Been gone for quite a while, haven’t I? There are several reasons but the biggest is I’ve been rather ill. I have ulcerative colitis (I was first diagnosed with Crohn’s disease but indicators show that may not be so – which is good). I had cancer and had my colon removed 4 years ago. My life and health have been in constant flux since then. For the last few months I’ve had serious digestive problems – let’s just say it’s been very moist. I’ve lost 50 pounds. But I am still working and taking care of my family and I still find enough health to do fun stuff like hiking and kayaking now and then.
Another reason is work. I’ve been swamped at work and have new demands put on me. I really want to make it as an illustrator so I may have to do something about this job and commit to my dreams. I just need to convince myself I’m good enough to make it.
There are a dozen other reasons but that’s the big part of it. I’m sorry I’ve been so neglectful of my online friends and my art. It hurts me more than I care to admit.
I’m starting to feel better and my work is calming down so I will be dedicating myself to this blog, to Illustration Friday, and to all of you, my friends, again very soon.
Love you all.
EDIT November 7: I’m going into the hospital for surgery. I don’t know how long it will take. I expect to be back in a week or 2. Love you!
39 Responses to “Miss me?”
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I certainly missed you and was sad to hear that you have been going through such a hard time. Sending you lot’s of best wishes through the internet and hoping that you continue to feel better. And by the way, there is no doubt in my mind that you are absolutely good enough to make it :)
Mike! Yes, I’ve really missed you and your awesome art. I had thought that perhaps you were really busy with a huge project related to making your dream a reality, but not aware there were going through health issues. You are in my prayers! I do hope and pray that you will get better and better each day. Please take care of yourself first! And if there is anyone who would make it as a successful illustrator, it would most definately be you! =)
HEllo Mike ! I’m not really a friend of you, but since I’m a fervent follower and fan of your wonderful work I couldn’t help myself to post something ! I wanna tell you that you shouldn’t have doubts about your talent, you’re a great illustrator and one of the those who rebuild the need of drawing and sketching all the time on me ! I really hope the best for you, keep following your dreams.
of course i missed you! you know we all did. i’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been going through with your health – i’m sending healing thoughts your way. don’t feel bad about the blog break, we all take them when we need to put other things (like health, family, sanity) first. you’re a super talented guy, and you’ll find a way to make things work out for the best, sometimes it’s just a much longer road than you expect, right? As long as you stay on the path (if only just in your mind when life gets too crazy) you’ll succeed. :)
Mike, buddy I am definitely missing ya online my friend. But WOW you gotta take care of yourself first that is for sure. Man I will be praying for you friend. You have loads and loads of talent and I am sure to see your work as a master illustrator one day soon. Buddy I love ya too and hope to speak to ya soon and see new work. Take care of yourself and your family.
Hi Mike…
I am so sorry to hear that you are ill…May miracles happen for you and may you have a better road ahead…
I was wondering what happened to you…thank you for sharing this with all of us…we are all here to support you and send you healing thoughts….
you are a very talented illustrator and you can dream big and make it my friend!!!
hello Mike!
I’ve missed you a lot! I’m sorry to hear that you have been ill again, take care!!! – I’ll be praying for you to get better! ; )
Hope you can follow your illustration dream soon…I’m sure you will do great, you are soooo talented my friend!
A big hug!!!
Goodness! 50 pounds! I’m sad to hear you’ve been sick, Mike. The online community misses your energy and certainly want you to come back. But I understand, take care of your health first most definitely.
What is all this talk about not sure being good enough to be an illustrator?!?!? If I can do it, you can do it too…certainly alot better than me! Getting the sushi ATC from you was such a treat…you are very talented! Anytime you want to talk about quitting your day job, I’m here to talk you through it LOL.
Take care my friend, and hope to see you back soon.
Thank you, Mike, for letting us know what’s up with you. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been dealing with health issues and hope you can get a really good handle on it all soon. Sounds like you’re pretty much doing that. And yeah…I think you can make a go of it as an illustrator. Don’t lose that dream. I hope you’re at least doing it part time.
You are good enough! :)
xo
Di
I’ve been wondering about you. I keep checking in and… no Mike. You are certainly missed.
I’m sorry to hear about the things you’ve been going through. I hope you feel better soon.
Remember,this is a season… and seasons change. In the meantime hug that sweet litle girl and pull out those paintbrushes!
Take care Mike!! We want to see you healthy. Life gets too crazy, don’t you think?
Best for you and your family!!
Big hug
(^v^)
Sorry to hear you have been sick Mike! I hope you feel better very soon! Want me to take over Monday Artday blog again? I am free to do so! And wait a second.. how can you doubt your work for even a split second??!! OMG! Your work is just amazing.. I always love to visit your blog and stare at your cute awesome and EXTREMELY talented work! Im reallly serious though, you have major talent and should get out there and use it! Im ready to see your name on some books! :)
Oh, Mike…so sorry to hear that you’ve been sick. I have been wondering where you’ve been and missing your beautiful work! Plus I miss reading your positive comments you leave on my blog :( I really hope that things begin going more smoothly for you. As far as “being talented enough…” man, if I could be half as good as you are with my art, I’d be illustrating all over the place in 2 seconds! You are very talented, very creative. Your work is enjoyed by LOTS of people. Please continue to seek that avenue…you will be successful (and I can tell everyone I knew you before you became famous!) :) Good luck!
Wow Mike sorry to hear about all your health problems..I’m glad you are able to keep working – you are a fantastic artist and im sure you will be even more successful with your work.
Good to see you back
Sending all my happy & healthy zen thoughts to you and your family~~~
Nicole
Hi Mike, sorry to hear that you aren’t feeling too hot. Take care, God Bless, and feel better soon.
~K
Hey Mike, Good to hear your feeling better and back in action.
missed you mike! Your work is totally ready, if I can get a book deal, you definitely can! Just keep sending it out! Good luck with your health, so sorry to hear about it!
Always a pleasure.
I know your a busy and talented guy.
It seems like you have your priorities straight:)
all the best to you!
Mike -
So sorry to hear that you’ve been sick! I’m sending good thoughts your way. You are definitely talented enough to make it as an illustrator – I know I treasure every ATC I’ve received from you.
All the best,
Jen
missed you mike. taking care of yourself and getting better is the most important thing so sure. we will all be here when you get back to blogging. Sending good thoughts your way.
There you are! I am so sorry about your health issues, you are very right in placing you and your family first. We sure missed you around here though. Glad to see you are feeling better and back on the web. Hope you keep on feeling better and better.
BTW, you are such a talented illustrator I cannot believe you question yourself. You will be very successful in whatever areas you throw your artistic abilities into, my friend. Really, you are very, very talented! Wicked good!
whooooa! you’re such a talent. I adore every single piece of your art work. good luck (:
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been ill Mike! Please feel better soon… It must not be easy to be going through what you are right now. Don’t doubt on your illustrator capabilities though… never. You are super talented. feel better soon!
Mikey….i hope you are well and praying for you…
Sorry about the health issues, I for one have some that I am struggling with – just be strong.
I have missed you…I too will go back to blogging soon.
take care my buddy
-Michelle
missed you mike! so sorry to read about your illness. I pray that you get well soon. take care and don’t forget to take your medications!
xoxo
emila
Wow! Awesome artwork, glad I found you in Monday Artday. Keep up the good work,
Another Mary Blair fan
I would like to invite you to join me in a postcard swap themed Autumn Mice. Please check out swap-bot and join in on the fun. http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/23706
That’s really fun art work. That definitely passes my “eye test” … it has to be pleasing to look at and allow my mind to wander through the illustration. Really well done, and clever thematically.
Hello Mike!I certainly missed you and was sad to hear that you have been going through such a hard time.
Take care of you!
Your health is the most important thing in this moment!
God bless you.
Cata
I hope that you get well soon. Your talent and your kindness are a good energy for us and for you !
I’m sorry to hear all of that. I did not know about your health history. I hope people from your art community will pray for; I know I will.
I want to encourage you on your dreams and say wholeheartedly that your work is impressive and worthy of publication; your work stands out even among some really great illustrators in the IF and MAD community.
Take care and feel better. We all will be ecstatic to see you back in the game, whenever that time comes.
I have missed you oodles, Spankers. Colitis killed my dad when I was 10. Take care of yourself above all else so you’ll stay around for your little girl. The rest of us will just have to make do without you, even though it’s a lot less fun.
hey mike
I’ve been MIA myself for almost two months – nothing as bad as yours but i just happened to go to your blog (first one i’ve visited in close to two months) and read your post. I’m so sorry for your health issues but i must say how much i admire your perseverance and your ability to provide for yourself and your family. You are one of my most favorite artists and I wish you well and cannot wait to see all the amazing things you will create in your lifetime.
I’m missing you indeed, post some new artwork!!
I love your business cards, I’m definitely checking Moo to get some sorted. A swap perhaps? ;-)
Have a lovely weekend!
Mike, your work is amazing. I wish you all the best and hope you are doing well.
I hope you are doing better. You just don’t have any luck in the health department! As for a big of a push towards becoming an illustrator full time… well I’d say follow your dreams Mike. I did it two years ago and admit the first year hardly made a spec of money but this year I’ve nearly double the salary I had at my previous full time job (of course the hours weren’t quite as I’d have liked!). I do not regret quitting for even one second and I am so thankful each and every day for what I have and what I am able to do. Now you are an AMAZING illustrator. Your talent is obvious to us outsiders and extradordinary and if you take the leap (it feels like a big leap) to the freelance world you just might not regret it. Best of luck to whatever you decide! hugs, get better soon dear. – Crystal
Hi Mike! Hope your surgery went well and that you are feeling good. Missing you and your creative spirit :) Your pal, valgal
Hi Mike…I HAVE been missing you! Sorry to hear you are ill, and glad you are getting treatment. I hope you are on the mend. Please know how much you are missed by so many of us. Stay positive, and keep us updated! Hugs, Kate