Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Brennan, Founder of Mike Brennan Art and Design, located in Neshanic Station, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is Mike Brennan Art & Design. I’m a creator & communicator that tells stories on pages and stages. On the Creator side, I offer graphic design and illustration services, including live event sketching, where I tell the story of a conference or event through real-time sketches. On the communicator side, I help creators and entrepreneurs show up consistently on their quest for creativity & innovation through a daily creative habit.
Tell us about yourself
Like most artists, I started drawing as a kid. I would create greeting cards for family members and give them to them, seeing their faces light up. I was having fun and doing what came naturally, but years later, I realized that I had the ability to create something, give it to someone else and impact them. I knew that I wanted to do as much of that as possible. After art school and being in the design industry for years, I hit a wall and walked away from all art, both professional and personal. It wasn’t until a personal crisis happened that I returned. That was a ten-year art absence that ushered in a season of depression, which was ultimately the catalyst for bringing me back to my art. I embarked on a 365-daily art-making journey that has lasted to this day, over ten years later. On this journey, I found my voice and style as an artist and, later, a framework to help other creatives on their quest for creativity, innovation, and self-discovery. I want to see as many people as possible give themselves permission to be creative and unlock their passions and greatest, most meaningful work yet.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Beyond specific projects and opportunities I have had (too many to pick one), I’d have to say the network of people I have built. I love having such a diverse group of people to collaborate and partner with. Creating isn’t complete for me unless there is a connection. And I’m honored to be connected to many where those relationships have ripple effects beyond the scope of a particular project.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is often the number of hats to wear and knowing which ones to wear and when. It’s also challenging to build something and launch new initiatives while maintaining the work that is paying the bills often. There needs to be time to work on the business as well as in it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Prioritize self-discovery. If you don’t know who you are and what you love, you could build a business that becomes another job or role you end up playing that you hate.
- Alignment and clarity can’t be rushed. While it’s essential to look to others for maps and models, don’t sacrifice the time you need to understand and contextualize your journey and business.
- Tell your story in your business; don’t just push your goods and services. People connect with people. Find that place where what you do and who you overlap with who they are and what they need. Then make it about them, not you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mikebrennan.me/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikebone
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebone/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikebone
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-brennan-ad/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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