Broad City Illustrator Visits FIT’s Library

Perry at the event. The Maker Space is a creative hub for collective projects and library events that enhance student learning.

On April 25, Brooklyn-based illustrator Mike Perry came for a conversation and coloring event for students, alumni, faculty, and staff in the Gladys Marcus Library’s new Maker Space. Perry’s work is diverse, though he is best known as the illustrator for Comedy Central’s Broad City, which featured his illustrations for its logo and each episode’s opener. His upbeat, energized style became part of the show’s brand. Perry gave a warm, casual presentation while attendees colored images from his book, The Broad City Coloring Book: Not for Kids (Laurence King, 2017). When asked how he found the Broad City opportunity, he described meeting Abbi Jacobson, the show’s co-writer and co-star, at the Art Basel Miami fair; months later, the network reached out to him.

One attendee asked about a particular episode (Season 4, Episode 4), which includes an extensive animation sequence. Perry described a six-month process of storyboarding and collaboration that required thousands of illustrations. Teamwork is necessary for success, he said. “My team is a family, and every person is important and part of the process.” Another attendee asked if his career grew step by step or in leaps and bounds. “I prefer to think of it as an escalator ride up,” he said.

Perry appeared as part of the Love Your Library 2018 series.

Related Posts