Mike Bennet in a workshop surrounded by cartoon character cutouts, painting at a table.

Mike Bennett in a colorful outfit with paint splatters, wearing a striped shirt and cap, giving thumbs up. A cartoon snail is on their shoulder.

Meet Mike Bennett

From Preschool Teacher to Joy Creator—How One Artist Turned Sidewalks Into Storybooks

Before launching into the wild world of cartoon cutouts and immersive installations…

Mike Bennett was a preschool teacher with a passion for drawing and storytelling. In 2019, he transformed his garage into a creative lab, using reclaimed wood and house paint to bring pop culture icons—and eventually his own characters—to life.

Featured By

The New York Times, NPR, and Portland Monthly

Mike wearing a safari outfit, eyepatch, and hat, with binoculars around their neck, posing in front of cartoon animal decorations.

1.5 million

OVER

Social Media Followers

Mike wearing glasses and a bow tie in front of a cartoon stage backdrop.

Viral projects

featured globally

during the COVID-19 lockdown

MIke in paint-splattered overalls standing in front of his house with cartoon animal cutouts and signs displayed in the yard.

Collaborated with

TEDx, Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and more

"Mike Bennett Studios" text in colorful, cartoon-style letters.

At Mike Bennett Studios, we create joyful, interactive experiences that celebrate curiosity, creativity, and community. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt down city sidewalks, a giant dinosaur museum, or a whimsical indoor mini-golf course, everything we do is rooted in a mission: The Creation of Joy.