Michael McAfee

Who are you?

I'm Michael. I'm a designer and artist currently working in Chicago, USA. Thanks for having me!

What are you most convinced of?

I feel that true fulfillment comes from hard work and perseverance. I also think that everyone has a desire to create or express themselves in some form, and the people who convince themselves that they don't have some unaddressed mental block.
Man, it's only the second question and I'm already sounding like a pretentious asshole. Let me finish this question more positively, with a thought I stole from some unknown source: I admire people who take their work seriously, but not themselves. 

What gives you the most joy?

Spending time with family, my girlfriend, and creative expression. Having a sense of purpose.
My idiot cats sometimes make me laugh too. I also look forward to eating a lot of the time.

How did you find yourself?

I'm not sure I've found myself yet! I think my sense of self consists of the people I surround myself with, the media I consume, the experiences I was exposed to when I was a child, and a whole bunch of other things I'm not aware of. 

Do you have a real-life situation that inspired your work?

Not usually, no. I'm inspired by the things I see, especially in nature, but I can't say that specific situations inspire my work. 

What makes you angry?

Mostly other people, ha! I get angry when I see people who aren't introspective, or lack the ability to think critically about themselves or their behaviors. I'm also frustrated by people who constantly half-ass things. If you aren't going to do it right then don't do it at all!

What is the strangest situation that happened to you?

I'm not sure. I've had a relatively ordinary life so far. 
One time when I was playing darts with my uncle, he hit a double bullseye with his first dart, and he perfectly stuck the second dart into the back of the first one. I doubt I'll ever see that happen again. I have an insane life.

What do you think about the interpretation of art? Do you want your art to be interpreted?

I think art exists in many forms. Some of it is designed to provoke a response and some of it is more passive. People will ascribe meaning to art whether the artist likes it or not!
I used to have trouble with people looking at my art, especially if I was in the same room while it was happening. I would get frustrated if they called out insignificant details or if they drew conclusions that went against what my vision for the piece was.
In hindsight, I think I was much more insecure as an artist and unsure of my voice. It doesn't bother me anymore. I personally am excited if someone interfaces with my art at all -- I make it for other people to see after all!

What do you think of the Susan Sontag’s phrase: ”In place of a hermeneutics we need an erotics of art”?

Without being super familiar with Susan Sontag's work, all I'll say is that I don't think there's any one "right way" to view or experience art. I think that when you start to get really granular and pick apart things so literally it can quickly get pretentious. If art speaks to you, then it speaks to you. Who gives a shit about what other people think!

What would be your perfect environment for making art?

I'm still figuring this out -- I'm definitely more productive in isolation and in an environment with minimal distractions. I'd like to think that a workspace surrounded by nature and in the middle of nowhere would be ideal, but I'm also inspired by other art. Living in Chicago has been great because of the proximity to concerts, art shows, and a whole bunch of other creative experiences. Oh and access to music. 

If you could choose a historical period and be there with the help of a time machine - what kind of time and place would it be?

My answer to this question depends on whether or not I'm able to return back to the present! I'm interested in the future and the technology that comes with it -- I'd like to see what a really dense urban environment would look like 100 years from now. Maybe New York City?

What is your dream project?

I'm not sure! My idea of what I'd like to be working on ideally is constantly changing. I'm inspired by the possibilities of AR and VR -- directing something more immersive, or something that's not consumed on a screen, that sounds really appealing to me right now!

What is your favorite place that inspires you the most?

It's hard for me to call out one specific place -- I draw inspiration from so many different sources! Subconsciously I'm probably inspired the most from being a product of the midwest.
I do find a lot of inspiration in nature -- I'm constantly referencing various environments, creatures, animals, plants, etc. 

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I originally went to school for film and cinematography. I have a lot of experience behind a camera and on a set -- I think some of that background inadvertently informs my animation style.
I've also worked at a grocery store, at a summer camp, and as an event photographer.

What are your favorite books/movies/persons?

That's a tough one. From a visual standpoint I remember walking out of the movie theater feeling really inspired by District 9 and the approach Neill Blomkamp had with visual effects. I'm really inspired by the work of Jean Giraud -- growing up I was really fond of graphic novels and comics like The Far Side and Calvin & Hobbes.
I'm inspired by people who do things their own way. My favorite people are my parents and my girlfriend.

How did you learn 3D modeling?

I'm self-taught, so mostly through trial and error! I've also absorbed a lot working as a designer -- I naturally get exposed to a lot of techniques that I pick up from other freelance artists and I'm very grateful for people who pass on their knowledge. I'm lucky enough to have had many generous mentors.
I definitely think a lot about where I would be right now if it weren't for the internet. I'm constantly looking up tutorials or info online.

What advice can you give to young artists?

I'm still learning myself so take all of this with a grain of salt!
There's no one right way to do things. Concentrate on output and don't worry about finding your artistic style or voice immediately -- you will find over time what work you enjoy working on the most and the rest will come naturally. 
You may run into hiccups along the way and lose sight of why you got into a creative field in the first place. Remind yourself of the artists that inspired you. Practice gratitude for having the opportunity to work on art in any capacity! Especially if you're lucky like me and can support yourself with your practice, not everybody has this privilege.

Do you come up with some kind of stories while making your animations and characters? Could you tell about one of them?

A lot of the scenarios depicted in my art are conceived as I'm working. With my personal work, the process always informs the end result. My process consists of a lot of experimentation and being creative with existing assets I've previously made. 

What kind of people inspire you?

I'm inspired by so many people, but a lot of them seem to have similar traits: perseverance, modesty, humility, craftsmanship, a sense of humor. I admire people who share their knowledge and are kind. 

What is your strength?

I'd like to think that I am easy-going and level-headed. I'd also like to think that I'm considerate and have a decent work ethic.
Actually I take that back. My biggest strength is definitely my looks. I look good as shit.

LINKS:

mcafee.design

instagram.com/mcafee.design