ABOUT ME
A set of illustrations I entered into the 2021 World Illustration Awards explains who I am and how I have grown as a person since finishing University in Plymouth in 2010.
Crossing the Bridge
The journey of an autistic man so far
My name is Michael and I was diagnosed with autism in December 2018. I am part Scottish, born in England and lived most of my life on the Channel Island of Jersey. This is my story so far about my life changing move from a small island to a big city.
Jersey was a wonderful place to grow up in. Very safe, beautiful places to walk and explore. A lot of my artwork was inspired by its buildings, landmarks and coastlines. I lived most of my life with my mother. Some of my behaviours people found odd such as my routines, fixed subjects of interest, tendency to keep to myself, have hyperactive moments, be socially awkward, and being overwhelmed with change. This led to people thinking that I am on the autistic spectrum. Most of these behaviours were picked up when I was in University from 2007 to 2010. I studied Illustration at the University of Plymouth. This was the first time I lived without the assistance of my mother and it was a shock to the system to learn about things such a paying rent, buying food as well as routines such as washing clothes, etc. I did of course over come this even though I still kept getting things wrong as I was completely naive about the world. Was still a complete learning curve though. When one or two of my Uni friends suggested that I might be autistic, I rubbished it off. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with me.
Jersey was a wonderful place to grow up in. Very safe, beautiful places to walk and explore. A lot of my artwork was inspired by its buildings, landmarks and coastlines. I lived most of my life with my mother. Some of my behaviours people found odd such as my routines, fixed subjects of interest, tendency to keep to myself, have hyperactive moments, be socially awkward, and being overwhelmed with change. This led to people thinking that I am on the autistic spectrum. Most of these behaviours were picked up when I was in University from 2007 to 2010. I studied Illustration at the University of Plymouth. This was the first time I lived without the assistance of my mother and it was a shock to the system to learn about things such a paying rent, buying food as well as routines such as washing clothes, etc. I did of course over come this even though I still kept getting things wrong as I was completely naive about the world. Was still a complete learning curve though. When one or two of my Uni friends suggested that I might be autistic, I rubbished it off. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with me.
When University ended, my life of education came to a sudden end. The bubble burst and was thrown onto the rock hard ground of reality. I had to pay my uni debts, I had to get a job. And it was very difficult. Jersey had lack of resources for an artist. At that time I regretted that I didn’t work as hard at Uni, probably because I was trying to take everything in and was easily distracted. There were still things that I took from there and transferred it to later works.
With not being good with change and not being the best at dealing with people, I kept applying for specific jobs that avoided people such as filling, fulfilment, etc. I did not want to use a till or be a waiter. That terrified me. I could not even pick up the phone to call someone that wasn’t a friend or a relative. The pressure was on as I needed to pay off my debts and was close to being black listed by my bank. But after a few placements and work experiences I end up working in hospitality which included the things I did not want to do. It was fast paced and very overwhelming even to the point that I cried because the toast machine was playing up and customers were complaining that they weren’t receiving their toast and hot drinks. I didn’t think I could do it as a Porter but I somehow over came it once I got my routines going and this continued into retail which included more into my fears as of course you need to use a till. I became more confident and I dealt with the public. There was still some challenges however which you get from every job.
Creativity wise, I did some drawings for a friend and then volunteered for Jersey Heritage where the volunteer coordinator was impressed with my work. The first project was with her knowledgable colleague who had an idea for a graphic novel about the Battle of Jersey. This gave me my creative mojo back. Was great to be productive again. This became my first published book. The volunteer coordinator also had an idea of creating an illustrated map of around Jersey. I did the drawings as Jersey was something I was passionate about. Then it evolved into a walking book in which I coordinated some of the walks with the help of a fellow volunteer. Around this time as I was finding it hard with work and my mother was in hospital with pneumonia. This pushed me even harder as I felt this book would be my ticket to a happier, fulfilling life. The book was complete after 5 years of blood sweat and tears. It was also very bitter sweet. A few weeks after the book got released to a really positive response - my mother passed away. This was the point where my life changed forever.
Things became overwhelming at first as not only did I have to learn about living on my own again, I had to deal with my mothers finances. Amazingly I got through it really well with the help of friends and family. Routines really helped and I created some of my best artwork. At this point my uncle thought I should try getting a diagnosis and he feels that would really help me. I applied for a diagnosis but had to wait a year. December 2018 and I got that all important diagnosis. This was where I truly accepted my diagnosis. Accepted who I was.
With not being good with change and not being the best at dealing with people, I kept applying for specific jobs that avoided people such as filling, fulfilment, etc. I did not want to use a till or be a waiter. That terrified me. I could not even pick up the phone to call someone that wasn’t a friend or a relative. The pressure was on as I needed to pay off my debts and was close to being black listed by my bank. But after a few placements and work experiences I end up working in hospitality which included the things I did not want to do. It was fast paced and very overwhelming even to the point that I cried because the toast machine was playing up and customers were complaining that they weren’t receiving their toast and hot drinks. I didn’t think I could do it as a Porter but I somehow over came it once I got my routines going and this continued into retail which included more into my fears as of course you need to use a till. I became more confident and I dealt with the public. There was still some challenges however which you get from every job.
Creativity wise, I did some drawings for a friend and then volunteered for Jersey Heritage where the volunteer coordinator was impressed with my work. The first project was with her knowledgable colleague who had an idea for a graphic novel about the Battle of Jersey. This gave me my creative mojo back. Was great to be productive again. This became my first published book. The volunteer coordinator also had an idea of creating an illustrated map of around Jersey. I did the drawings as Jersey was something I was passionate about. Then it evolved into a walking book in which I coordinated some of the walks with the help of a fellow volunteer. Around this time as I was finding it hard with work and my mother was in hospital with pneumonia. This pushed me even harder as I felt this book would be my ticket to a happier, fulfilling life. The book was complete after 5 years of blood sweat and tears. It was also very bitter sweet. A few weeks after the book got released to a really positive response - my mother passed away. This was the point where my life changed forever.
Things became overwhelming at first as not only did I have to learn about living on my own again, I had to deal with my mothers finances. Amazingly I got through it really well with the help of friends and family. Routines really helped and I created some of my best artwork. At this point my uncle thought I should try getting a diagnosis and he feels that would really help me. I applied for a diagnosis but had to wait a year. December 2018 and I got that all important diagnosis. This was where I truly accepted my diagnosis. Accepted who I was.
Things were still tough, mainly due to the covid pandemic. I was feeling trapped in Jersey. I felt restricted. I kept working and being creative but I felt there was more to offer on the mainland. I kept holding it off as it is a big change and I didn’t have a clue what to do. But after help from a therapist, my heart was set. I decided on Glasgow because it is a very creative city and my uncle lives there which would be a good starting point.
I spent most of 2021 planning on my big move as advised. This was also tough in itself as I had to get rid of a lot of items, also selling things at the same time. Was like an endless mole hill. Don’t know how I managed. I am grateful for my relatives in Jersey to help me with that.
And then I was in Glasgow. I couldn’t believe it especially with the days leading to the move. But there was a lot of overwhelming things to deal with as mainland UK has a completely different system to Jersey. Have to apply for a national insurance number, a P45, get a job, figuring out where to eventually live. It was a lot to take and even became too much at times especially with the housing associations. But I now have a job and things slowly starting to fall into place. Still got a lot to sort out and have more decisions to make once again regarding housing. But I feel I made the right decision and am I excited about all the opportunities that Glasgow has to offer. I am quite proud of myself with the last ten or so years - I manage to overcome challenges as an autistic person including things that I felt I could never do.
You can achieve anything if you set your heart to it. Hopefully this will continue with my new life in Glasgow.
I spent most of 2021 planning on my big move as advised. This was also tough in itself as I had to get rid of a lot of items, also selling things at the same time. Was like an endless mole hill. Don’t know how I managed. I am grateful for my relatives in Jersey to help me with that.
And then I was in Glasgow. I couldn’t believe it especially with the days leading to the move. But there was a lot of overwhelming things to deal with as mainland UK has a completely different system to Jersey. Have to apply for a national insurance number, a P45, get a job, figuring out where to eventually live. It was a lot to take and even became too much at times especially with the housing associations. But I now have a job and things slowly starting to fall into place. Still got a lot to sort out and have more decisions to make once again regarding housing. But I feel I made the right decision and am I excited about all the opportunities that Glasgow has to offer. I am quite proud of myself with the last ten or so years - I manage to overcome challenges as an autistic person including things that I felt I could never do.
You can achieve anything if you set your heart to it. Hopefully this will continue with my new life in Glasgow.
Find out more about Michael's illustration journey on his instagram page linked below...
And for Michael's career history - his Linkedin account linked below...