Not Real Art

How many people would be willing to risk it all to pursue their dreams? Today’s guest, Danish artist Mikael B., packed his bags and flew to LA after selling the graphic design company he started with his twin brother. 

In 2014, while Mikael was working as a graphic designer, he created a colorful map to hang in his Copenhagen apartment. That work, “Vibrant World,” went viral after being posted online, spurring global demand for Mikael’s prints and providing a launchpad for the artist’s budding career. Encouraged by the response, Mikael and his brother sold their graphic design business and moved to LA to focus on art-making—and the rest, as they say, is history.

Blending Cubism with Wildstyle graffiti, Mikael began splashing his designs all over LA soon after arriving. Today he works with brands like American Express and Bentley Motors to create eye-catching projects and public murals that brighten the city. He credits his success to his brother’s business savvy, describing their partnership as “yin and yang.” 

In today’s podcast episode, NOT REAL ART founder and publisher Scott “Sourdough” Power sits down with Mikael B. to discuss how the young artist took control of his creative career. You’ll get a glimpse into Mikael’s creative journey, from Denmark to The City of Angels, and hear about his ongoing commitment to creating work he loves—not just art that sells. We also touch on the role social media plays in Mikael’s success, how to embrace the unknown with enthusiasm, and what you can learn from the crossover between fine and commercial art. 

Ultimately, Mikael believes taking an extraordinary leap of faith enabled his creative success. The artist shares a powerful and inspiring story about sacrifice, commitment, and vision—tune in today for insight from the intrepid artist.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Mikael’s introduction to art-making via graphic design
• How he felt called to express himself authentically rather than building corporate brands
• Why he describes his partnership with his twin brother as “yin and yang”
• The story of how "Vibrant World" went viral and kickstarted Mikael’s journey as an artist
• The role that social media played in enabling Mikael to take control of his own career
• Some of the sacrifices he had to make in order to get his business off the ground in LA
• What you can learn from the crossover between the commercial and fine art worlds.
• How Mikael has been inspired by graffiti and how it has influenced his signature style
• The value of embracing the unknown and getting out of your comfort zone
• Strategies from his agency days that Mikael applies to building his personal brand
• The importance of staying true to yourself: why Mikael paints what he loves, not what sells
• The dedication and commitment it takes for ordinary people to do extraordinary things
• How taking this leap of faith enabled Mikael to become a better version of himself
• Insight into his daily routines and rituals, from regular exercise to meditation and practicing gratitude, and how they contribute to his success
• How you can benefit from prioritizing self-care as a creative practitioner
• What's next for Mikael B, including his upcoming solo exhibition!

For more info, please visit: https://notrealart.com/mikael-b