Illustrator Micah Lidberg calls Kansas City, Minneapolis, and New York his homes. But looking at his stunning nature-inspired artwork, it seems Micah maybe more suited for a branch in the jungle, a nook of the ocean floor or glacier in Siberia. Micah depicts exotic scenes, such as dinosaurs dodging explosions or monkeys hanging in jeweled forests, for magazines like the New York Times and NYLON. His abstract Peony flower pattern has also donned silk scarves for creative agency Hugo & Marie. Stretch your imagination with Micah’s 10 ANSWERS below.
1. How would you describe your work in three words?
I describe my work as curious, evocative, and embellished.
2. Who is your creative role model?
I have a few of them. Most of them are close friends of mine. I’m really impressed when an individual can somehow juggle creativity with commerce while not belittling either.
3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I might try to finish reading a book, exercise, or sleep in.
4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
It’s not a specific location that inspires me but a type. I love unexplored regions of the earth. Areas like the bottom of the oceans, northwestern Siberia, and the Amazon rainforest. There’s something about the mystery, inaccessibility, and wonder of these places that I find completely captivating.
5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
I might like being a biologist of some sort or archeologist. I’d prefer a job that would take me out into the world to learn and experience something.
6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
I don’t give a lot of homemade gifts. I’m not especially good at cooking, baking, or crafts. However, I do occasionally write letters accompanied by lots of little drawings.
7. What is your favorite object in your home?
That’s hard to say. I’m fortunate to be surrounded with many novel objects. On the shortlist would be my glass dodecahedron, projector, Eames chair, ceramic rope jar, or giant white sea shell.
8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To love your neighbor as yourself is probably the best advice I’ve received. Initially, it sounds completely sugary and naive but I think it’s one of the more profound aspirations humans have.
9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
Mostly, I use my Tumblr feed. It’s such an amazing platform for sharing content. I also like It’s Nice That, Change The Thought, and JJJJound.
10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
It’s complete when it feels right. I know that isn’t really an answer, but it’s the best I can manage. For me, making an image is a very intuitive process. There are goals and objectives I have for a piece but usually they are hard to classify with words. When I feel they have been fulfilled, I stop working on the piece.
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