Michael “Mynki” James Brennan
October 15, 2024
Peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, Michael “Mynki” James Brennan passed away on October 15th, 2024 in London, Ontario, shortly after celebrating his 50th birthday.
Forever loved by partner, Tanya Deaville; and stepson, Miles Carter. Proudly remembered by his parents, Joan and Terrance; his sister, Mary; and his uncle, Bill. Fondly remembered by Elaine, Jason & Kim; best friend, Justin; family dog, Lulu; several friends and extended family.
Born in Nepean, Ontario, Michael displayed a natural talent at a very young age when it came to drawing. Throughout his life it was not uncommon to find Mynki with a pencil and sketchbook in hand, honing his illustration skills. Initially, he completed an education in Graphic Design at Algonquin College, and later returned to the same school to pursue a diploma in Animation.
Not too long after graduation, Mynki moved to London, Ontario to begin his career as an artist at Digital Extremes (DE). Here, his talent stood out and he quickly became the Art Director on a few of the company’s projects. In 2012, Mynki was given the opportunity at DE to work with a small team to develop the artistic style and art direction for the video game, Warframe. His ability to dream up truly weird, wonderful creatures and worlds helped the project become a great success for the studio. Mynki’s work on Warframe was his professional crowning accomplishment where his ideas, influence and artwork can still be found to this day. In 2016, he left DE to pursue his own interests and happily illustrated two book covers for Hardcore Gaming’s guides to shmups and also took time to create a cute, little indie game called “Animals in Buildings”.
Michael was a brilliant, humble artist with a gentle and kind soul. He loved video games – mainly shmups, RPGs and retro platformers. He voraciously read any art book, comic or graphic novel that piqued his interest, and he loved listening to music. In Mynki’s memory, we invite you to take some time to look at a handful of the things that inspired him most: Artists Moebius, Katsuya Terada and Takayuki Takeya; Novelist Gene Wolfe; and his favourite movies “The Thing”, “Alien” and most Studio Ghibli films.
Michael had a quiet resolve which allowed him to valiantly fight a battle against cancer for the past several years. We would like to thank Dr. Vincent’s team at LHSC and Dr. Achtar & Rosalyn for keeping Michael comfortable during this time, as it gave him the chance to pursue his passions right up until the very end.
Cremation has been entrusted to Northview Funeral Chapel with plans for a small, family gathering to take place at a later date.
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Thank you, Micheal. I never met you but I'm forever grateful to you. Warframe wouldn't be Warframe without you. The first time I saw your art, it caught my attention and heart right away to this very day. <3
I'll always remember the way he held his chin with his hand, tapping it with his finger and barely closing his eyes looking up, each time you asked him a complicated question. And at this point you knew that the answer would be very helpful. He often used the word "neat", a word that I never really heard. Since then I started to use it as it is a pretty neat word. His love for art and his knowledge were infinite. We used to ask him anything and he'll know about it for sure. Even in French he was really knowledgeable, but he was a bit too timid to speak it. One of those rare people with so much love and peace in his heart, a true example that we should all follow. He will always have a special place in our hearts. <3
I never met Mynki or even communicated with him, but I feel like I need to express my gratitude for the amazing artwork he created during his life. He truly is a legend. I might never have known you or you me, but you will live on in your art forever. Love from Sweden!
I don't even know where to begin. So many of us artists currently at and formerly from DE, including myself wouldn't be where we are or have become the artists we are today without the impact of Mynki on our lives. His influence lit a fire in those that came into contact with him and his work to challenge the mainstream and the expected - to push beyond into something unique, bizarre and original. He was a man often of few words but would speak volumes with his bold, unique vision for design and Warframe wouldn't have become to game it is today without the foundation he created. With his bold choice of style for Warframe, Mynki successfully attained something that many artists and art directors strive to achieve: not to find a watered-down middle ground that evokes a lack of opinion due to its inoffensiveness, but create a unique vision that evokes a distinct, strong emotion from its audience whether it be positive or negative. It's for this reason that Warframe has such a recognizable visual identity and serves as a testament to Mynki's vision as an artist and director. His unapologetically authentic love for his work came through clearly and resonated with so many and he will not be forgotten by the peoples who's lives he has touched and changed. Godspeed Mynki.
So much of your art has been an inspiration to me. So many of your designs are why I fell in love with Warframe and why I'm an artist today. I'm so thankful for what you've contributed. Your designs inspired me to dream and you will continue to be an inspiration. I hope to give something back to the world as you gave inspiration to me. I hope you rest easy. Thank you.
Your vision for Warframe made me fall in love with the game, thanks to the unique and remarkable style you brought to it. You were a cornerstone and inspired so many with your art. We will always remember you.
May you Rest in peace and condolences to the family, as a US Army Vet, i thank your contributions to warframe and making what it is today, may your soul be in eternal peace with the lord
One of many Warframe players here. Michael has made such an impact in this community, and his concepts and contributions are nothing short of stunning. My support and prayers go to you all. Michael's light will continue to shine brightly over here for many years to come.
LEGEND. Your work will be immortalize in warframe. Rest knowing that you have done something great!
As a freshman in high school in 2012, I was completely captivated by Mynki's work, and I owe the continued development of my skills and creative passions to him. His creativity served as a launchpad for my own, and I can only hope to carry an echo of his imagination forward in my own work. Rest easy.
A brilliant man who's legacy inspired a lot of people and attracted players like me to Warframe through his art. My deepest condolences to his friends and family. Thank you for everything; you will be dearly missed.
He is one of the great staff members who has helped Warframe grow so much. Thank you.
Sincerest condolences.
I am a stranger to Mynki and his family, but his work will be remembered and known to all, worldwide. He will be missed. Not just as a great artist, but also as a great dad, a great husband, I'm sure. Rest well, Mynki. Cancer be damned.
Mynki's work has inspired countless artists and creatives, and millions of players worldwide. He will be sorely missed by the gaming community, but he will live on in his creations and continue to inspire for many years to come. To the family, please know that you are in the hearts and prayers of many people all around the world during this most difficult time.
I will always remember Mynki as a someone who was humble and welcoming and I appreciated how someone so soft-spoken could carry such a large... pencil/stylus. Condolences to his family. I will take time to reflect and appreciate how powerful and far-reaching his influence is in our shared world of games.
My condolences to Mynki's loved ones. Mynki has reached millions of people all over the world through his art, he will forever be part of those lives he touched. A positive influence for so, so many. Rest in peace, Mynki.
I'm very sad to hear about Mynkis passing. He was a wonderful talent and a lovely person. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Thank you for everything, the look of Warframe is the most unique thing in the industry.
My Condolences to Mynki's friends and family. I've been a big fan of his art and the worlds he created in Warframe it won't be the same without him.
My condolences to Mynki’s family and loved ones, I had the pleasure of working with him for many years and always loved talking with him about his art and inspirations, and will never forget the custom ring design he re-made when my partner at the time had lost her original. He always went beyond in everything he did. He was truly one of the kindest people you could ever have the pleasure of being around, I will miss that quiet laugh and subtle smirk.
Our deepest condolences to Tanya and Miles, family and friends. Not only was Mynki a wonderful artist that helped build the foundation of DE; but he was a quiet thoughtful, friendly person with a kind smile when ever we met. Always there for guidance and help when needed. His skill was unmatched and was a core pillar on the team. Although he moved on from DE his fingerprints will last forever. Karen and I were blessed to have known him. Mike and Karen Janes
My deepest condolences to all friends and family. Mynki's art is an inspiration to many, myself included. Your work on Warframe is, without a doubt, what captured so many people's attention when we stepped out into the Origin System for the first time, and arguably what kept so many of us coming back. You will be sorely missed by all of us, Tenno or otherwise.
~ A Drifter