Michael J. Auger

🎯 Snapshot

Michael J. Auger (pronounced O-’zhA, rhymes with “okay”) is an internationally recognized freelance illustrator, graphic designer, and offbeat fine-artist based in Rockville, Maryland.
With a career spanning more than 20 years, Michael creates bold, whimsical artwork featuring mythical beasts, quirky animals, and surreal characters — and brings the same creative spirit to commissioned design work, graphic illustration, and the full-color tarot deck, Allcento Tarot.

🧭 What He Brings to Uptales

• A distinctive visual voice combining color-rich graphic design and playful fine-art sensibility
• Expert facility in custom illustration, character design, branded graphics, and publishing
• Creative systems thinking — Allcento Tarot showcases his skill in merging symbolism, storytelling, and modern visual design
• Proven experience serving clients from universities to breweries to editorial publishers
• A dedication to craftsmanship: “offbeat” doesn’t mean sloppy — his work is bold, crisp, and imaginative

🛠️ Background & Experience

• 🎓 BFA, Columbus College of Art & Design (1998) — graduated on a merit scholarship
• 🎨 Founder of Auger Artwork Studios, serving as a full-time illustrator and designer since 2006
• 🃏 Creator of the Allcento Tarot Deck (U.S. Games Systems, 2025) — a 100-card deck expanding traditional tarot with zodiac and virtue cards
• 🖼️ Regular exhibitor of offbeat fine-art paintings featuring animals, monsters, and mythic characters
• 🧾 Clients include universities, breweries, bands, publishers, and small businesses across the U.S.
• 📍 Based in Rockville, Maryland, serving collectors and creative clients worldwide

🎨 Michael’s Artistic Philosophy

“If you can dream it, I can draw it.”

✅ Work With Michael On

• Commissioning custom illustration or character-driven visuals for books, games, or branding
• Designing graphic assets and creative campaigns with personality and purpose
• Exploring fine-art commissions — unique, bold, and conversation-starting
• Collaborating on tarot, tabletop, or storytelling-based art projects
• Receiving creative consultation on how to infuse imagery with narrative depth