Kim Fujiwara was born and raised on the northwest side of Detroit, Michigan. By first grade he was already in special art classes directed by his art teacher. He was known as “the kid who draws.” He says his influences were Marvel comic books, Monster movies, psychedelic rock posters, Creepy and Mad magazines. He did hallway art and special assignments for grade school and high school. He took second place in the state for the American Legion Poppy Poster contest in the 11th grade. He was determined to make art as a career and in 1975 he enrolled at the prestigious art school Center for Creative Studies/College of Art and Design (CCS) in Detroit. Some influences and inspirations during this time were American artists, Bernie Fuchs, David Grove, Norman Rockwell, Maxfield Parrish, Bob Peak, Gil Elvgren, Frank Frazetta, and French Impressionism. After graduating CCS in 1979, Kim worked at major art studios around the Detroit area and by the mid 80’s he was an instructor at CCS for 5 years teaching Illustration, Figure Illustration, and Illustration Techniques. In 1992, Kim started his own studio, Fujiwara Art, Inc. Kim’s artwork and portraits have appeared on national ads, book covers, editorials, magazine covers, CD covers, posters, brochures, billboards, annual reports, point-of-purchase, and children’s books. Several of his portraits have decorated the walls at the prestigious Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills and more recent works include over 30 portrait montages for Ford Motor Company’s NADA awards which can be viewed at world headquarters in Dearborn. Portraits of celebrities have included, Arnold Palmer, Isiah Thomas, Jack Nicholas, Henry Ford, George Kell, Ben Wright, Al Unser Jr., Hillary Clinton for the Washington Post, and a limited-edition print of Shaquille O’Neal. His work appears in several Native American children’s books including; Carlos Montezuma, Ishi, also Science Adventures/ Whales, and Italian Portraits. In 2003 Kim created a series of limited wine labels of Michigan for Cherry Creek Cellars. The art of Fujiwara has garnered several Gold and Silver Awards at the Annual Scarab Club Advertising Exhibits held in Detroit, honorable mention at Padzieski gallery in Dearborn, merit on Portfolio.com first on-line art show, a red ribbon at Birmingham’s “Our Town” exhibit, and a gallery spot on ovationtv.com. Kim has spent 30 years specializing in advertising illustration, editorial art, portraits, fine art, design, and concept presentations. Kim’s versatility to use several techniques and mediums are unmatched in the industry. He has had the privilege to work with several top Fortune 500 companies and some of the finest graphic designers, art directors, and publishers in the country. Kim currently works out of his home studio in Rochester Hills and plans to move to Arizona where he can pursue his creative passion and entrepreneurial spirit in the fine art market with paintings of Western and Native American Art, The American Woman, and commissioned art and portraits.