A Little About Us
Author. Illustrator. Dad
ABOUT | Michael Ivery
Michael Ivery's career has come full circle. After over 20 years as an award-winning DJ, traveling and achieving success, Ivery stepped back from the festivals and into the playroom. Inspired by his youngest daughter, he began writing and illustrating children's books and characters, thus spawning the idea to launch Tubba and Friends, a new children's brand.
As a devoted father, Ivery's focus has always been on family. His career pivoted from entertaining crowds to creating joyous moments at home. The DJ booth transformed into a drawing desk, where his creative talents now bring lively stories and characters to life, ensuring his daughters smile and laugh. While his love for music endures, these days, you're more likely to find him sketching than spinning records.
Beyond the beats and family tales, Michael reveals another side of his artistic self. As an emerging illustrator, designer, and creative in children's media, he weaves narratives through drawings and characters that resonate in the smiles and laughter of not only his own kids but in the pages that turn in books. .
STORY | How it started
THE BIG MUSIC JAMBOREE!
It was a sweltering Arizona summer in 2021 when my daughter and I were lounging on the couch, coloring together. "Daddy, will you draw me a bear?" she asked. I chuckled and gave it my best shot. Soon, Emma requested I draw a monkey, elephant, tiger, owl, fox - I had sketched nearly ten characters within the hour. They were cute and silly, but it sparked my imagination, and it was such a delight to see her face light up and the characters come to life. I began crafting a story around these characters, dressing them in bright designs and placing them in some her favorite places she has visited.
I aimed to create something entertaining yet educational, with positive messages about friendship, kindness, and adventure. Over ten months of drafting, revising, and coloring, "Tubba and Friends" finally came to life as stories, product ideas, and learning tools from a father simply aiming to make his little girl smile.
