design now! the top religion we have to live IS the nature.
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What is it that you like the most about T-shirt designing? Are there any other apparels/products for which you do designing (like shoes, skateboards, etc)? |
I like to design shirts because, its like an canvas or paper. The designer can decide what kind of feeling the final shirt needs to transport.
I also love to customize other projects. So I've made Skatedecks, Sneakers, Belt Buckles and jackets for different clients. Ahh, and I enjoy to customize vinyl toys too!! |
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And now the most obvious question with an obvious answer. How do you feel after winning the contest? |
Yeah, it's always a pleasure to win a contest. For sure, the most kick i've got with my first win in past, but also i am always happy to see some stuff printed! and again, you've made a wonderful job with producing this design!! thumbs for scopial!!
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You have participated at Scopial.com for the very first time. Tell us how was your experience? Do you want to pour in any suggestions for the Scopial team? |
I think, Scopial will be growing from week to week. I really enjoy the product and print quality. maybe this u can put more focussed on the site. people need to know, how great your quality is!!
Also in near future you will get some more designs from me! :) But right now I have to do a lot of client work. |
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| Would you like to say anything to in the end to the community, designers, your friends, anyone, and anything? |
| Yeah!! To all designers: Keep on the your work! Don't loose yourself in the jungle of visualisation! Make this world a bit better with your skills!!! We need no more nice pics, we need nice pics which say something!! |
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| And finally, how do you say “I love Scopial” in German? J |
| Ich liebe Scopial! :) |
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| Well thanks Mike for being so friendly and for this wonderful interview. You were extremely busy in last few days but still you managed time for these questions of mine. Thanks again. I hope you readers enjoyed it. |
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