Michael's Art:

From the time he was a kid, Michael always liked to draw and make things. As he got to high school age and it became time to think about a career, being an "artist" never crossed his mind. That is, until his senior year. He had an elective slot to fill, so he took Mr Schaffer's art class. (Up until then, he thought he would study to become a marine biologist so he could scuba dive all the time.)

Apparently, Mr. Schaffer saw some potential and encouraged Michael to focus on art as he moved on to the local community college. It was there Michael realized that "creative self-expression" has two parts, and they don't necessarily have to be linked: You can be creative while helping others express their ideas, and get paid to do it! So, he transferred to Art Center College of Design to become a commercial artist.

Throughout his career as a graphic designer, Michael has had the opportunity to work on several major corporate and brand identity projects for companies such as United Airlines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Sears Craftsman, American Express, Chevron, AT&T, Nissan, British Airways, Daimler Benz, Pebble Beach, Pixar Animation Studios, Apple Computer and eBay, as well as Mendocino County's very own Rainbow Construction.

Michael states, "Creativity is not some special talent. It's the act of making something- of trying your idea and not being afraid of seeing (and judging) the result."

Michael's Music:

Michael's drumming days started early, at age three or four, banging on pans, buckets and boxes in his playroom. At age 14, he met a guitar player named Larry Carlton. They played music together throughout high school and college.

In Southern California, surf music was the thing then. Every Friday night, six or seven hundred kids jammed into the Retail Clerks Union Hall in Buena Park to hear Eddie and the Showmen. Each week, the group backed up a special guest performer, and Michael got to play behind the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, The Drifters, Dick Dale, and The Coasters.