Meet Mike

We were lucky to catch up with Mike recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mike, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep creativity alive by constantly pursuing passion projects. I follow my curiosity. If something sparks a question or wonder in me, I trust that others might be curious too. That curiosity becomes the fuel for new ideas. I also challenge myself regularly, pushing beyond comfort zones to grow creatively. I take time to examine my life experiences and look for universal threads, those shared emotions or moments we all go through, and create through that lens. It keeps my work honest, personal, and connected to others.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a visual artist, author and communicator focused on helping people connect with creativity, emotion, and meaning, both in their personal/work lives and in shared experiences. Through my artwork, books, and speaking, I aim to create moments that spark curiosity, joy, reflection, and even healing. Whether I’m painting pop culture portraits, sketching live at events, or illustrating/writing a personal story, I want my work to feel like an invitation, to see, feel, and imagine differently.

One of the most exciting things I’m working on right now is my new book, Blue: a Story of Letting Go. It’s a simple yet meaningful fable about a boy and a caterpillar learning to let go. Inspired by the themes of change and growth, Blue explores the emotions that come with transitions, something both kids and adults can relate to. It’s visually minimal but emotionally layered, and I’m proud of how it encourages readers to slow down and reflect, and deal with big emotions.

I also continue to run my daily creative habit community and podcast, Creative Chats, where I talk with other creatives about their journey and process. At the core of everything I do is the belief that creativity isn’t just for a select few, it’s for everyone. And when we engage with it regularly, it transforms how we experience the world. When you create, we all win.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities that have been most impactful in my creative journey are curiosity, self-awareness, and consistency.

Curiosity has become my compass. It pushes me to explore new ideas, ask better questions, and keep things fresh. For anyone just starting out, I’d say follow what genuinely interests you, even if it doesn’t seem to “fit” at first. Curiosity is often where your most original and fulfilling work begins.

Self-awareness has helped me recognize my creative rhythms, identify what holds me back, and make more intentional choices. Developing this takes time, but journaling, reflecting on your work, and noticing patterns in how you create can offer huge insights.

And consistency (not perfection) has been the quiet hero of my growth. Showing up regularly, even in small ways, builds momentum and confidence. My daily creative habit has changed everything for me. If you’re early in your journey, don’t wait for inspiration, build a habit that invites it.

Together, these three have helped me stay grounded, grow through a lot of challenges, and continue to evolve as I do as an artist and storyteller.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to creativity as a way to process and make meaning out of what I’m experiencing. Whether it’s sketching, writing (I journal A LOT), or simply making something with my hands, the act of creating helps me slow down and reconnect with myself. It becomes less about the final product and more about giving my thoughts and emotions a place to land.

My advice is to find a creative outlet that feels natural to you, not as another task, but as a space where you can be honest, messy, and reflective. Creativity isn’t just for making things to sell or share, it’s a powerful tool for navigating life. When everything feels like too much, it can help you find clarity, calm, and even a little hope.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your