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

Mike, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Back in the mid-90s, I was a student at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, totally immersed in this 3D illustration class. It was like a spark ignited within me – this desire to bring wild ideas to life. We had this assignment for a student show at the Whitney Museum, and the theme was Halloween, all inspired by Basquiat and the iconic skeletons in his work.

And that’s when it hit me: a life-sized skeleton made entirely of dog biscuits! The head was the last puzzle piece. Then, BAM! I saw it – a Milk-Bone box! I cut out eyes and a mouth, and “Mikebone” was born.

Let me tell you, building that thing was an epic adventure. I had to learn to weld, drill holes in these incredibly fragile biscuits, and somehow keep the whole structure from collapsing. It was a total trial by fire! And don’t even get me started on transporting this masterpiece across the city.

The opening night was a whirlwind. I was surrounded by all these art world heavy hitters, and I was just this wide-eyed kid, feeling a bit overwhelmed. But looking back, it was an incredible experience.

Of course, there was this mishap – I got my hand slammed in a car door! Talk about a humbling end to a triumphant night.

Sadly, Mikebone didn’t last forever. But that project, that whole experience, taught me an invaluable lesson: When you have a vision, you find a way. You learn new skills, you overcome obstacles, and you bring your ideas to life. That’s a philosophy that continues to guide me in everything I do today.

Mike, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My artistic journey began as a boy In New York City. It was about creating little bursts of joy – heartwarming greeting cards and drawings that brought smiles to people’s faces.

This desire to connect with others through art has always been my guiding light. It’s what pushed me to keep learning, growing, and exploring different creative avenues. My portfolio of work is a reflection of that – a vibrant mix of pop culture portraits that capture people’s essence, yoga art that inspires movement and mindfulness, and travel pieces that bring the world’s beauty to life.

My work, while varied in theme and medium, stems from my own experiences and a deep desire to use those experiences to connect with others. I believe art has the power to bridge gaps, spark conversations, and evoke emotions.

I’m now a Nashville resident, and I’m excited to see how this vibrant city will influence my art. The music, the culture, the energy of this place – it’s all swirling around me, waiting to be captured and expressed in new and exciting ways.

I’m also a bit of a wordsmith. I’ve written and illustrated several self-published books, from the humorous “Dear Snow: One Man’s Angry Rant Against Winter” to the motivational “Make Fun A Habit: The Creative Playbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again.”

I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a fantastic range of clients, from big brands like Chase and Heineken to local businesses. My work has even made its way onto the pop culture scene, featured on AMC’s Talking Dead and Syfy.com!

There have been some truly special moments along the way, like seeing my yoga art displayed at the I.D.E.A. Museum and having my illustrations featured in Capsules Pictoria, a collection of the world’s best contemporary illustrators.

Through it all, one thing remains constant: my commitment to spreading joy and value through art. It’s the driving force behind everything I create, and it will continue to shape my artistic path as I keep painting my story on new canvases, here in Nashville.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level through what I create. It’s this magical combination of curiosity, creativity, and connection that keeps me inspired and energized.

As an artist, I never feel like I’m working in isolation. Whether it’s a vibrant painting, a sketch that captures the essence of a location, or even a pop culture-inspired piece, it’s all about creating something that resonates with others. Seeing someone light up when they see my work and hearing how it connects to their own story—that’s what fuels me. It’s a reminder that what we create has the power to transcend words and speak directly to the heart.

I also love that creativity is an endless well to draw from. When I approach life with curiosity, asking “What if?” or “What’s possible here?”, I’m always discovering new ideas and perspectives. It’s not about waiting for inspiration to strike; it’s about showing up daily, staying open to the process, and trusting that creativity will meet me there.

Ultimately, the reward is twofold: the joy of expressing myself authentically and the privilege of being a part of someone else’s experience through the art I share. That’s what makes this journey so meaningful.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that being a “real artist” meant creating photorealistic art. For a long time, I believed that my abilities weren’t legitimate because I struggled with that particular style. My benchmark was perfection, and since I didn’t hit it, I convinced myself I wasn’t good enough. I carried that belief like a heavy weight, and it held me back in more ways than I realized.

It wasn’t until I went through a season of depression that I had to stop and reexamine the role of art in my life. Up to that point, art had been tied to this external standard of validation, rather than something that reflected who I was. In the middle of my struggle, I started creating again—but this time, it wasn’t about measuring up. It was about expressing what I felt and rediscovering joy.

That’s when I began to embrace my own voice and style, one that’s vibrant, expressive, and full of energy. I stopped comparing myself to other artists and started focusing on showing up as me. It was freeing, and for the first time, I saw the beauty and value in what I brought to the table.

The unlearning was slow but powerful: I let go of the belief that art had to look a certain way to be valid. Instead, I learned that it’s the authenticity and intention behind what we create that truly resonates. When I embraced that, I found my passion reignited and my confidence restored. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day as I create and share with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mikebrennanart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebone/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mikebone
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-brennan-ad
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikebone
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikebone
• Other: https://www.mikebrennan.me/art-for-sale