Hi, I'm Mike.

Founder of Comic Art Mastery.
Instructor. Artist. Mentor. Creator.

I'm Mike Van Orden, the founder of Comic Art Mastery—a global learning platform dedicated to helping aspiring comic book artists reignite their passion, master their skills, and finally draw the heroes they’ve always dreamed of creating.

For over a decade, I’ve worked in the professional comic book industry, contributing to major companies like Marvel, Upper Deck, and Aspen Comics. But Comic Art Mastery is where my heart lives. It’s where I get to help artists of all ages unlock their potential and fall in love with drawing again.

My teaching style is fast-paced, hands-on, and deeply supportive. I don’t just show you how to draw—I walk you through the why, the mindset, and the breakthroughs that help you level up fast. Whether you’re brand new to comic art or returning after years away, I’ll help you build confidence, consistency, and the creative identity to match.

My influences include legendary artists like Michael Turner, Jim Lee, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Rob Liefeld, John Buscema, and J. Scott Campbell. I’m also heavily inspired by anime, classic cartoons, and film—all of which show up in the storytelling, movement, and emotion in my work.

Comic books changed my life.
They made me believe I could be something more.
Now, I’m here to pass that gift forward, one student, one sketch, one story at a time.

You were born to create.
Let’s bring that version of you back to life.

-Mike Van Orden