Meet Michael Burton, a talented Illustrator, Multimedia Designer, Poet, and Author born and raised in Chicago; currently residing in Atlanta, GA area. He is the founder of Pursue it Again, a platform where his creative endeavors come to life. Michael's journey in the world of art began at the age of 4, under the guidance of his late father, Michael Burton Sr., who sparked his interest through live bands and drawing sessions in their basement.

However, it was a turning point in Michael's life when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin disease during his senior year at Thornton Township High School. This challenging period led him to discover the therapeutic power of drawing and painting, setting him on a path towards embracing his artistic calling.

Artistic Education and Evolution

Michael's formal art education started at Olive-Harvey Junior College, where mentor Stella Mills played a crucial role in shaping his skills. He later honed his craft at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, specializing in figure drawing, design, and illustration. Over the years, Michael has transitioned from being a seasoned Illustrator and Graphic Designer to a versatile Multimedia expert, with a diverse portfolio spanning branding, decorated apparel, and digital imaging.

Creative Ventures and Collaborations

Besides his expertise in branding and design, Michael delves into vector art, creative writing, music, video editing, background acting, and spoken word. His unique blend of interests converges in graphic storytelling, where he seamlessly combines different mediums to convey compelling narratives. In addition, you can also find Michael modeling as a character for world renowned illustrator Alex Ross’s DC comic book Batman War on Crime.

Throughout his career, Michael has collaborated with prestigious clients such as the Chicago Public Schools and the Illinois High School Association, as well as notable figures like WNBA player Candace Parker and NFL star Brian Urlacher.

Notable Achievements

Michael's talent has garnered recognition on various platforms. He was featured as a poet on Dell-P's album "The People's Emcee" alongside a Grammy-winning artist. Additionally, he was chosen as one of 10 visual artists to collaborate with hip-hop artist Skyzoo for the Mind of a Saint music, art, and wine show, inspired by the TV series Snowfall. Currently, Michael has released his first instructional book with Packt Publishing, "Unlock Your Creativity with Photopea," offering a comprehensive guide on image composition and editing using the free, open source Photoshop alternative software.

A Holistic Approach to Creativity

Michael's artistic style is characterized by diversity yet coherence, as he excels in creating impactful projects with a consistent brand or theme. From conceptualization to execution, he leverages art direction and storytelling to deliver memorable visual experiences. Despite facing personal challenges, including overcoming cancer, Michael remains dedicated to his craft and has authored the captivating memoir "Let Me Paint a Picture." He holds a BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts from SNHU, along with two associate degrees.