novum magazine [deutsch]
novum magazine [english]

Novum is a German magazine covering the world of graphic design. Each year it publishes a special Illustration issue. The October 2008 issue featured "a selection of illustrators worth seeing:" nine illustrators from around the world (USA, Italy, Canada, Finland, Denmark, Japan and three from Germany).

I am proud to have been one of those nine illustrators. Here is the article.

I often compare illustration to music...
by Bettina Schulz, editor, Novum Magazine

Designers don't like being compared with each other. But it is tempting to mention the names of Michael Gibbs and René Magritte in one breath. Like Magritte, Gibbs is a true master of the art of illustration and in possession of a seemingly boundless imagination. Gibbs' palette of course focuses on very modern themes, his brilliant visualisations are much in demand by publishing houses and magazines. We were curious to find out more, from the man himself.

Novum: What has your career in the creative arts been like so far?

MG: After graduating from Pratt Institute, I worked in the graphics department of AT&T, doing graphic design and the occasional illustration. But creatively, the corporate environment was suffocating, and after exactly three years I left to pursue a freelancing career and focus on illustration. It was a gamble, as I had no clients -- just a little confidence and a lot of faith. I got lucky, and began getting jobs almost immediately, working my way up from small local publications to larger, national clients. That approach wouldn't necessarily work these days. With the internet, there are no "local" markets any more; anyone can advertise and show their portfolio worldwide. And with changes in the industry, like the proliferation of cheap stock, things are more competitive. I've always tried to stay on top of industry trends and technology -- adapt or die -- and continue to stay extremely busy with new work and new clients.

Novum: You mostly work for the editorial side, don't you?

MG: Yes, I prefer that. One reason is the turnaround time, which is short and keeps you on your toes, and another is the variety of topics, which keeps things from getting dull. It's also the category that gives an illustrator the most freedom. Most of my clients tend to value me for my conceptual skills, and so I'm usually given a lot of room to roam when it comes to ideas. Compared to other areas of illustration, for example advertising illustration, the levels of approval are minimal. It's always easier and more intuitive to paint what's in your own mind's eye than what's in someone else's; the synergy between idea and the visual is stronger, and the end result is artwork of greater integrity.

Novum: But your portfolio also features some splendid posters for the theatre. What do you like about this kind of commission?

MG: That's another niche I find rewarding. For one, the stories behind operas are invariably interesting -- murder, betrayal, sex, unintended consequences -- so the potential for arresting imagery and evocative ideas is pretty high. The clients and the audiences tend to be sophisticated, which is an attractive section of the bell curve to be illustrating for. I tend to gravitate toward a dark palette, and enjoy dark themes, perfect for opera posters.

Novum: What is your definition of good illustration?

MG: What really counts for me is the concept, which must intrigue. It must draw in the viewer. While the technique and craftsmanship must entertain the eye, the concept must entertain the brain. That's the part of illustration I like best. To me, the concept should reflect the article it's illustrating as well as add something to it. You don't want to be too obvious, and you don't want to be so clever as to miss the point entirely. I often compare illustration to music... a great song has good lyrics, but also a melody you can't get out of your head. Appealing to the mind as well as the senses.

Novum: When you are coming up with ideas for a commission, do you always know straight away which is the one to go for?

MG: I've been known to submit as many as 15 for a single illustration, but generally I intuitively sense the best solution, and present just that one. Clients can do funny things if you submit more than one idea...

Novum: You have done thousands of illustrations -- but is there still a project out there you would love to get to grips with?

MG: Some time ago I began making handmade books. I love the look and the process of etching, mezzotint, stone lithography, letterpress. I love books and have ideas for books. And so my dream project would be to create handmade books, self-authored and self-illustrated. And I've always wanted to do an illustration for Der Spiegel, by the way.

About the author:
Bettina Schulz is the editor of Novum magazine.

Michael Gibbs can be contacted at 703 502-3400 or by