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Michael Scanlon is an accomplished creative director, illustrator, and character designer. As longtime art director for Sesame Street (HBO Max & PBS), Michael was responsible for the visual development of all new animated content across all platforms including: Monster At The End of the Story, Elmo’s Wonderful World, Abby’s Amazing Adventures. His work has garnered both Daytime Creative Emmy Awards and Clio Awards. He has a body of work that spans over sixteen years in children’s media and includes clients such as Nickelodeon (Wonder Pets!, Wallykazam, Shimmer & Shine), Disney Junior (Pupstruction, Small Potatoes), The Dodo (Rescue Babies), Amazon Studios, BBC, and Fremantle Media. Most recently he developed the look and oversees the animation of Tab Time for YouTube Originals.…Michael Scanlon is an accomplished creative director, illustrator, and character designer. As longtime art director for Sesame Street (HBO Max & PBS), Michael was responsible for the visual development of all new animated content across all platforms including: Monster At The End of the Story, Elmo’s Wonderful World, Abby’s Amazing Adventures. His work has garnered both Daytime Creative Emmy Awards and Clio Awards. He has a body of work that spans over sixteen years in children’s media and includes clients such as Nickelodeon (Wonder Pets!, Wallykazam, Shimmer & Shine), Disney Junior (Pupstruction, Small Potatoes), The Dodo (Rescue Babies), Amazon Studios, BBC, and Fremantle Media. Most recently he developed the look and oversees the animation of Tab Time for YouTube Originals.

Mike Scanlon

Creative Director, Art Director, Illustrator, +2

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Michael Scanlon is an accomplished creative director, illustrator, and character designer. As longtime art director for Sesame Street (HBO Max & PBS), Michael was responsible for the visual development of all new animated content across all platforms including: Monster At The End of the Story, Elmo’s Wonderful World, Abby’s Amazing Adventures. His work has garnered both Daytime Creative Emmy Awards and Clio Awards. He has a body of work that spans over sixteen years in children’s media and includes clients such as Nickelodeon (Wonder Pets!, Wallykazam, Shimmer & Shine), Disney Junior (Pupstruction, Small Potatoes), The Dodo (Rescue Babies), Amazon Studios, BBC, and Fremantle Media. Most recently he developed the look and oversees the animation of Tab Time for YouTube Originals.…Michael Scanlon is an accomplished creative director, illustrator, and character designer. As longtime art director for Sesame Street (HBO Max & PBS), Michael was responsible for the visual development of all new animated content across all platforms including: Monster At The End of the Story, Elmo’s Wonderful World, Abby’s Amazing Adventures. His work has garnered both Daytime Creative Emmy Awards and Clio Awards. He has a body of work that spans over sixteen years in children’s media and includes clients such as Nickelodeon (Wonder Pets!, Wallykazam, Shimmer & Shine), Disney Junior (Pupstruction, Small Potatoes), The Dodo (Rescue Babies), Amazon Studios, BBC, and Fremantle Media. Most recently he developed the look and oversees the animation of Tab Time for YouTube Originals.

Available to hire

Michael Scanlon is an accomplished creative director, illustrator, and character designer. As longtime art director for Sesame Street (HBO Max & PBS), Michael was responsible for the visual development of all new animated content across all platforms including: Monster At The End of the Story, Elmo’s Wonderful World, Abby’s Amazing Adventures. His work has garnered both Daytime Creative Emmy Awards and Clio Awards. He has a body of work that spans over sixteen years in children’s media and includes clients such as Nickelodeon (Wonder Pets!, Wallykazam, Shimmer & Shine), Disney Junior (Pupstruction, Small Potatoes), The Dodo (Rescue Babies), Amazon Studios, BBC, and Fremantle Media. Most recently he developed the look and oversees the animation of Tab Time for YouTube Originals.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Editorial Illustration

Intermediate

Logo

Intermediate

Work Experience

Freelance Creative Director / Art Director at Freelance

January 1, 2015 - Present

Lead creative direction across animated series, children’s brands, and original IP, guiding projects from concept through final delivery. Direct and mentor teams of designers and animators, establishing cohesive character, background, and visual development systems. Partner with studios, producers, and writers to shape storytelling through design, tone, and world-building. Develop branded content, social campaigns, and publishing assets across digital and physical formats.

Lead Designer, Animation Department at Sesame Workshop

January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2021

Led design for animated content within a globally recognized children’s brand. Oversaw character and background pipelines ensuring consistency across storytelling and educational goals. Collaborated with writers, animators, and producers to deliver cohesive visual experiences.

Art Director at Apple TV+ / Snowflake Films

January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023

Directed visual style of animated production from development through production. Managed and mentored design teams and interns while maintaining asset quality. Partnered with production and story teams to support narrative clarity and tone.

Creative Director at Tab Time (YouTube Originals)

January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2025

Led creative direction for all 2D animated segments, defining visual language and animation style. Oversaw character, background, and animation execution across a team of artists. Contributed to a series recognized with multiple Children’s Emmy nominations. Collaborated closely with production teams to deliver engaging content for young audiences.