INFO
Michelle Ku is an artist living in Mohkinstsis/Calgary. Inspired by her personal healing journey, the mind-body-spirit connection, & childhood memories, Michelle likes to create art for her younger self. Mainly working with acrylic paint and traditional materials, her practice spans across animation, illustration, murals, and sculpture. Michelle has worked with organizations and clients including The National Film Board of Canada, Cartoon Network, CBC Arts, YYC BUMP, and FX Networks. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Graphic Design from Central Saint Martins.
For new projects, commissions, questions, or to say hi please email: michellekukuinc@gmail.com
CV

SELECT Exhibitions
Harman Projects - Red Envelope Show - New York, USA (2025)
Local Gallery & Books - Small Wonders Group Show - Tokyo, Japan (2024)
Arts Commons - Ledge Gallery Exhibition - Calgary, Canada (2024)
Visions x Pixiv - Firefly AGC Festival Group Exhibition - Guangzhou, China (2024)
World Illustration Awards - 2023 Touring Group Exhibition - Across the UK & China (2024)
Harman Projects - Red Envelope Show - New York, USA (2024)
Grey Studio LA - Spaceboi Custom Toy Show - Los Angeles, USA (2024)
WOW x WOW Gallery - Higher Frequencies Group Show (2023)
Giant Robot - Submerged Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2023) 
Giant Robot - Fruits & Veggies Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2023) 
BLK Gallery - Solo Show - New York, USA & Tokyo, Japan (2023)
Breadmkr - Solo Show - Calgary, Canada (2023)
Giant Robot - Neko Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2023) 
Giant Robot - Totoro Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2022) 
Giant Robot - Post-it Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2022)
Contemporary Calgary - BUMP Cinematheque Group Show - Calgary, Canada (2022)
Giant Robot - Deep Forest Group Show - Los Angeles, USA (2022)

clients & Past work experience
Cartoon Network, National Film Board of Canada, Writer's Union of Canada, CBC Arts, 
BUMP Festival, Golden Wolf, FX Networks, Atomic Cartoons, Blink Ink,
First Generation Films, Strange Beast, Calgary Arts Development

Residencies & Apprenticeships
Arts Commons - RBC Emerging Visual Artist's Residency - Calgary, Canada (2024) 
National Film Board Of Canada - Hothouse 14 - Montreal, Canada (2023)
Stride Gallery - Summer Studio Residency - Calgary, Canada (2023)
cSpace Eau Claire - Stories of Exclusion Residency - Calgary, Canada (2023)

awards
Director's Guild of Canada - Best Direction in a Short Film Award - Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival (2024)
World Illustration Awards - Highly Commended - Exploration, Professional Category (2023)

Publications
Booooooom - Care Photo & Art Book (2024)
Pixiv - Vision's 2024 Illustrator's Book (2023)
Pixiv - Vision's 2023 Illustrator's Book (2022)

Education
Central Saint Martins - BA Graphic Design, Moving Image (2017)