We catch up with SPACETIME artist Andy Miller about his SPACETIME inspirations, what he’s doing lately, and what’s in store ahead. Read on!

What was the inspiration behind your SPACETIME graphics? What is SPACETIME to you?

My main inspiration was really old English textbooks for Elementary School. I bought these retro used books and they were full of this trip space imagery. That was my starting point. Also, I always bring my interest in the spiritual and scientific into most of my work, so it’s there too. SPACETIME to me is all about quantum physics. We exist in the third dimension, which is characterized by its perception of time and space…SPACETIME! 

SPACETIME – Andy Miller Wallet

Your bio states that your love for music led the way to a serious career in art. How did that connection come about?

Pretty directly actually. In high school I really got into the band Modest Mouse. At the time they were doing this big series of screen prints to advertise each of the gigs that season. There were tons of different posters all based on different lyrics and songs. It blew my mind. That’s almost solely the reason I became an illustrator. 

Along that same vein, your highly anticipated “Indie Rock Coloring Book” came out this summer. Choosing to do a coloring book themed around some of our favorite bands is brilliant. I love how quirky, creative, and charming it is. How did that idea come about?

Early in my development as an illustrator I knew I wanted to do illustration which combined my skills with my love of music and philanthropy in an innovative and effective way. I came up with a lot of different ideas, but I came up with the idea for an indie rock coloring book for my final project at University. When I finished the project I put it on my site and Pitchfork reported on it. From them Yellow Bird talked to me about doing for real, and that’s where it all comes from. 

What are some of the first cartoon/heroes you remember drawing?

Easy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. My grandma tells me almost every time I see her that she still has my first TMNT drawing but just doesn’t remember where she put it! I drew a lot of stuff like that when I was really little, like 3-4 years old. 

There’s such a good vibe to your illustrations. They make me feel so nostalgic about something I can’t explain. How do you describe your work and what do you hope it gives to others?

I would say I am trying to be like a mix of Jim Henson and Brian Wilson, but as if they were an illustrator or art director, and all my work probably reflects that. Lots of silliness and stuff all happening at once but all the while there’s a meaning and message running through behind the scenes. I hope my work can be like a bridge. I never wanted to bash people over the head with my opinions, but I did want it to be a signpost to things I find to be true and real. Things like death, love, life, beauty, humor, science and faith. 

SPACETIME – Andy Miller T-Shirt

What do you hope to do more of in the future in terms of your art?

I want to art direct more projects where I don’t do any illustration. I want to work with musicians even more directly. I also want to do more simple illustration work, stuff that doesn’t need all the frills but really speaks well on its own. 

If we went over to where you are in the UK, what’s one place we’d have to stop by no matter what?

Definitely have to say this Mediterranean stlye deli/cafe in Manchester called Katsouri’s. You know how sometimes you love something and hype it up to your friends and family and then the go there and it just can’t live up to the expectation? This cafe can not be over hyped! It exceeds all expectations! The fresh baked bread, the delicious ingredients, the unique choice and huge portions! Best place to eat in the world!

Thanks Andy!

To view more of Andy’s work, visit komadesign.co.uk
To check out Andy’s SPACETIME designs, go to www.poketo.com
SPACETIME Collection is curated by Poketo and Kitsune Noir