About Michael

Michael Grills is a Canadian-based narrative painter exploring modern and tribal themes through figurative dolls, our first social toys.

Michael has been creating art, illustrations, and logos for design agencies, magazines, publishers, video directors, and video game makers worldwide since 2000.

Michael Grills graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design and went directly to BiGoWare Corp. in Edmonton, gaining hands-on experience making AAA, story-driven Role-Playing Games, which gives him a solid artistic foundation.

When his first child was born, he decided to move back to Calgary to raise his family in his hometown among their relatives

He started working independently and has enjoyed serving as a production manager, art director, creative director, and illustrator.

Artistic Statement

The dolls I paint represent all the masks we wear, and they let you participate in the scene however you want. You can be an observer or imagine yourself taking part.

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.

Photograph of Michael's Studio with Art in it.

CV

Career:

2007 - Current: Artist and Illustrator for both public and private engagements. Clients include Google, Sirius XM, Honda, Virgin, City of Calgary and many entertainment and corporate clients.
2000 - 2026: Video Games Artist

Awards:

2014: Applied Arts: Gold - Illustration
2026: Stampede Art Show: 1st Place Acrylic Painting, 3rd Place - Painting Overall

Education:

2000: Bachelor of Fine Arts | Alberta College of Art and Design

Exhibitions:

2026: Becon Original Art | Group | Calgary
2026: Calgary Stampede | Group | Calgary
2025: Nvrlnd | Group | Calgary
2025: Ill Fated Customs | Calgary
2024: The Eden Bistro | Solo | Calgary
2023: Nvrlnd | Group | Calgary
2023: The Eden Bistro | Solo |Calgary
2023: Memories and Dreams Group Show | Alberta Society of Artists | Juried | Alberta
2022: Group Show | Dabster Arts Gallery | Los Angeles
2022: The Songs Not Over | Solo | Nvrlnd Boutique | Calgary
2022:Peoples Portrait Prize | Group | Calgary
2022: Motion | Online Show | Art Fluent | Juried
2018: RAW Artists | Calgary
2017: Timeraiser150 Group Show and Sale | Calgary
2015: Show Case 100 | London UK
2014: Art Battle Canada | Calgary
2010: Solo Show – Interesting People | Endeavour Arts Gallery, Calgary

Residencies:

2016 – 2017: Calgary Board of Education School Residency | Created Monster Yearbook.

Commissions:

2018: Marda Loop BIA: Banner Art | Public Art
2018: Re:Grub Indoor Mural | Private Commission
2018: Cult – 2nd Floor Outdoor Mural | Private Commission
2018: City of Calgary – Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre | Public Art
2017: EMMEDIA – Memorial Park Library Projection-Mapping | Public Art
2017: Re:Grub Mural – Indoors Edmonton | Private Commission
2016: Armour Block Window Installation - City of Calgary | Public Art
2016: Ridership Campaign Bus and C-Train Wrap - City of Calgary | Illustration Commission
2015: Re:Grub Mural – Outdoor Calgary | Private Commission

Jury Panel:

2023: AUArts Student Show
2022: West Hillhurst Community Association
2018: Artists Working in Community
2017: City of Calgary

Media:

2016: “The Spark and the Art” Podcast
2015: Avenue “What is True Happiness?”
2015: Behance Illustration Spotlight
2014: Pencil Kings Podcast Interview

Public Speaking/Teaching:

2026 - Current: Art Instructor - In Art Studio
2025 - Current: Instructor - Bow Valley College
2016 – 2021: Instructor – University of Calgary Continuing Education | Digital Art Tools
2015: Alberta College of Art and Design | Illustration and Art
2013: Alberta College of Art and Design | Illustration and Art
2008: Calgary Expo | Art
2006: Grande Prairie Regional College | Illustration and Art