Want an introduction to Chicago’s art scene? Just pick a street and walk down it. From larger-than-life murals to small stickers posted to light poles, the city proudly displays its creativity on every corner. If you walk far enough you’ll notice recurring characters, including a voluptuous, big-breasted bird.

Brought into existence by the artist Bird Milk in early 2017, the figure and its creator’s unquestionable rise to recognition over the last couple of years has served as a significant contribution to Chicago’s art scene. The artist behind the bird is, during the day, an illustrator and graphic designer at a wide format printing and sign shop. Like many of his peers, he lives in Pilsen (for more on Pilsen’s art scene check out our interview with gallery owner and mural broker Delilah Martinez) and his love for animals encourages occasional collaborations with animal rescues in the Chicagoland area. The interview below offers just a snippet into human behind the bird, with each answer radiating charisma and kindness. Read more to learn exactly what’s missing from the Chicago art scene and what Polish chocolate has to do with anything. 

Why do you live in Pilsen?

I've always been fascinated with Pilsen. The people are friendly, the food is amazing, and I am obsessed with the amount of street art. It seems like every time you go out, there is always something new popping up. Artists based in Pilsen never slow down and that is the type of inspiring environment I want to be in. On top of that, Pilsen is home to some of my favorite galleries.

How did Bird Milk originate?

I started Bird Milk in February of 2017. It began when I was walking around Logan Square and I would always see stickers slapped up all over the place. The more I walked around, the more I started seeing the same characters over and over again, painted up on walls, wheat-pasted around and stickers of them all over. This made me want to create a character of my own and join the scene. I've enjoyed drawing cartoon characters since I was a small child. I have sketchbooks full of Dragonball Z characters, Simpsons, Nickelodeon Cartoons and much more. As I got older, I started creating characters in my free time and even went to school for Media Arts and Animation. As far as Bird Milk goes, "Bird Milk" is the translation for a type of Polish chocolate (ptasie mleczko). I thought that name was fucking hilarious. I developed the character from that which actually started off as a realistic bird head with a realistic woman's body. It didn't look right, so my girlfriend suggested trying something more cartoony since that's what I loved to draw.  After making Steve (the original bluebird) I made up my Instagram, started creating a lot and posting until my character became recognizable as well.

Who are you and who is Bird Milk? 

Well...first off, I'm not a bird with breasts. At least I don't think I am...yet. But if you're talking about my social media presence, I'm the same person. I like to have a good time, not take anything too seriously and have a good sense of humor. If you ever meet me out at a show come up and say hi! I'm pretty friendly. and I'm ALWAYS down to trade some stickers. I've got a pretty nice collection from artists all over the globe.

What causes mean the most to you and why? 

If I have the time to create some art for it, I will donate pieces to a good cause. Please don't be afraid to ask. Most recently I donated a couple of pieces to be auctioned off through One Tail at A Time's Houndstooth Ball. I'm a sucker for any causes that benefit animals. I've got two lovable dogs of my own that I would do anything for.

Who were the people in your early life who encouraged your growth as an artist?

My mom was a huge influence on my creativity. She's just as goofy as I am so that's also where I get my sense of humor from. She's very creative with everything she does, and even though I would WHOOP her ass in some Pictionary, she can draw some pretty sweet doodles. Aside from that, cartoons were one of the biggest influences in my life. I remember watching Pokemon growing up and being amazed at the hundreds of different types. So much creativity goes into creating those characters.

What’s missing from the Chicago art scene?

The Chicago art scene is amazing. There are so many opportunities to showcase your art, network with other artists and even take classes to keep you creating. One of my favorite things to go to is the Anysquared Studio in Logan Square. Every Wednesday night they'll get together and create whatever they want for a few hours. Anyone is welcome to go to it so check it out! Something missing though is not enough Malort at these art shows. What's going on? We all love it, we all can't get enough of it. SUPPORT the local Malort scene, please. 

Is there anything coming up on your calendar that you're excited about?

The Dope art Show! Every other month I help curate art shows at Slippery Slope with the homie Liz. It's an event where artists can meet up, drink, draw and have a great time. Honestly, it's just an excuse to party while supporting local art at the same time. We like to change up the artist lineup each show and mix in artists that are new to the scene and artists that have been doing it for a while. Follow @dopestartshow on Instagram if you'd ever like to come to see what these shows are all about! I promise you'll have a good time. The artists also get 100% of the sales from their art. We don't take a cut for that. Aside from that, I have a couple of group art shows coming up, another mural, and a possible solo show sometime in 2020. I'm trying to take it easy on participating in shows to catch up on my commissions, but it is so hard to say no. 

What's the best advice you've ever gotten?

Be friendly and help others out when you can. When I first dove into the art scene, I was worried about annoying other artists when I would message them about questions or just showing interest in their work. The more people I meet in the scene the more I realize everybody is very friendly and helpful when they can be. If you have questions or anything please reach out! Try and collaborate as much as you can with everyone and go show support! There are always art shows going on in the city so swing through if you've got the time. Meet as many people as you can.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self? 

Don't. Stop. Drawing. After a while, there was a period where I slowed down significantly when it came to drawing for myself or as a hobby. It was only work, video games, and movies. I regret having a couple of years be that way. Now I try to balance my work life, personal life, and hobbies accordingly, but at the very least I will try and doodle every day. Gotta keep the creative juices flowing. I recommend everyone just make something new every day. Even if it's a smiley face sketched on a bar napkin. Just draw.

Catch Bird Milk every other month at the Slippery Slope’s Dope Art Show (IG @dopestartshow), and follow him on Instagram @bird_milk_ for other opportunities to meet, learn, and buy some art.