Kern and Burn recently interviewed Young Guns 8 winner Mikey Burton about his self-proclaimed Midwesterny design style and why personal projects are essential in his career. “It’s really important to do personal projects. I make time when I can. Whenever I sit down to do one they always end up going somewhere else than expected. Plus, its always nice to have another bit of income,” said Mikey. Ready the interview in full here.

About Kern and Burn: Kern and Burn is an online and print publication that curates discussions, interviews and essays. We invite design entrepreneurs—those who pursue self-initiated projects, think for themselves, and channel personal passions into self-made careers—to share their perspectives. They are designers who dream big and burn the midnight oil to forge their own paths.

Follow Mikey @mikeyburton

-TP