A Little About Me
Children's Book Author • Illustrator • Character Creator
ABOUT | Michael Ivery
Hi there, I’m Michael Ivery—an Arizona-based creative who has spent a lifetime exploring the art of storytelling, from spinning records to sketching characters. After 20+ years as an award-winning DJ and event producer, I traded the DJ booth for a drawing desk, channeling my passion for music, art, and community into something new: the world of children’s media.
Inspired by my youngest daughter, I began writing and illustrating stories, giving life to Tubba and Friends—a children’s brand dedicated to sparking wonder, imagination, and joy in young minds. As a devoted father and storyteller, my mission is simple: create meaningful moments through art and storytelling that bring families together and inspire kids to dream big.
My journey is shaped by the things I love most: timeless cartoons like Peanuts, the educational magic of Sesame Street, and the creative energy of music and design. Whether it’s crafting a book, sketching a new character, or building a whimsical world, I strive to celebrate creativity and the little joys in life.
Recent highlights I’m proud of:
•2024 - Nominated: Best of Phoenix: Children's Book Author (Phoenix Magazine)
•2024 - Joined: Children's Media Association
DJ | My Music Journey
Before diving into children’s media, I spent over two decades immersed in the vibrant world of music. Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, my journey as a DJ began in 2000, blending my love for jazz, funk, soul, and world beats into a sound all my own. As a musician’s DJ, I drew inspiration from global rhythms—Africa, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, Europe, and the Middle East—creating a style that resonated far beyond nightclub walls.Over 24 incredible years, I shared stages with legendary artists, performed for crowds of over 100,000, and released five top 10 albums celebrated by radio stations worldwide. Along the way, I founded the award-winning Afro:Baile events and record label, bringing cultures together through the power of music.
Some highlights I’m proud of:
•15x Nominated/Award-Winning DJ
•5 Top 10 Album Releases (featured on 20+ radio stations worldwide)
•20+ Magazine Features (Canada, Brazil, Germany, UK, USA)
•2x Award-Winning Festival Producer (Brazilian Day- 10yrs, Carnaval- 8yrs)
•Clients: Super Bowl XLIX, Fiesta Bowl, Nike, PlayStation, Sony, MLB, NBA, Phoenix Art Museum, Godaddy, X-Games, Scottsdale Arts, Brazilian Film Fest - Toronto.
