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From Indie Dreams to Grammy Streams: The Visual Symphony of John Michael Howe
Beginnings: The Spark of Passion and the Unexpected Path
John Michael Howe’s foray into animation was as serendipitous as it was transformative. Originally from the UK, Howe’s journey began with a love for music and a degree in Digital Media from Falmouth University. While he gained foundational skills there, it was an unexpected opportunity that catapulted him into the animation field. In 2012, the band A Lot Like Birds announced a competition for fans to create a video for their song “Think Dirty Out Loud.” Inspired by the song’s chaotic energy, Howe dove into learning Adobe After Effects, overcoming an initial aversion to the software. With no formal training in animation, he worked tirelessly for five weeks to create an animated lyric video, ultimately winning the competition. This victory was pivotal, validating his creative drive and opening the door to the animation industry.
When asked if being a fan is essential for success in his line of work, Howe reflected on his early days, especially on his first animation for A Lot Like Birds: “At the time, I do believe it was important for me to be a fan. I didn’t know how to use the software, nor had I ever made a lyric video before. But the goal of creating something I cared about, for an artist I…
