Hello! I’m Michael Francis a Native American Visual Development artist who has worked for clients like Sony/Columbia Pictures, the Bureau of Indian Affairs. I have achieved a BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts) in Visual Development from the Academy of Art University in the fall of 2022. My personal goal is to share my culture with my art.
resume
Bent Image Lab / Columbia Pictures
Harold and the Purple Crayon (August 2, 2024)
Color Key Artist - I provided stylized color keys in the projects style to aid the VFX Lighting Team to maintain consistency throughout the project. The style was cartoony, like a children’s book and utilized a simplified color palette, line art and lighting.
Freelance Work
2018 > Current
Illustration - I collaborated with a variety of clients to create personal illustrations either for their brand or for personal use. This inculded portraits, logos and spot illustrations.
Live Event Graphic Designer - I collaborated with a variety of clients to create graphics needed for live events, this included things like logos, t-shirts, posters and social media content. Most of these clients were commercial use.
Lunar Games
2019 > 2020
Freelance Character Designer and Cover Illustrator - I created characters for covers and spot illustrations for RPG Game Manuals, sold on DriveThruRPG.
Tandem Media LLC
Cosmic Feeling by Flamingosis (2021)
Character Designer - I designed characters and create turnaround in a Studio Ghibli anime style for a music video by artist, Flamingosis.
SCAD Animation
Under Your Skin (2019)
Concept Artist - I collaborated with students to work on a short film, Under Your Skin. I helped design props, backgrounds and characters. I also aided in the process of developing the story.
Retail
2018 > 2025
My combined experiences in the retail sector have provided me with the essential interpersonal skills required for a fast-paced, team-oriented job requiring I handle pressure, resolve conflicts, and adapt to evolving circumstances.
Apple - Retail Store Sales Specialist - October 2021 to April 2025
IKEA - Restocking/Merchandising Coworker - January 2021 to April 2021
Walmart - Overnight Stocker - October 2020 to December 2020
LEGO - Retail Store Brick Specialist - October 2019 to June 2020
Follett Bookstore - Ex-Libris Sales Associate - February 2018 to April 2019
Education
BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts) in Visual Development
Academy of Art University in San Francisco, School of Visual Development