Mike Schwabauer Photography & Design

About

Fine art photography, focused predominantly on vintage signs and other landmarks, as well as some live music photographs and digital paintings.

What inspires you to create?

I love breathing life into old marquees and neon signs with my photography, as well as capturing various landmarks and other beautiful sights, both at home in KC and wherever else my occasional travels may take me.

I also love taking photographs at live music concerts — trying to capture the FEELING of the show that I am experiencing.

What advice would you give to people looking to express their creativity?

Though I know it’s trademarked…”Just do it.” If you are feeling the tug to do something creative, make the time for it, but also don’t force it. Let it happen…and if it makes you happy, that’s all that really matters.

How does your art connect with people?

I’ve been lucky enough to capture some local vintage marquees and signs that are no longer around, and I love the reminiscent sighs when people are thumbing through my prints and find one that means something to them…the old White Haven sign in Overland Park, the old Grand Emporium, and so-on. I love hearing those connections.