Beginning in 2001, my career as a professional artist has included both in-house and independent roles within the worlds of fantasy and science fiction publishing. Over the years I've found myself in a variety of positions including lead designer, art director and freelance illustrator for top-tier game and book publishers. These experiences have helped to inform my body of work and act to support my understanding of the way that my contributions are incorporated into larger projects. 

As an illustrator and cartographer I've created a large number of pieces for publishers such as Wizards of the Coast, HarperCollins Publishing, and Inkle Studios. Of these, I'm most recognized for my development of environmental artwork and maps for the fantastical worlds of Dungeons & Dragons.

The love of storytelling and visual narrative are rich sources of inspiration and serve to compliment the formal elements of my work. As an illustrator, I aim to spark the viewer's imagination and provide them with seeds for further exploration within their own own minds eye. Creating artwork that is an evocative portal for the psyche is the most rewarding aspect of what I do and has provided a deep well of creative fulfillment over the years.

Partial Client List:

• Wizards of the Coast / Hasbro Games
• HarperCollins Publishing
• Inkle Studios
• Scholastic Books
• Little, Brown and Company
• Paizo Publishing
• ProFantasy Software
• Vorpal Games
• Privateer Press
• Sidhe Games
• The Mountaineers Books
• becker&mayer! Book Producers
• Launch Interactive
• Auction of Washington Wines

More of my work can be found at
http:/​/​www.​mikeschley.​com