picture books, editorial, advertising, social expressions
Bio
As a kid Michael wanted to be Eddie Munster and have a pet Creature from the Black Lagoon. Michael's illustrations have appeared in books, magazines, advertisements, and on TV. His paintings and drawings have been exhibited in the U.S. and Europe. Currently Michael is fulfilling his lifelong dream of illustrating children's picture books. His first author/illustrated book, Monkey Truck, was published in 2010 by Henry Holt & Co., and has a forthcoming sequel, Elecopter. Michael has been honored for his work by the Society of Illustrators, Applied Arts, and was a recipient of a 2009 ADDY award.
Client List
Houghton Mifflin / Harcourt
Henry Holt
Bloomsbury
Chronicle Books
Blue Apple
Green Willow
Running Press
Gallison/Mudpuppy
Djeco - France
TBWA - London
Nickelodeon
Noggin
Disney Television Animation
New York Times
Time Magazine
Boston Globe
Awards / Honors
Top pick in Sunday Times Best Ever 500 app list for Scruffy Kitty, 2011 (UK)
Winner of Kirkus App Reviews Gold Star Editor's Rating, 2011 (USA)
3X3 Illustration Annual No. 8, 3 illustrations, 2011
Communication Arts Illustration Annual, 2009
ADDY's "Best of Show" Award, 2009
ADDY's "People's Choice" Award, 2009
American Society of Business Publication Editors Gold Award, 2007
Society of Illustrators Los Angeles Bronze Award in Children's Division
Altpick Award: Alternative Pick, 2003
Applied Arts: Digital Category
Xeric Foundation self publishing grant
Reviews
Scruffy Kitty, application illustrated by Slack...
"Toddlers will fall in love with Scruffy Kitten and this gently engaging app from Europe."
—Kirkus Review
Monkey Truck, written and illustrated by Slack...
"The bright, blocky and, above all, goofy digitally painted illustrations will grab attention, and Monkey Truck’s hooting mug... will keep the giggles flowing.”
—Kirkus Review
“Slack’s choppy, rhyming text is propelled by sound effects and exclamations that enhance the book’s read-aloud appeal…A slight yet spirited romp."
—Publisher's Weekly
“Slack’s digitally rendered artwork is abundant with enjoyable texture and detail, and the jungle citizens are remarkably expressive.”
—BCCB
"The artwork is great, colorful and elaborated with lots of details that are fun to talk about during storytime. All told, it’s a darned fun storytime treat.”
—Cory Doctorow, BoingBoing.com
Scapegoat, written by Shannon Hale, and illustrated by Michael Slack...
"… Slack’s Photoshop/collage artwork is attractively involving… readers will all be rooting for P. Petunia...”
—Kirkus
“The colorful cartoon illustrations and the sheer wackiness of the story will likely appeal to young readers and listeners.”
