Graduate Success - Michael Hill, Illustrator

Illustrator Michael A. Hill arrived at Wolverhampton Poly in 1980. Straight out of a very traditional grammar school, the foundation course was a hugely creative experience for Michael. He took every opportunity to try out new artistic techniques and processes. He realised that graphic design could offer him the kind of career he was looking for and went on to study it at Bristol Poly. During his degree he also spent time on printmaking and illustration. After graduation he worked as a designer at the Brighton Museum and whilst there gradually began to move into illustration. Soon he was able to go freelance and has never looked back.

“I have now been an illustrator for thirty years,” Michael told us. “My work has developed as technology and the publishing industry have changed, and I’ve been fortunate to see a growing fashion for illustration.”

 

 These days the bulk of his commissions are hand-painted bespoke maps for both commercial and private clients. “I’ve been all over the world without leaving my desk,” he said from his studio in London. Amongst his clients are Vogue, Tatler, The Telegraph and Taschen. He has a US agent who handles his American commissions. Right now he is busy with projects for magazines in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Chicago. He also has private commissions for Christmas, and a property map for the National Trust.

He credits Wolverhampton Poly for giving him the confidence to experiment in his work, and to enjoy the creative process itself. 

 “Studying at Wolverhampton helped me find a career that I still enjoy today,” Michael says. 

A few examples of Michael’s work are below and you can see more at his websites www.michaelhill.com and www.mapsillustrated.com.