Hi, I’m Emily Schwenk, a versatile illustrator and production designer who loves storytelling through visual design. I lead creative direction and layout for short-film projects and build sets and backgrounds with a mixture of traditional media and digital tools. I’ve directed teams, coordinated a 14-person crew, and helped complete dozens of backgrounds and minutes of stop-motion work on a tight timeline. Beyond film, I design sets and backgrounds, color scenes, and mentor volunteers to deliver cohesive visuals under pressure. I’m passionate about crafting vivid, accessible art that elevates stories for both youth programs and professional productions. I am determinedly compassionate and extend my professional love for the arts into every interaction.

Emily Schwenk

Hi, I’m Emily Schwenk, a versatile illustrator and production designer who loves storytelling through visual design. I lead creative direction and layout for short-film projects and build sets and backgrounds with a mixture of traditional media and digital tools. I’ve directed teams, coordinated a 14-person crew, and helped complete dozens of backgrounds and minutes of stop-motion work on a tight timeline. Beyond film, I design sets and backgrounds, color scenes, and mentor volunteers to deliver cohesive visuals under pressure. I’m passionate about crafting vivid, accessible art that elevates stories for both youth programs and professional productions. I am determinedly compassionate and extend my professional love for the arts into every interaction.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Emily Schwenk, a versatile illustrator and production designer who loves storytelling through visual design. I lead creative direction and layout for short-film projects and build sets and backgrounds with a mixture of traditional media and digital tools. I’ve directed teams, coordinated a 14-person crew, and helped complete dozens of backgrounds and minutes of stop-motion work on a tight timeline.

Beyond film, I design sets and backgrounds, color scenes, and mentor volunteers to deliver cohesive visuals under pressure. I’m passionate about crafting vivid, accessible art that elevates stories for both youth programs and professional productions. I am determinedly compassionate and extend my professional love for the arts into every interaction.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Co-director & Layout Supervisor at Claramé
August 1, 2024 - Present
Co-directed an 8-minute short film, serving as co-producer, layout supervisor, stop motion animation supervisor, set design & build, background paint, and animator. Maintained and scheduled a 14-person crew; directed and completed 66 background paintings and 3 minutes 25 seconds of stop-motion animation.
Visual Arts Director at Monsoon Youth Education Project
May 1, 2023 - July 31, 2023
Maintained oversight to all visual aspects of the youth production of Newsies Jr; oversaw set pieces for Little Mermaid Jr; oversaw costumes for Into the Woods Jr. Designed, constructed and painted over 25 high-quality set pieces including stage flies, rolling flats, scaffolding, and two 10' x 7' x 5' rolling, climbable wooden structures. Managed team of staff and volunteers to delegate tasks based on skills and experience to meet the 6-week deadline.
Visual Arts Director at Monsoon Youth Education Project
May 1, 2024 - July 31, 2024
Maintained oversight for visual aspects of youth productions; continued leadership for set pieces and costume design across multiple cycles.
Visual Arts Director at Monsoon Youth Education Project
May 1, 2025 - July 31, 2025
Oversaw visual elements for upcoming productions including set designs and construction for Youth projects.
Background Painter + Colorist at Jewel Sisters
January 1, 2025 - Present
Designed background grounds based on storyboard; utilized resources to master the film's style; painted 18 background grounds in an 8-week timeframe while maintaining a full-time student schedule.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Animation at Azusa Pacific University
August 1, 2022 - April 24, 2026

Qualifications

Background Artist
January 1, 2025 - April 30, 2025
Background Artist and Painter for short film https://youtu.be/HtUS17gd8dM?si=pvP0jITw7FxmXhHq
Short Film Co-Director
August 1, 2024 - May 2, 2026
7 minute 45 second short film utilizing a 2D animation and stop motion hybrid. I served as director, and supervisor of backgrounds and stop motion animation.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education
    paper Jewel Sisters

    This beautiful film directed by Kendall Hood was an opportunity for me to dive deep into my background painting skills.