As of May 2025, I have graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration with a concentration in Visual Development. I am currently participating in mentorship programs with Women in Animation and the Concept Art Association to tailor my portfolio for breaking into the industry as an entry-level concept artist or designer.

Sami D. Shade

As of May 2025, I have graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration with a concentration in Visual Development. I am currently participating in mentorship programs with Women in Animation and the Concept Art Association to tailor my portfolio for breaking into the industry as an entry-level concept artist or designer.

Available to hire

As of May 2025, I have graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration with a concentration in Visual Development. I am currently participating in mentorship programs with Women in Animation and the Concept Art Association to tailor my portfolio for breaking into the industry as an entry-level concept artist or designer.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Concept Artist at Luxark Studio
June 1, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Work autonomously to generate and communicate concept designs through 2D sketching, color keys, and mood boards between a small cross-functional team on contracted projects, resulting in client satisfaction.
Visual Development Artist at Ringling College of Art and Design
August 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025
Coordinated and designed a thesis project that aligned with graduation requirements set by the Department of Illustration. Executed thorough historical research and analysis to establish setting and compose a story pitch. Developed innovative visual solutions for characters, props, environments, and illustrations that resulted in a complete pitch deck for an animated feature film or series production.
Character Design Mentor at Caleb Staker (Remote)
June 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Created character designs for an animated adaptation of The Nutcracker based on industry-level feedback.
Fashion Designer at Fresco
October 1, 2022 - December 1, 2022
Conceptualized and constructed an outfit made of upcycled materials; raised awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
Focus Forward Fellow at Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University
July 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025
Focus Forward Fellow (Hybrid). Received 1-on-1 mentoring from career professionals; collaborated with a cohort of women students on projects and seminars aimed at developing interpersonal and professional skills.
VA Resource Liaison at Center of Diversity and Inclusion, Sarasota
October 1, 2023 - May 1, 2025
Supported student veterans and dependents registered with Ringling College and provided veteran-specific cultural competency training; hosted a dance collaboration with the Veterans Club as part of a community outreach initiative.
Youth Experiencing Art (YEA) Co-Teacher at Wilkinson Elementary, Sarasota
August 1, 2022 - May 1, 2023
Provided character- and botany-focused art instruction aligned with K-12 learning outcomes; compiled and designed a sensory garden journal featuring student artwork.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Illustration with Visual Development at Ringling College of Art and Design
January 1, 2021 - May 1, 2025

Qualifications

Woodshop authorization and sculpture fabrication qualification
January 11, 2030 - December 14, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services