INTRO
Mike Maihack is “creating comics, fan art, and other cartoon stuff.” He’s got Marvel’s Spider-Man: Animals Assemble! coming June 2023, which he’s actively working on right now. He’s got almost 36K followers on Instagram, 26K on Twitter, and 250 on Patreon, where, “with almost fifteen years professionally making comics under my belt, I'd love to pass on some of that knowledge to all of you.”
I got to know Mike from comic book conventions years ago and was blown away by his art and storytelling then. And in a fun coincidence, I was bragging to my friend that Mike would be on the Venture Out podcast, and he was like, “no way! I just bought several prints from him to hang up in my new game room!”
You might be asking, what does a comic artist and storyteller have to do with productivity and positivity? Well, as you listen to this episode, you’ll understand even though he may spend most of his days in his studio drawing, he’s like his own project manager with lots of projects all going on at once, with their own deadlines, and, of course, a family to prioritize.
He might be one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Listen now to gain his insights.
INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS
“If you love it, then you enjoy what you’re doing.”
We start off by talking about the stories we tell ourselves, aka, what is our identity and how we see ourselves.
Respect and spreading positivity. Those are the fundamentals that Mike sticks to and has been able to incorporate into his natural lifestyle. Always giving someone the benefit of the doubt and trying to listen to what they’re saying. In turn, storytelling, intrinsically helps him better communicate… and of course tell stories with more relatable characters.
Something that Mike does that has helped him since childhood and still does today is to reflect on his actions. He ponders on what certain actions make more of an impact or not, or what kind of impact they made on others. This cycle of reflection, adapting, and modifying has over the years led to an almost automatic routine to self-assess. For Mike specifically, it seems like he’s successfully channeled this self-reflection toward the purpose of making a positive impact on others.
“You can’t control how people perceive you or treat you, but you can control yours. If you can be kind to others, then that’ll leave a lasting impression on others.”
When we discussed the topic of achievement and what that means to Mike, he took an interesting turn in talking about… mortality!
“I have all these stories to tell, but I might not live long enough to tell them.”
He’s been able to move away from these thought by focusing more on the day-to-day. Defining achievement in increments of the day takes away the overwhelming feeling from huge, long-term projects.
For example, a comic book graphic novel could be hundreds of pages. With his current project Marvel’s Spider-Man: Animals Assemble!, he’s given himself a daily quota of 4 pages a day. Of course, it’ll all add up to the correct page count and meets the editor’s deadline, but on a day-to-day basis, that’s a great focus to have. And furthermore, if he doesn’t get the 4 pages done, he doesn’t beat himself over it. Be kind to yourself too!
In discussing routines, Mike can’t live without them. He’s got two kids to help keep on track, so sometimes the schedule is dictated to him but that’s ok. Listen to hear how Mike builds his routine in a way that sets himself up for success. For the past few years now, Mike attribute’s one thing that has really helped him:
“I start off with a devotional. It’s been a great way to kickstart the day.”
Finally, how does Mike determine if he’s had a productive day? Easy.
“If I’ve helped out in some way.”
Mike cites an example of when someone would send him a tweet saying how his artwork has inspired them to start creating. Mike believes that if he can encourage that creativity in others, that’s meaningful.
“Make someone days a little bit better than it would’ve been otherwise, that’s productive.”
WRAPPING IT UP
What Keeps Me Up
“If I can’t get out of my own head and into someone else’s, I’ll keep thinking all night.”
What’s Making Me Happy
This conversation, I’m in a good place with my family right now, and I hope for the best for everybody.
CLOSING STATEMENTS
Mark your calendars for Marvel’s Spider-Man: Animals Assemble! coming June 2023. Also, check out Mike on Instagram, Twitter, and Patreon, and get some of that positivity in your life.
Mike, again, big thanks for being on the podcast, and for being a great human being.
Interview with Cartoonist and Storyteller, Mike Maihack!