Meet Greg Mike | Artist + Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Greg Mike and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi GREG, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was a gradual process, one that came from a mix of passion, drive, and a bit of necessity. My journey as an artist taught me that creativity can be limitless, but sometimes finding the right environment or resources to grow can be tough. I saw that challenge firsthand, not just for myself but for so many artists who were incredibly talented but lacked a space that could amplify their work. I felt compelled to create a platform that could bridge that gap—a place that would support artists, foster community, and inspire others to push their creative boundaries.

ABV Gallery was born from the idea of bringing together street art, design, and pop culture in a way that could reach and engage people from all walks of life. I wanted it to be more than a gallery—a creative hub, a place where imagination meets reality and where emerging and established artists could showcase their unique voices. It took years of persistence, a lot of trust in my vision, and overcoming the inevitable hurdles that come with starting a business. I wanted to cultivate a space that I would’ve loved as an up-and-coming artist—somewhere that champions artists and helps them build thriving creative careers.

Today, seeing ABV Gallery bring together artists, collectors, and the community in ways I’d only dreamed of has been a reminder of the importance of taking that leap. I’m proud that ABV has become a place where artists and creatives can tap into their potential, connect with others, and feel like they’re part of something larger.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art has always been about creating a world where imagination and reality collide. I pull a lot of inspiration from classic cartoons, street art, and pop culture, but what sets my work apart is how I merge those influences with vibrant colors and bold lines to create something that feels alive and larger than life. I’m most excited about exploring new mediums and pushing the boundaries of what I can do, whether it’s large-scale murals, digital art, or even vinyl toys. Every piece I create is a reflection of my creative journey and the energy I want to put out into the world.

Getting to where I am today professionally wasn’t easy. There were a lot of late nights, risks, and moments where I had to trust my vision, even when things didn’t seem to be working out. But I think that’s part of the process—embracing the grind, learning from setbacks, and staying true to your art. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t wait for the perfect moment or for things to be easy. You just have to dive in and keep evolving.

What I want the world to know about my story is that it’s about more than just the art itself—it’s about building a community, creating spaces where artists can thrive, and inspiring people to tap into their own creativity. That’s the heart of what I do at ABV Gallery and through everything I create. It’s about taking risks, pushing yourself, and staying passionate no matter the challenges.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was in town for a week, I’d want to show them the best of Atlanta’s creative energy and local culture. We’d kick things off in East Atlanta Village, starting with coffee and breakfast. From there, I’d take them over to ABV Gallery to check out the latest show and get a taste of the local art scene.

We’d hit the BeltLine next, walking or biking through the city’s best street art—especially in the Krog Street and Cabbagetown areas. For lunch, we’d swing by Krog Street Market or Ponce City Market, where we could grab some food from different vendors and hang out on the rooftop at PCM for a great view of the skyline.

Each day, I’d mix it up. One day might involve a trip to the High Museum for some culture, then dinner at Boca Lupo or UMI sushi in Inman Park for some incredible eats. Another day, we’d hit up a Braves game at Truist Park or dive into some local history at the Civil Rights Museum.

In terms of nightlife, I’d take them to Clermont Lounge for that iconic ATL dive bar experience or grab drinks in EAV. Of course, we’d have to swing by some of the local music venues, like The Eastern, Terminal West or The Earl, to catch a live show.

By the end of the week, we’d have explored some hidden gems—like the vintage stores and cool boutiques in Little Five Points or grabbing tacos at El Tesoro in Kirkwood. And to close it out, maybe a late afternoon hike at Stone Mountain or a chill day at Piedmont Park, soaking in the Atlanta skyline and good vibes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d have to give a big shoutout to my team at ABV Gallery and the creative community that’s constantly inspiring me. The people around me—whether it’s my family, friends, or fellow artists—play such a huge role in pushing things forward. Also, a special shoutout to all the local artists and creatives here in Atlanta who keep the city’s art scene thriving. It’s that collective energy that fuels the work I do, and I’m grateful to be part of such a vibrant community.

Website: https://www.gregmike.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregmike

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmike/

Twitter: https://x.com/gregmike

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartofgregmike

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/gregmike

Image Credits
All Photos by Dave Roland