The Art & Design of
Michael Foster

art direction, writing, graphic design, digital illustration & more

Like a ghost playing the saxophone, this is where imagination comes to play. Ready for an adventure in art & design? Let’s go!

The Art & Design of
Michael Foster

art direction, writing, graphic design, digital illustration & more

Like a ghost playing the saxophone, this is where imagination comes to play. Ready for an adventure in art & design? Let’s go!

a new Japan-entertainment podcast

“Showtime at Japan Expert Insights” is an exciting new podcast that brings listeners up close and personal with the leading figures of Japan’s dynamic industries, from technology and business to entertainment and culture. Each episode features live interviews with top Japanese professionals, offering insider perspectives and expert commentary on the latest trends and innovations shaping the nation.

the big art show

“Hello, I Must Be Going: A Retrospective” is an immersive art show that delves into the complexities of living in an era defined by information overload and misinformation. The exhibition brings together a collection of works that explore the emotional toll of navigating a world saturated with conflicting narratives, relentless headlines, and the constant bombardment of digital noise. Come to the show on June 21st, 2 to 5pm at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre.

The New Film

In the spirit of award-winning indie romantic comedy/dramas from the early 2000’s, From Chicago to Osaka is a screenplay written for the modern era. With fast-paced ping pong comedic dialogue in both English and Japanese, From Chicago to Osaka is the quintessential date movie for adults looking for something smart, sophisticated, and highly entertaining.

What’s it about?

Dylan Davis, an artist with PTSD from a recent trauma, heads to Osaka for an upcoming art show where he falls in love with a spirited Japanese woman with an unfaithful fiancé.

Design Portfolio

The Design Portfolio

Michael’s experience in graphics, marketing, illustration, and video production fills an essential need in advertising agencies, printing companies, and design firms.

Some of the clients Michael has worked with include: Microsoft, US-Japan Business Council, JW Merc, Reliance Accounting, PepsiCo, RAINN (co-founded by Tori Amos & Sarah McLaughlin), Chicagoland Speedway, Richard Shay Photography, The British Embassy in the United States, Ben Hollis Worldwide, and Aphex. In addition, his previous television work has gained the interest of major studios such as Dreamworks SKG.

You’ll Like Mike

Michael is an artist, designer, writer, and communications expert. Most of the stuff you’ll find on this site belongs to him.

Michael works with clients around the globe on a wide variety of creative projects. He is also an accomplished painter, photographer, and videographer with over two decades of experience. He turns your vivid imagination into reality, simple as that.

Michael is also a professional writer and journalist. In the past, he has blogged for the Huffington Post, Éclat International, and Psychology Today.

Latest News

Making the film Crosspoint

This week, we welcome Donie Ordiales and Sho Ikushima—two dynamic voices in contemporary Japanese cinema. The duo will delve into their latest collaboration, Crosspoint—a gripping 2024 Philippine-Japanese action thriller. They’ll take us behind the [...]

The Life of a Japanese/Filipino Actor in Tokyo

This week, we have Kei Kurosawa, a Filipino-Japanese actress, singer-songwriter, dancer, and content creator. She is known for the Japanese indie horror film, The Red Dress (2023), the Filipino youth-oriented series, Zoomers (2024), and the [...]

In Person: An Interview with Jun’ichi Yasuda & Yuno Sakura

We are thrilled to share that Michael recently sat down with director Jun'ichi Yasuda and actress & assistant director Yuno Sakura to discuss their breakout film A Samurai in Time (侍タイムスリッパー)—a fantasy comedy that has [...]

How to Direct, Produce and Distribute Japanese Movies

This week, we have Chiaki Yanagimoto, a Japanese-born, Los Angeles-based producer. After producing a series of genre films, Chiaki switched gears to documentaries, including “KAMPAI! For the Love of Sake,” which premiered at the San [...]

A Lifelong Journey Through Japanese Cinema

Mark Schilling is a reporter, critic, and author who specializes in Japanese films and popular culture. Since 1989, Mark has been a regular film critic for The Japan Times and has covered the Japanese film [...]

“There is something endlessly fascinating about the work we do. It involves so many various mediums, from graphic design to video production. You have to know what you’re doing, and that takes years. This will be my third decade in the arts. It’s wonderful to readily know what works and doesn’t work in a countless number of situations. And now we have the data to back up those instincts if we can accurately read what the data tells us.”

people and places Michael’s worked with…