Michael Novak was born in Los Angeles, and lived in New York City for ten years before moving to Portland in 2007—officially placing him in the category of “person most despised by native-born Portlanders.” Over a 20-year career, he’s been an editorial Art Director at Time Warner and Portland Monthly, as well as an illustrator, designer, animator, and storyboard artist.

The highlight of Mike’s brief animation career was a year-long stint as a character layout animator on the Fox show King of The Hill, before he decided that drawing Hank Hill all day long was pretty damn boring. After the act of sitting at home waiting for the phone to ring put the kibosh on his freelance illustration career, he discovered design, which he loves.

His duties at Portland Monthly consist of making the magazine look and read awesomely, by designing covers, features, and pretty much anything else. In his free time he likes to sleep.

Editor’s Note

State of Refuge

07/22/2011 By Randy Gragg

FEATURE

The Hidden War

Bullets, Bombs, IEDS. For today’s armed forces, the risks are many. But for women who serve their country, some of the greatest dangers come from an enemy within: men.

07/20/2011 By Kasey Cordell

Get Out

Forest Park Guide: The Best Hikes

There's no shortage of hiking trails in Forest Park. The trick is picking a favorite.

06/29/2011 Edited by Brian Barker

Mudroom

Plantwise: Plan for Winter (Yes)

Summer is the time to plant seeds and make plans.

06/29/2011 By Kate Bryant

Mudroom

The Perfect Party: July 2011

People we’d most like at our dinner table this month.

06/29/2011

Mudroom

Press Play

While some mourn the “death of print,” e-publishing gives innovative Portland writers, publishers, and even booksellers new hope.

06/29/2011 By Martin Patail

PAIRINGS

Beer Meets Grill

Because fine food and craft beer constitute the latest culinary dream team, we asked three local brewers to share their favorite BBQ recipes—and explain which summer brew will best accompany their dish of choice.

06/24/2011 By John Chandler

Mudroom

PDX INDEX: Fireworks

06/24/2011 By Emily Burton

Article

Oregon Coast Guide: Coast Quest

Roll the dice and try to be the first to make it from Astoria to Brookings.

05/20/2011

Trail of the Month

Mount Defiance

Activity: Hiking | Distance: Approximately 10 miles | Rating: Quad-Exploding

05/20/2011 By Brian Barker

Mudroom

PDX Index: Portland Parks

05/20/2011 By Melanie Glass

Mudroom

Five Questions For… Vanessa Veselka

The Portland author reads from Zazen, her surreal and scintillating first novel, at Powell’s on June 13.

05/20/2011 By Zach Dundas

Culturephile

Home Maker

Crafter and writer Susan Beal offers two new guidebooks for a generation rediscovering the excitement of the handmade.

05/20/2011 By Anne Adams

Article

Hollywood Farmers Market

04/22/2011 By Zach Dundas

Trail of the Month

Trout Lake Ice Cave

Activity: Spelunking | Distance: Less than a mile | Rating: Easy

04/22/2011 With Brian Barker

Mudroom

PDX Index: Farmers Markets

04/22/2011 By Katherine Garvey

The Mudroom

PDX Index: Tax Season

03/16/2011 By Katherine Garvey

Trail of the Month

Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve

Activity: bird watching | Distance: up to 4 miles Rating: easy

03/09/2011 With Brian Barker

Mudroom

PDX Index: Spring Cleaning

02/22/2011 By Nicole Morales

Trail of the Month

Neahkahnie Mountain

This month's trail is Neahkahnie Mountain, located 23 miles north of Tillamook. The trail offers spectacular views 1,600 feet above Oswald West State Park.

02/14/2011 With Brian Barker