About Tamás Mike
Second place winner of Automotive category
Tamás Mike, (1969) Airbrush Artist, Photographer
AWARDS:
- LEGO paintings contest, Germany, winner 05.11.2019.
-Wonder World of Airbrush exhibition, Rosmalen, winner (NL), 09. 04. 2017.
Winner of Best foreign airbrush painter Award
-1. Festival Italiano di Aerografia - Absolute winner, 18. 09. 2016.
As the inly Hungarian participant I was the best at the first Italian Airbrush competition
-MALÉV Painting of airplanes contest, 2. place 2010
The task was to design graphics for an airplane
- II. National Grotesque Exhibition, Special Award, 1993
My photos got special awards
-Printed commercial exhibition and competition, First prize, 1992
I made graphics for toothpaste ’Signal’ and won the first prize.
Education:
-Master Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Applied Arts,
Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Budapest, (HU), Photographer degree, 1991 - 93
-Hungarian Academy of Arts, Budapest, (HU), Photo-Typography Department,
Painting and Airbrushing, 1987-91
-High School of Art at Pécs, (HU) draw, art, graphic design, 1983-87
Work experience:
Freelancer Airbrush Artist, since 1991
Freelance Photographer, since 1993
Savaria Historical Carnival official photographer, 2002 - 2014
Renewed MÚOSZ membership, since 2000
Studio of Young Photographers membership, 1995-99
National association of Hungarian Artists (MAOE) membership, since 1995
Cash Flow Magazine photo reporter, 1991-2007
Winner’s Interview
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, what is your background? When did you start airbrushing and what was the learning process like for you?
I used an airbrush for the first time at the age of 13, at the Master Institute of The Hungarian Academy of Applied Arts, where I studied graphics. I learned the basics here. At the School of Applied Arts (Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, Budapest) I further developed my knowledge, rather on my own, because at that time there were no educational materials, internet or videos like today. I have been working professionally with airbush since 1991, this is my job. I primarily paint helmets, motorbikes and cars, but I also paint paintongs on canvas or walls.
2. Can you tell us a bit more about your winning entry piece? How / why did you choose it? How long did it take, and what inspired you?
I painted two sides of my car to a unique design. I was inspired by the history of the Alfa Romeo brand, from which I chose the snapshot when the world’s first F1 race is won by an Alfa Romeo, which I painted on one side of car, in vintage style. The other side features a top view of an iconic 1950 Alfa racing car and a large Alfa logo. I made the plans in a month and the two paintings in a week.
3. What does airbrushing mean to you and what drives your passion for airbrushing and creating art? Also, how do you find the ideas for your other works?
The airbrush is my daily job, I use the spray gun almost every day, I mostly work according to the needs of the customers. I never make two works that are the same, each one is a different and unique, which makes the work exciting for me. If I paint my own paintings, then my own photos provide the basis for this, I use them when painting.
"I never make two works that are the same, each one is a different and unique, which makes the work exciting for me."
4. What are your goals / targets for airbrushing? What do you want to achieve?
I would like to show, exhibit, sell my airbrush paintings widely, and even make a living from them later. I want to implement many of my ideas.
5. Do you specialize or prefer to work on a specific surface?
I mainly paint crash helmets, motorbikes, walls and cars and pictures on canvas.
6. How would you describe your style(s) in airbrushing?
I prefer to paint in a photo-realistic style, which is the greatest pleasure for me when my own photographs provide the basis for this.
7. Any advice to beginners looking to start airbrushing?
Preserverance and diligence! And lots and lots of practice. Try to be original, avoid templates! And have good gear from the start so it doesn’t get you down.
"Try to be original, avoid templates!"
8. Do you have a website or blog? How can people reach you on social media?
