Mike Miksche (1925–1964), widely known by his pen name Steve Masters, was an American artist active in the mid-twentieth century, known for his erotic illustrations. ^{[1] [2]}

Born as "David Leo Miksche," Miksche was raised in Texas but later relocated to New York City. ^{[3] [4]} He was of Czech ancestry and, having grown to a height of six foot three, became known for his formidable appearance. ^[4]

Miksche enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a flight captain. ^[1] After completing his service, he became a fashion illustrator. ^[2] In his professional life, Miksche drew advertising and commercial artwork for companies such as McGregor Sportswear. ^[5]

In the 1950s and 1960s, Miksche created erotic art under the pen name Steve Masters (and reportedly Scott Masters as well). ^{[1] [4]} Miksche chose his pen name in part for its initials, SM, which were a coded indication of his sexual interest in sadomasochism (otherwise known as S&M). ^[4] He depicted S&M in much of his art. ^{[1] [2]} His physique drawings and male nude drawings were featured in major gay publications such as Physique Pictorial and BIG Magazine. ^[5]

Miksche's friend Glenway Wescott described him as "a giant Paul Bunyan type, very strong, with a magnificent physique [and a] tyrannous, psychological sadism... He wanted to dominate everybody... was a terrific performer... [and] a showoff." ^[4]

Miksche met Alfred Kinsey in New York and guided him through the city's BDSM scene. ^[6] Kinsey introduced Miksche to Samuel Steward, and the three agreed to allow Kinsey to film Miksche and Steward engage in S&M sex acts for his eponymous institute. ^{[1] [4] [6]} Miksche and Steward's encounter was the first same-sex film shot by the Kinsey Institute. ^[4]

Miksche was prone to violence; on at least one occasion, he broke a lover's ribs. ^[4] According to Wescott, many in the S&M community feared Miksche, and some worried he might kill someone. ^[4] Kinsey similarly concluded Miksche was dangerous or unbalanced. ^[4]

Miksche died in 1964 after a long battle with depression. ^{[2] [5]} The cause of death is disputed. ^{[4] [5]} Miksche is reported to have committed suicide by jumping into the Hudson River. ^[4] However, according to Wescott, Miksche was rescued from the river and died of a drug overdose on a rooftop. ^[4] Whether this drug overdose was intentional or not is also disputed. ^[5]

Following Miksche's death, much of his art was destroyed by his ex-wife. ^[5] The Kinsey Institute and the Leather Archives & Museum hold most of Miksche's surviving art. ^{[2] [7]}

The Art of Steve Masters, a collection of Miksche's work, was published in octavo format circa 1970. ^[2] In 1972, Greenleaf Editions featured Miksche in A Historic Collection of Gay Art, which was republished in 2006 by Arsenal Pulp Press as Gay Art: A Historic Collection. ^[8]

A Canadian sex columnist named James uses Mike Miksche as his pen name. ^{[9] [10]}

The Kinsey Institute and the Leather Archives & Museum hold most of Miksche's surviving art. ^{[2] [7]}