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.

[4] Miksche enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a flight captain.

[2] In his professional life, Miksche drew advertising and commercial artwork for companies such as Sports Illustrated.

[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).

[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...

[2][8] The Art of Steve Masters, a collection of Miksche's work, was published in octavo format circa 1970.

Jen Jackson Quintano, Miksche's great-niece, wrote of him:[6]He felt everything intensely, whether it be love or pain, curiosity or revulsion.