We chat with Freelance Illustrator, Micke Lindebergh about being nerdy, working in 3D, his time at The Tassie Design Shack, and forming a little print collective with his Sydney risograph pals called Pinch Press. We're pretty envious of the remainder of his 2018 too which apparently involves, shapes, beach and salmon sashimi.
Where did you study and what were some of your first jobs?
I studied Illustration at Camberwell College of arts in London, 3 years of drawing, doodling, screen printing and making collages.
It was the funnest time, our tutors really encouraged us to be very free and experiment in any medium.
I made a series of screen prints in the last year that led to my first job. It was a mural at a cafe, monsters riding clouds in the treetops.
What are your three must-read design books, blogs or podcasts and why?
It’s Nice That is my favourite blog. It's insane how much amazing work they post.
My favourite magazine is Popeye Magazine, Japanese street style. Every issue has a different theme and always amazing type and photography. I also get to daydream about my favourite city Tokyo for a bit with every new issue :)
‘Interaction of color’ by Josef Albers is a great book, really fun and interesting exercises in colour.
Are you involved in any teaching and if so how it shapes your practice?
When I moved to Sydney I sought out the ONLY risograph printer available, at a place called the Rizzeria.
I met some amazing people while learning how to use the machine. We have formed a new little print collective called Pinch Press. We give workshops in risograph printing and print jobs for designers, students and zine makers.
Earlier this year we did a residency at the Powerhouse museum for Sydney design week, we gave workshops for students and designers.
How did you develop your style as an illustrator and what tips would you have for others?
Constant doodling and an unstoppable urge to create balance between shape and colour.
Two years ago I decided I only wanted to do things that makes me happy, and somehow these great opportunities started coming along. I got asked to make a giant hanging mobile for a gallery in Redfern, It was very satisfying to make shapes in 3D.
I can get very nerdy and obsessive when I find something I like doing. My tip is to be nerdy :)
I can get very nerdy and obsessive when I find something I like doing. My tip is to be nerdy :)
Whats on the cards professionally and personally in the next 12 months?
More shapes, on paper, canvas and 3D. Working towards another exhibition this year.
After painting a mural at Frankie’s Tassie design shack I’m totally up for more mural paintings, also getting into some new commercial work.
Personally I can’t wait to go to Stockholm and London to visit my family and friends later this year, oh and I have to learn how to drive so I can get to the beach quickly and fulfil my childhood dream of having an old yellow Volvo.
I’m going to Tokyo and Seoul in December for my friends exhibition, SO EXCITING.
2018 for you in a sentence.
Shapes, beach and salmon sashimi.
Where to find Micke Lindebergh online.
Website: mickelindebergh.com
Instagram: @micke_lindebergh
