Michael Bast, the Art of Flavor

Since Michael Bast teamed up with Scott Hull Associate, this down to earth family man has come to be known as “the worlds greatest unknown artist”. He was a pioneer in the early field of digital art by being one of the first to move from a paintbrush to a mouse. His gallery is your refrigerator and pantry. Odds are, you have something he designed sitting on your kitchen counter right now. For being so “unknown”, he is actually very well known in your daily life.

He is on the advisory board for Painter software. Michael's signature style was honored when the industry bestowed the coveted Cleo award for a project he did for Kraft. Other satisfied clients include Proctor and Gamble, SC Johnson, Post, Oscar Mayer, Gerber, Gallo, Kellogg’s, Heinz, Rand McNally, Hidden Valley, Celestial Seasonings, Pepsi, Pampers, Clorox, and Wal-Mart. And these few clients listed are just the tip of his illustration iceberg.

Michael has been a forerunner in mastering digital emulation that honors and enhances traditional media while maintaining the versatility of the digital environment that clients expect. As Michael explains, "I can quickly accommodate a client's changes by making corrections in the same media that was used to paint the original, without compromising expression. The traditional illustrator using oils might require anywhere from several hours to several days to make the same correction." Michael's weighty portfolio is focused on food and product illustration rendered in a variety of styles and techniques, including acrylic, watercolor, woodcut, and technical airbrush. Clients often comment that his work does not have the artificial look of digital illustration but exudes the beauty of natural media. Michael says, "My goal is to draw and paint images that mirror the best of the past."

Winnie Edwards, creative director for Celestial Seasonings, eloquently praises Michael with the following quote: “Once again, it was an amazing experience working with you. Thank you so much for your collaborative spirit, your wonderful imagination, and your attention to detail. We appreciate you!”