About Michael Magrin

Nurturing Creativity

From my earliest memories, art has been a big part of my life, all thanks to my mom. She was the one who first introduced me and my brothers to the vibrant art scene. She would take us on regular trips to the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY during the school year. There, amid the vast collections and exhibitions, I first tasted how art could open up worlds. 

Summers were no different; they were filled with art festival after art festivals. Each visit, each new piece of art, stirred something in me, a deep-seated fascination that grew over time. These weren't just outings; they were my first steps on a path I’d come to follow passionately. 

Looking back, I see how these experiences shaped me, nurturing my creativity and guiding me towards my artistic endeavors. 

My Family’s Unwavering Support

My family's support was instrumental in my journey into the art world. They bought me a drafting table and set aside a room in our basement specifically for me to explore my creativity. This happened around the early '90s, right when airbrush art was all the rage, and I was completely hooked. I spent endless hours there, just letting my imagination run wild. 

What stands out the most is how my parents never wavered in supporting my artistic aspirations. I'm genuinely grateful for their encouragement, as it's been a significant force behind my pursuit of an art career. With their encouragement, I pursued my passion academically, earning a bachelor’s degree in Biological Pre-Medical Illustration from Iowa State University and a master’s in Secondary Science Education from the University of Rochester, NY.

Early Art Creations

One of my earliest and most memorable creations was a drawing of a tiger I made back in third grade. My reference was a tiger with its mouth wide open on the cover of my trapper keeper. I loved that trapper keeper!

After pouring my efforts into it, I presented the drawing to my art teacher, not sure what to expect. The moment she chose to display it on the wall behind her desk was a turning point for me. Seeing my work up there, being appreciated and shared with others, filled me with a sense of pride and satisfaction I’d never felt before. It was one of those defining moments when I realized the joy of creating something that others could enjoy too.

Mentors Along the Path

In college, I was fortunate enough to have an incredible painting instructor, Bruce Smith, who played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic path. Bruce had a way of making each session feel personal; he dedicated one-on-one time not just to teach me the techniques but to really expand my understanding of what painting could be. 

More than just applying paint to canvas, he showed me the possibilities of storytelling, emotion, and depth that could be captured. It was under his guidance that my passion for painting truly took flight, opening my eyes to the endless potential of my own creativity.