Michael Bigos shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Michael, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes for me involve praying, meditating on what in the now/what’s ahead, A Walk then, Coffee & Conversation with my wife. This is if we both awake early enough, LOL
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Michael K. Bigos, a digital designer with 25 years of experience helping organizations bring clarity and confidence to their brands. I’m the founder of Mantle Branding, a consultancy dedicated to guiding small businesses and non-profits through the often-overwhelming world of branding. What makes Mantle unique is that we don’t just focus on logos or visuals—we dig deep into strategy, story-telling, identity, and messaging so businesses can launch or scale with a clear and compelling presence in the marketplace.
Most recently, I became an author with the release of my book, “Branding That Works: The No B.S., All In Guide To Building Your Brand for Success; Without the Fluff or the Pricey Pros”. It’s a practical, straight-talking resource built from real-world experience, designed to help aspiring, new and current business owners cut through the noise, avoid common pitfalls, and create a brand that truly helps them get noticed and grow in the marketplace.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I wouldn’t say it was just one defining moment, but rather a series of experiences that shaped a worldview in me—one that craved possibility and a break from the status quo. Growing up as an “Army brat,” I quickly noticed the rigidness of that life, a world built around rules, order, and limits.
As I matured, I realized I saw opportunity where others simply accepted, “that’s just the way it is.” Patterns became clear to me: while I respected structure and boundaries, I also recognized where rules could be bent, reimagined, or rewritten to create a better experience of the world. That perspective didn’t always go over well, but it became impossible for me to shake.
Even today, I still catch myself thinking: I can help. I can make this better. I can do it differently—either because it should be, or because it hasn’t been done yet.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
It may sound counterintuitive, but I have to be honest—the thought of being too successful has frightened me at times. Looking back, I can recall moments where I intentionally held back. The questions would creep in: If I gained too many clients or became too busy, what would that level of success demand of me? Would I have to change who I am? Would I need to give up certain things, certain people, or completely alter the way I work to keep up?
To some, that fear might sound ridiculous, but for me, it was a very real apprehension. In the world of creative services, business often comes in ebbs and flows—you never truly know when the next client will call. One quarter you might feel on top of the world, and the next you’re staring down the uncertainty of a drought. That unpredictability made the thought of sustained success feel just as daunting as failure.
In all honesty, I believe that tension—the fear of losing myself to success—has, at times, held me back personally.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Ah, this is a great question. For me, there are several influences that have shaped who I am and how I work. First and foremost, I rely on my faith—the teachings of the many authors found in the Bible. These truths shaped my approach to life and my way of moving in the world from as early as age sixteen.
Beyond faith, I’ve been inspired by industry leaders such as Chris Do, Simon Sinek, and Blair Enns—authors, speakers, and thinkers whose experiences, perspectives, and philosophies on leadership, creative and marketing services have deeply influenced me. Each of them offered insights that affirmed my own thinking while challenging me to refine my craft as a brand consultant and designer. Their guidance, combined with my personal experiences, has helped me develop a unique voice and approach that is entirely my own.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will remember a guy who cared. A guy who cared enough to lace up, pick up a shovel and dig with the world he lived in. Respectfully, I refer to the work of design as a service. I’ve spent so many hours designing for businesses or people who I just wanted to see their ‘thing’ be better-represented in the marketplace. I did it for free so many times and still do when I can. Remember me for wanting to make the experience better! Remember me as a man who saw the potential in most things and people – sometimes to a fault. Remember me for the love I have for design as a real way to bridge the gap between ignorance and understanding; people and things; places and people, etc., etc. For me, design began as something I thought just needed to look good. I learned along the way, design is much more than that – it must work, and when it works and looks good, people are delighted. Remember me for helping to bring delight to people using design.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mantlebranding.com
- Instagram: @mantle_brand
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkbigosjr
- Twitter: @MichaelKBigos
- Facebook: @michaelkbigos
- Other: Branding that Works Book >> https://www.mantlebranding.com/branding-that-works-book
Online Portfolio (Misc) >> https://www.behance.net/michaelbigosonline
