We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mike Wimmer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mike below.
Mike, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Yes, I have been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it certainly didn’t happen overnight. My journey has been one of persistence, adaptability, and a deep passion for art that has driven me since childhood.
The Early Days
My first taste of earning from my art came when I was 11 years old—I won a contest in Hot Rod Cartoon Magazine for “Draw the Hottest 18 Wheeler” and received a $50 check. That small validation planted the seed in my mind that art could be more than just a passion; it could also be a career. By the age of 14, I was selling my work at galleries and art shows, and by the time I was in college at the University of Oklahoma, I was already taking on professional illustration jobs to support myself.
Building a Career in Illustration
I took the traditional path of working my way up in the illustration world, landing projects with major companies such as Disney, Procter & Gamble, Hasbro, and American Airlines. I painted over 300 book covers for major publishers and illustrated more than 13 children’s books. My work has been featured on product packaging, from Celestial Seasonings teas to Milton Bradley board games. However, even as I worked on high-profile commissions, I understood the importance of diversifying my income streams.
My Puddle Philosophy
Early on, I developed what I call my Puddle Philosophy. Instead of relying on just one source of income, I built multiple “puddles” of revenue:
Portrait commissions – Painting prominent individuals and historical figures
Illustration work – Book covers, children’s books, and commercial projects
Fine art sales – Selling original paintings and prints
Teaching – Educating the next generation of artists at SCAD
Collectibles and licensing – Expanding my art into prints, merchandise, and collectibles
By not putting all my eggs in one basket, I ensured that if one area slowed down, I had others to rely on. Over time, these puddles grew into a sustainable “lake” of income.
Milestones and Lessons
One of the biggest milestones in my career was being recognized as Oklahoma’s Greatest Artist by historian Bob Burke and having over 40 historical paintings and portraits permanently displayed in the Oklahoma State Capitol. Another was gaining national recognition from the Art Renewal Center’s Annual Art Salon and being selected for the 2023 National Oil Painters of America Exhibition.
Looking back, could I have sped up the process? Possibly. If I had focused more on marketing and networking earlier in my career, I might have reached financial stability faster. However, the path I took allowed me to refine my craft, build meaningful relationships, and create a body of work I’m truly proud of.
Making a full-time living as an artist isn’t easy, but it is possible with a mix of passion, discipline, and business savvy. You have to be willing to take risks, push through challenges, and constantly evolve. If you stay committed to your craft and find ways to create value for others, you can turn your passion into a lifelong career.
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?
I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. My journey started at age 11 when I won Hot Rod Cartoon Magazine’s “Draw the Hottest 18-Wheeler” contest and received a $50 check—my first taste of earning from my creativity. By 14, I was selling my artwork at galleries and art shows, and while studying at the University of Oklahoma, I worked my way through college with professional illustration jobs.
Over the years, my work has reached national and international audiences, appearing in books, advertisements, product packaging, and fine art collections. I’ve had the honor of working with major companies like Disney, Procter & Gamble, Hasbro, American Airlines, Milton Bradley, Celestial Seasonings, and many of the world’s top book publishers. Additionally, I’ve illustrated over 300 book covers and more than 13 children’s books while establishing myself as a nationally recognized portrait artist.
I’ve been honored with the title of Oklahoma’s Greatest Artist by historian Bob Burke, and I have over 40 historical paintings and portraits permanently displayed in the Oklahoma State Capitol. In recent years, my portraiture has been featured in national exhibitions, such as the Art Renewal Center’s Annual Art Salon and the National Oil Painters of America Exhibition.
What I Do: The Art I Create & The Clients I Serve
I provide high-end, museum-quality oil-painted portraits for high-achieving professionals, including:
Business Owners
Lawyers
Politicians
Judges
Doctors
University Presidents and Deans
In addition to portraiture, I have an extensive career in illustration, working on everything from book covers to children’s literature, commercial advertising, and collectible art. My goal is always to tell a story—whether through the subtle details in a portrait or the vibrant energy of an illustrated scene.
My wife, Jime Wimmer, and I also share a passion for nature, folklore, and whimsical storytelling. Together, we’ve created a website dedicated to the world of fairies, gnomes, and folklore, while she co-founded the Savannah Gallery of Art, an important hub for artists in our local community.
What Problems Do I Solve for My Clients?
For portrait clients, I provide a timeless legacy—a way to immortalize their achievements and contributions through fine art. A portrait is more than just an image; it’s a statement of legacy, respect, and appreciation. Whether for a private collection, a corporate setting, or a university hall, my paintings are created to honor the subject with the highest level of craftsmanship.
For book publishers and commercial clients, I bring visual storytelling to life through detailed, expressive illustration work. Whether I’m creating a compelling book cover that draws readers in or a vibrant children’s book that inspires young minds, my goal is to elevate the message through art.
What Sets Me Apart?
Over 40 Years of Professional Experience – I’ve spent decades refining my craft, working with major clients, and learning how to deliver exceptional work at the highest level.
A Deep Commitment to Storytelling – Every portrait and illustration I create has meaning and depth beyond the surface. I bring my background in narrative art to every project.
A Legacy of Prestigious Clients & Awards – From being featured in major national exhibitions to painting for prestigious institutions, my work is recognized and respected in the art world.
The “Puddle Philosophy” – I believe in diversifying my creative outlets, so my work spans across different mediums and industries. This not only keeps me inspired but also ensures long-term sustainability in my career.
What Am I Most Proud Of?
I am most proud of the fact that I have truly lived the life of an artist. Despite the many myths about the “starving artist,” I have built a sustainable and fulfilling career doing what I love. More importantly, I have remained true to my artistic vision without compromising on quality or integrity.
On a personal level, my greatest achievement is my partnership with my wife, Jime. She has been my creative partner, my greatest inspiration, and an endless source of ideas and passion. Sharing this journey with her—teaching, traveling, creating, and constantly pushing each other to new artistic heights—has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
Final Thoughts: What I Want People to Know
Art is my life, and I have dedicated myself to creating work that stands the test of time.
My philosophy is simple: If you’re not growing, you’re dying. I am always learning, evolving, and pushing my skills further.
My art is about legacy—whether it’s a portrait that will be passed down for generations or a children’s book that will inspire young minds for years to come.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to create something timeless—a piece of art that carries meaning, tells a story, and leaves a lasting impact. I was once asked this question by a group of elementary students.. My response was one of respect, I didn’t want to offend anyone, but I told them it’s a little like being “God”. Just moments before, there was nothing but a spark of an idea, and with time, and diligence, I created something that can speak to others. It really is an amazing feeling.
In portraiture, the most fulfilling moments come when I see a client’s emotional reaction to their portrait—whether it’s a university president seeing their legacy honored, a family receiving a tribute to a loved one, or a professional realizing that their life’s work has been captured in a way that will be remembered for generations. There’s something profoundly humbling about knowing that my work will outlive me and continue to tell stories long after I’m gone.
In illustration, the joy comes from bringing stories to life—especially for children. I’ve had the privilege of illustrating books that introduce young readers to historical figures, teach them valuable lessons, or simply spark their imagination. Knowing that my art has played a role in shaping a child’s early experiences with storytelling is incredibly rewarding.
On a personal level, the creative process itself is fulfilling. The challenge of pushing my skills further, solving artistic problems, and continuously growing as an artist keeps me inspired. Every painting, every illustration is an opportunity to learn something new and to refine my craft.
Ultimately, being an artist is about connection—connecting with the subject, the client, the audience, and even future generations who will encounter my work. That sense of legacy, storytelling, and emotional resonance is what makes this career so deeply fulfilling.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Absolutely. My creative journey is driven by the pursuit of excellence, storytelling, and legacy, and my committment to life long learning. My personal missions statement has been, “Learn it, Live it, and Teach it.’ And in the process of teaching I find myself learning more, so the cycle continues.
At the heart of my work, especially in portraiture, is the mission to honor and immortalize the legacies of high-achieving individuals. A portrait is more than just an image—it’s a visual biography, a way to capture the essence of a person’s life, accomplishments, and character for future generations.
In my illustration and commercial work, my goal has always been to bring stories to life—whether through children’s books, historical paintings, or commercial projects. I strive to create imagery that not only inspires and educates but also leaves a lasting impact.
As an educator at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), my mission extends beyond my own art. I am deeply committed to mentoring and guiding the next generation of artists, helping them develop not just their technical skills but also their ability to tell compelling stories and navigate the challenges of a creative career.
Ultimately, my work is about capturing moments, preserving history, and pushing creative boundaries. I believe in constantly evolving as an artist—because if you’re not growing, you’re dying. My mission is to create art that stands the test of time and leaves a meaningful impact on those who experience it.
Contact Info:
- Website: wimmerswoods.com mikewimmerportraits.com
- Instagram: @wimmerartist @wimmerswoods
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimmersWoods https://www.facebook.com/mike.wimmer1
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mike-wimmer-inc
Image Credits
All images by Mike Wimmer