Available to hire
Hi, I’m Michael Mills, a concept artist and illustrator with over 12 years of experience in the entertainment industry. I specialize in visual development, world-building, and storytelling, blending classical and digital workflows to bring ideas to life. I enjoy collaborating in fast-paced studio environments and have a keen eye for design and draftsmanship.
I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting projects, from themed entertainment and VR games to award-winning TV productions. I also enjoy teaching and mentoring, currently instructing structural drawing at Sheridan College. I’m passionate about helping others develop their skills and creativity in illustration and concept art.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Beginner
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Structural Drawing Instructor at Sheridan College
January 1, 2025 - PresentDelivered instruction in perspective, structural drawing, and foundational techniques, emphasizing spatial depth, form, lighting, and composition. Led live demos on structure, proportion, and line economy. Provided individualized art direction and feedback to support creativity, observational skills, and precision.
Curriculum Development Consultant at Sheridan College
May 31, 2024 - July 9, 2025Assisted senior leadership with curriculum development for the themed entertainment design program. Led themed entertainment workshops showcasing current industry workflows and practices. Mentored students on 4th-year thesis project, providing feedback for Downsview ID8 Competition.
Senior Concept Artist at Lucky VR
February 28, 2023 - July 9, 2025Shipped title Pokerstars VR across PC, PSVR2, and Meta platforms. Created seasonal content updates in a live service ops environment for Pokerstars VR players. Worked with art leadership to develop concept art that defined the overall art direction for the game. Designed a variety of original concepts including characters, vehicles, environments, weapons, props, casino and sports book graphic applications.
Concept Artist/Matte Painter at Sinking Ship Entertainment
February 28, 2021 - July 9, 2025Researched visual references to support 3D, concept, and DMP artists. Participated in creation of concepts and storyboarding animatic sequences to pitch to producers and directors. Designed original illustrations for pre- and post-production including props, environments, CGI elements, DMP, characters, and graphical UI concepts. Created photo-realistic background matte paintings for camera projection and set extension in Nuke. Contributed to award-winning projects including Odd Squad Mobile Unit, Endlings, and Ghostwriter.
Themed Entertainment Concept Designer at FORREC
October 31, 2018 - July 9, 2025Designed characters, props, interior/exterior environment concepts, storyboarding, 3D modelling, POVs and architectural renderings. Art directed and mentored junior artists and freelancers to ensure project cohesion and execute the director’s vision. Collaborated with 3D team to help transfer concepts into Unreal engine for VR presentations. Worked with world-class theme-park clients and brands such as Universal Studios Beijing, Six Flags, Nickelodeon, Wanda Group, Chimelong Group, Ferrari World, and LEGOLAND.
Freelance Concept Artist at Scribblemills
January 1, 2012 - PresentProvided concept art, key visuals, and design solutions for film/TV, games, and themed entertainment projects. Collaborated with leads and directors to create storyboards, environments, characters, props, and pitch art. Adapted to various visual styles and tight production deadlines. Worked with notable clients including Heavy Cav Studios, Dashing.TV, Game’s A-Foot Productions, Creativiva Inc., and End Boss Games.
Graphic Design Intern at Chump Inc.
September 30, 2011 - July 9, 2025Designed branding, packaging, and visual updates for Chump Inc. website and exhibitions by Gary Taxali.
Education
Bachelors of applied arts: Illustration at Sheridan College
September 1, 2008 - May 18, 2012Visual and Digital Arts Diploma at Humber College
September 4, 2006 - May 23, 2008Business Administration: Marketing at Sheridan College
September 1, 2003 - May 27, 2005B.A.A. at Sheridan College
September 1, 2009 - December 31, 2012Diploma at Humber College
January 1, 2006 - December 31, 2008Diploma at Sheridan College
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2005Qualifications
CGMA: 3D for 2D Artists by Sergio Castaneda
August 24, 2023 - August 24, 2023Computer Graphics Master Academy: certificate #34288
Environment Design 2 Master Class by Gilles Beloeil
August 14, 2017 - August 14, 2017Computer Graphics Master Academy: Certificate #6677
Blender 3D for 2D Artists by Sergio Castaneda (CGMA)
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023Environment Concept Design 2 Master Class by Gilles Beloeil (CGMA)
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017Industry Experience
Computers & Electronics, Gaming, Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality
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