In Conversation: Mike Kennedy of The Weather Channel

It’s time to get acquainted with Melbourne-based graphic designer, Mike Kennedy. The creative force behind The Weather Channel, Kennedy founded his brand as a vehicle to bring his ideas to life. Born and raised in Melbourne, Kennedy often draws inspiration from the city's character and quirks, like its vibrant flora and fauna and ageing hand-painted signs. That's not all though, Kennedy is also renowned for his personal affinity for the rich history of cinema and its poster artwork. True to form, Kennedy has brought this to life through a variety of collaborations via The Weather Channel, notably including a curated capsule for a special Halloween takeover for the showing of the 1987 film Hellraiser at Lido Cinema.

With The Weather Channel, Kennedy is not just designing; he's creating a world where his ideas can thrive and be enjoyed by others. Always striving to continually challenge himself through design, Kennedy leaves a trail of cinematic references in his creative wake – if you know you know.

To celebrate the upcoming launch of The Weather Channel’s latest drop at UP THERE, we captured Kennedy in his natural habitat – le cinéma – to chat about his creative process, to hear more about his “cosy and clean as hell” hoodies and more.

Hey Mike! Lovely weather we’re having today.
Zing!

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. Introduce yourself!
I'm Mike, I run The Weather Channel, I love my dog Ollie, going to the cinemas, Asian and Jamaican cuisine.

Talk to us about The Weather Channel. What is it all about and why did you start it?
WC started because I had many ideas and no one else would let me bring them to life for their brands. I realised I needed to open doors for myself because my ideas can't just sit on my laptop or stay in my head forever, right? This journey has taught me more than I ever imagined, and I'm excited about the future I will create.

You’re a Melbourne-based graphic designer. What about the city inspires you creatively?
Most definitely the colours and patterns on our flora and fauna, but also the old hand-painted logos and signs that can still be seen around the city and suburbs. The natural ageing that they have all undertaken is something I truly love.

Shoutouts to Box Hill, amirite?
So right! Best area for real.

What else inspires you? Is there an artist, a piece or an artistic movement that inspires you?
Cinema and its accompanying poster artwork has to be my biggest influence, right from when it all started and up until present day. Military-era clothing for sure. Lyrics from songs, and talented friends who I draw inspiration from just via their work ethic. Ed Davis from here in Melbourne is probably my favourite artist of the current-day, Erik Brunetti and what he did with Fuct and SSDD, then the classics such as H.R Giger, R.Crumb, R.Bakshi.

Talk us through your usual creative process. Do you have any habits or quirks when you’re creating?
Yeah, a little something called self-destruction by procrastination then stressing because I have less time to complete the task, lol. Nah I don't know, I really just can't get started on a project until an idea clicks – so in the lead-up I'll stare at different types of reference pieces from the archive I've created/collected over the years and that will sort of determine a route I go down.

You’ve worked on a range of projects through The Weather Channel. What would you say is the red thread that ties all of them together?
Wanting to try something new and better myself each time! Plus references to cinema for sure… I love referencing movie posters in my designs, 80% of the time they won't be noticeable to people but it's like an easter egg I put in my own work… but it's just for me to enjoy. 

Before we ride off into the sunset, let’s talk about your upcoming capsule of hoodies set to be launched at UP THERE. To get the people hyped, give us your best elevator pitch!
So, picture this… it's two hoodies in one, they have a waffle interior, they're reversible, they're cosy and they look clean as hell. Gold, Jerry, Gold!