Michael Batista

Michael Batista – Designer

Illustrator drawing comics and designing covers for Oxford University Press for 12+ years. New York Book Award for Best Cover Design 2018.

Overview

Have 12+ years of experience in illustration working for renowned publishing company Oxford University Press. I excel at taking complex ideas and communicating them with simple visuals. Also have a strong sense for graphic storytelling. Ability to draw anything, but exceptional skill at rendering people and likenesses. Passionate about books and storytelling.

I illustrate digitally and would describe my art style as being simple, striking, and bold. My art is also strongly influenced by the world of comic books.

***also eligible for work outside of manuscripts***

Services
Fiction
Comics & Graphic Novels
Non-Fiction
Comics Non-Fiction True Crime
Languages
English
Awards
  • New York Book Award for Best Cover Design 2018
Certifications
  • Minor in Studio Art

Work experience

Oxford University Press

Sep, 2013 — Present
Illustrating a series of 13 educational comic books (New York Book Award winning CrimComics). Thoroughly research and gather references to communicate compelling visual ideas within the narratives. Other responsibilities include comic book type design, preparing press ready files, cover design/illustration, making copy edits, approving proofs, and adherence to production schedule and deadlines. Responsive to creative feedback and art direction. Complete art reiterations as needed.

N/A

Oct, 2019 — Present
Conceptualize, design, and management of all stages of exterior and interior of four independently published art books. Created more than 100 illustrations spanning three artist sketchbooks and one coloring book. Coloring book audience aimed at Middle Grade and Young Adults. Independently market each book release.

Portfolio

CrimComics Issue 8: Social Learning Theories

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
CrimComics Issue 11: Labeling Theory (Crimcomics, 11)

Gehring, Krista S.

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Michael Batista Sketchbook Vol. 2 (Michael Batista Art Books)

Batista, Michael

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Michael Batista Sketchbook Vol. 1 (Michael Batista Art Books)

Batista, Michael

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
CrimComics Issue 1: Origins of Criminology

Gehring, Krista S.

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management
Michael Batista Returns: Coloring Book (Michael Batista Art Books)

Batista, Michael

Cover Design Illustration Typography Book Interior Design Production Management

Michael has 23 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Izzy G.

Izzy G.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
Michael is an absolutely amazing artist to work with! They're incredibly talented, easy to talk to, and hardworking. Working on my piece, I had a vague idea of what I wanted. Michael was able to take even the most minute ideas I gave them and brought it to life in a way that went far above and ...
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Michael B.
Izzy was a treat to work with, and on top of that, his project is original and sounds fantastic! I feel like we have a lot in common and were on the same creative wavelength. They also completed mo...
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Yee-Ron C.

Yee-Ron C.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
Total honesty? Michael was fantastic and absolutely amazing. I'm a relatively unknown author/writer so Reedsy was one of the few places recommended to me to look for people to collaborate on what I needed. In this case, a cover art for my novel. In the past, I've encountered artists who overcha...
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Michael B.
Yee-Ron was a blast to work with! He came to the table knowing what he wanted and also willing to collaborate. Very laid back, but always has his eye on the prize. Excited to collaborate on his nex...
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Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Mar, 2024

Pinned
Absolute pleasure working with Michael .. the first of many projects im sure
Michael B.
Always enjoy connecting with like-minded creatives. Cheers to working on consecutive projects!
Patrick R.

Patrick R.

Nov, 2025

Michael is just brilliant and truly gifted. Collaborating with him was a dream. Gave him a photo of a prototype for cover artwork and in his first draft, he basically nailed it. The rest of the collaboration was just about colors and cleanup here and there. His communication is outstanding along...
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Stephanie M.

Stephanie M.

Nov, 2025

I cannot thank Michael B enough for doing 10 beautiful illustrations for my novel. I am so in love with them - will definitely recommend him to anyone looking for an artist. Michael's attention to detail is insane! I am super proud to showcase his work in my upcoming novel, and he should be super...
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Most recent contributions

How do you build and maintain strong client relationships to secure repeat work?

Ask thoughtful questions and be super responsive. Show them you know your stuff without overwhelming them. I've been fortunate to have several repeat customers on Reedsy. Have built some lasting creative relationships!

What steps do you take to ensure a character design is consistent across various scenes or projects?

Once I have the basic character design down, I tend to just run with it, peeking back at references as needed. Once I'm complete with the project, I'll review everything. Usually only requires minor tweaks to maintain consistency.

How did you find paid gigs at the beginning of your career?

Through all the means you might think. Back in the day, I did gallery art shows, hung out in the art scene, and tabled at art/craft fairs. Now I try to do these things in tandem with doing all the virtual stuff: having a professional website/portfolio and keeping active on social media. Even doin...
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