Michael Petersen has coupled his fascination with speed and machines with creative art since his early childhood. At the age of nine, Petersen began creating motorcycle models to scale. At eleven, he began his first art class in junior high school and continued to develop as an artist throughout his formative years.

Petersen grew up in Ephrata, a small town in Eastern Washington. Petersen started riding at age four. It was one of his favorite activities with his father. Petersen has a lifetime love of riding, racing, mountain climbing, and photography. Although action and outdoor-related subjects have always been Petersen's passion, he has recently focused on the motorcycle scene because of his interest in sport, its incredible athletes, and the positive influence the sport has on youth and families.