www.lastchanceillustration.com
Michael Bukowski grew up in northern New Jersey, is 29 years old, and currently resides in Philadelphia PA. He attended The University Of the Arts and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration.
Since then he’s worked tirelessly drawing records, shirts, logos, posters, ads, and flyers for hardcore and punk bands from all over the world (including bands from Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America). While most of his work is for the DIY punk community, he has recently done work for more mainstream projects like the Fat Wreck Chords Rock Against Bush compilation and the Regaining Unconciousness ep for NOFX. He’s also given lectures to highschool and college students in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
When he’s not working, Mike can also be found riding his bicycle on his way to eat at one of Philadelphia’s fine vegan restaurants. Mike also enjoys international horror movies, comic books, dead things, and traveling all over the place on his own or on tour.
Who are some artists who have influenced your work?
Im mostly influenced by other record cover artists. Dan Seagrave,Derek Riggs, Ed Repka, Sugi, Pushead, Mad Marc Rude, Gee Vaucher,Winston Smith. And then some comic book artists as well like, Charles Burns, Mike Mignola, Guy Davis, Troy Nixey, Geoff Darrow, and Seth Fisher.
Were you trained formally as an artist?
Yeah I went to University Of the Arts here in Philadelphia as an illustration major. I viewed it more as a trade school than anything else. The academic side of it was sorely lacking as you can probably tell from my spelling errors and poor sentence structure. But I went in with the drive and motivation, polished and honed my skill and then got a fancy piece of paper. I still had a lot of learning and practicing to do but it did wonders to get me into the routine of constantly drawing and making art, which helped me to learn from mistakes and push through when I hit a wall creatively.
What were your first jobs as an artist?
My first jobs were the Shark Attack “blood in the water” 7″ and the R.A.M.B.O. demo. I knew Andy from R.A.M.B.O. because he was also going to UArts but for film. And I knew Matt Summers from Shark Attack through the R.A.M.B.O. guys and going to shows in Philly.
What bands have you designed the album covers for?
I honestly couldnt give you a complete list off hand. Some of the most notable were Shark Attack, R.A.M.B.O., NOFX, Poison Idea, Poison the Well, Strength Approach, Comeback Kid, Afends clothing, Maximum Rock N Roll, and a ton more. (mostly) full list: http://www.lastchanceillustration.com/pages/client/
Michael, you have worked with radical artist Cornell West. Could you tell us about him?
I actually didnt meet with him; it was all done through his recordlabel. I wish I had met him though.
You are currently working on a project that has a Lovecraftiantheme. Am I right about this? Are you a fan of the writings of H.P.Lovecraft?
I did a show about a year and a half ago where I drew almost everycreature H.P. Lovecraft ever described. I think it came about to about30 pieces. so I read just about every story he’s ever written. I hadread most of his work before but I got to delve into the more obscureworks. And I’d say my work has been influenced by him and otherLovecraftian writers (Robert E. Howard, Clark Ashton Smith, HenryKuttner, Robert Bloch, Ramsey Campbell etc) since I started readingthem in high school.
Any plans to direct a music video or animated film?
Ha-ha I wouldnt even know where to begin. I’m too busy illustrating. Iwouldnt even know what to do with a music video but I have alwaysdreamed of seeing some of my work animated. So an animated film would be more fun for me but I dont have any plans.
