The role of a creative professional is usually complimented by various endeavors or side projects that range anywhere from quirky and whimsical to fascinating and insightful, all while giving a greater perspective into their unique perspectives.

Here are a few of mine:

Articles + Essays

Observations After a 21-Day Break From Social Media - I wrote this article exploring the new hold our devices and technology have on us.

5 words vs 34 words (or Cultural Observations From The Shower (also titled, “What Shampoo Bottles Tell Us About Ourselves”)- It was a simple observation that turned into a 5 to 6 minute read on the implications of how we market to men and to women.

#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge

1 part childhood wonder & imagination + 30 minute deadline + 1 sketchbook = Endless possibilities
What started out with an idea to make the monthly trips with my son to the orthodontist became a creative challenge I look forward to. Whatever the kids ask, I have to draw. It's that simple. Usually I try to add an extra layer of interest by adding an unexpected twist on the subject provided.

#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge

FACT: Mr. T-Rex has been hitting the gym (and is bigger than you think). Also, #StarWars #ATAT has a lot of detail. Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge* - a bit of a crossover as we have a reprisal from a previous drawing: "Mr. T-Rex fighting an #ATAT" #DadLife (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Jul 24, 2017 at 10:11am PDT

Today's #OceanDrawingChallenge* - a self request trying to keep straight the whole Port/Starboard thing (because left/right is too #landlubberish) . . #DadLife #HY🇧🇸 (#OceanDrawingChallenge is a take on #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge where one draws whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Jul 9, 2017 at 8:12am PDT

Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge* - A blackbird flying a #SR71Blackbird. . . "Draw that plane we saw at the museum in DC on that trip a few years back...the blackbird. Something with that." #DadLife (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Jun 19, 2017 at 9:45am PDT

"Very sappy, dad." -the teenage boy "One day you'll see, son." -me Today's #BreakfastDrawingChallenge* - "Draw everything." I may have shown some bias in this one. Also, faces and noses are hard to draw in a time crunch. #DadLife (A take on the #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on May 29, 2017 at 7:17am PDT

FACT: Baby hands are plenty funny but frustratingly non-functional. Just ask this T-Rex. Also, they're far better than #fidgetspinners. Also HBD, NWD 👶🏼. Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge* - a T-Rex with baby hands shooting a bow and arrow. #DadLife (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on May 8, 2017 at 10:17am PDT

Spontaneous #DinnertimeDrawingChallenge (a variation of the #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge* "A scuba-diving puppy" Drawn for the lovely @LauraAnnMiller (Jaws reference for Dan) (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Mar 13, 2017 at 3:12pm PDT

Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge* "A robot worm but there's a bird that is trying to eat it and the robot worm zaps the bird." Remember: the early bird gets the worm by just make sure it's not a robot. #DadLife (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Mar 11, 2017 at 10:02am PST

Spontaneous #MorningConsolingDrawingChallenge (a variation of the #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge* because when your little girl wakes up and one of her 🐟 is belly up, you spend time with her and draw whatever she asks). The request was a kitten riding a robot unicorn 🦄 that has rainbow 🌈 flatulence in space. (See iOS game RobotUnicornAttack) (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Feb 24, 2017 at 5:54am PST

Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge* "Something with an airplane" The backstory to why we have a miniature #AustrailianShepherd puppy with an #✈️ was that as a family we came exceptionally close to getting a puppy like this last night. Alas, it wasn't meant to be...just yet. 🐶 #DadLife (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Feb 13, 2017 at 9:47am PST

Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: A mumble-bee. "Buddy, why does he mumble?" "Because his mouth is tapped shut." "By who?" "Darth Vader." #DadLife (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Jan 9, 2017 at 10:07am PST

Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge* "Now make it in space because robots do better in space." Little known fact: robot sharks LOVE Christmas but have a hard time wrapping gifts...and floating ✂️ and tape doesn't help. #DadLife (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever the kid says in the time you have at lunch with them)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Dec 5, 2016 at 9:26am PST

"You see son, technology has allowed us the ability to share and respond faster than ever before in history–which can be an incredible thing. But sometimes, and especially during a political season, civility and common sense takes a beating. One of the most important things you can learn in life is how to disagree with someone without being a jerk. And to have a level of patience and understanding for those who have a perspective different than your own." Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge (draw whatever the kids request during lunch): something destructive (something destroying something) #DadLife

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Nov 7, 2016 at 9:41am PST

Crazy Hurricane Matthew. Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge (draw whatever the kids request during lunch): a crazy storm. #DadLife

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Oct 10, 2016 at 9:38am PDT

You would understand the shark's frustration in not catching this plane if you were ever a shark and spent all that time tying a tie. Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge (draw whatever the kids request during lunch): a shark jumping out of water trying to catch a plane. #DadLife

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Sep 12, 2016 at 9:47am PDT

Today's #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: A bear kite surfing with one hand...with one hand! #🖐🏻 #DadLife

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Aug 15, 2016 at 10:02am PDT

#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge A wizard riding a dinosaur throwing a fireball. Little known fact: 4 out of 5 wizards prefer triceratops over brontosaurus.

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Jul 8, 2016 at 9:45am PDT

Today's lunchtime drawing challenge: a cow driving an #IndyCar at the #Indy500. Driver: Heli-Moo Cowstranevas #DadLife ( #LunchtimeDrawingChallenge : draw whatever your kid tells you in the span of your lunchtime.)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on May 2, 2016 at 9:49am PDT

Added some formality to the simple request of a "T-Rex eating a plane". Mr. T-Rex #DadLife (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever your kid tells you in the span of your lunchtime.)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Mar 21, 2016 at 9:48am PDT

#PickleMusPrime as a lunchtime drawing challenge with my kid. Anything he thinks of I have the lunch break to draw. Today it was drawing Optimus Prime shooting a pickle gun. #DadLife #WeCanPickleThat #Portlandia? (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever your kid tells you in the span of your lunchtime.)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Feb 29, 2016 at 9:37am PST

#RoboSquirrel still has to work on a Monday (hence the tie). It's a bit of a challenge to draw whatever your kids say quickly on a lunch break, but it sure is fun. #DadLife (#LunchtimeDrawingChallenge: draw whatever your kid tells you in the span of your lunchtime.)

A post shared by Mike Miller (@mwmiller98) on Feb 1, 2016 at 9:59am PST

Ask A 4 Year Old Podcast

Out of the mouths of babes...
This little experiment was also inspired by my kids. The beautiful place where a human being is gaining just the right amount of confidence in expressing themselves verbally paired with the early stages of critical thinking...also know as being a 4 year old.

Enjoy.