About Mike Shiels

Mike was born in Essex, but has spent most of his life in the Mid Wales area, and currently lives in Llanyre, near Llandrindod Wells.

After leaving school in Essex, Mike completed courses in Art Foundation and Graphic Art Diplomas at South Essex College, and received on the job training as a Graphic Designer for Basildon District Council. He then went on to study Fine Art (BA) at Aberystwyth University.

Mike has worked as a professional designer, website developer and illustrator for over 30 years and is director of Mid Wales Design, a design consultancy providing local and national clients with design services including logo creation, print design, photography and website design.

Before forming Mid Wales Design, Mike was awarded the Financial Times Business Website of the Year Award for his redesign of the Dell Computer e-commerce website, and has created high-profile, successful websites for companies including Microsoft/MSN, BT, Yahoo, ITN, Bristol Zoo, Channel 4 and many others.

Mike has contributed to a number of open exhibitions over the last 30 years, along with solo/joint exhibitions with other artists across the UK, and has collectors of his work as far afield as Perth in Western Australia. As an illustrator, Mikes work has appeared in numerous publications in print and online format.

In May 2023 Mike was awarded the overall winners prize at the prestigious Open Art Exhibition, held at Oriel CRiC Gallery in Crickhowell.