Mike Venezia was born on June 8, 1945 in New York City. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. He was the executive art director and vice president at Leo Burnett Company for 33 years. He retired to work full time on his books and videos. He started his writing career back in 1978, when he authored and illustrated books for Childrens Press. His books include the Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists series, Getting to Know the World's Greatest Composers series, Getting to Know the U.S. Presidents series, and Getting to Know the World's Greatest Inventors and Scientists series.