Michael has been creating art, illustrations, and logos for design agencies, magazines, publishers, video directors, and video game makers from all over the world since 2000.

Michael Grills graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design and went directly to Bioware Corp. in Edmonton, getting hands-on experience making AAA story-driven RPGs. When his first son was born, he decided to move back home to Calgary so that he could raise his family in his hometown among their relatives.

He started illustrating independently and has enjoyed working as a production manager, art director, creative director, and illustrator. Currently, Michael spreads his time between painting at NVRLND, teaching Game Design and Art at Bow Valley College, and making his latest video game.

Artist Statement

I'm searching for the little moments.

The dolls I paint represent all the masks we wear and allow you to participate in the scene however you want, as an observer or as part of it. There are themes related to the moral lessons of fairy tales, the magic of the superhero costume, the objectivity of the burlesque dancers, and the elegance of the human figure. I continue to pursue my curiosity about the different forms our characters take, whether heroes, villains, friends, or family.

I work with various media, including digital, paint, watercolour, and found materials.