Public portfolio: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ *Private portfolios available upon serious request. Currently, I work in the development space on animated TV shows and films and as a character designer, storyboard artist and illustrator for a variety of projects including books, website branding and board games. Working in this area allows the ability to develop and direct my own projects, using hybrid skills including script writing, storyboarding, designing, team management and a passion for storytelling with heart. With a diverse career that spans 10+ years, I am passionate about creating for high profile animated, live action and illustrated projects. I have worked with a global clients and companies like Adobe, Atomic Cartoons, Aardman, JAM Media, StudioCanal, Cheeky Little Media plus more. Outside of creative endeavours, I mentor emerging talent through Women in Animation and have taught at universities such as JMC Academy and Swinburne University. I am a 2019 Griffith University animation graduate and have trained at Aardman Academy with Aardman Animations, focussed on stop motion animation and character model making. This allowed me to build on my strengths in pre production. Using concept sketches, Adobe and procreate programs enables me to push boundaries of the possible, create new realities & bring alive unique and strong stories with maximum impact. Writing, illustrating and publishing my first book aged fourteen (The Story of Doris Cummiski) showed me the power of connecting with an audience by bringing a story to life through storytelling and character development. Since 2014, I have learned the value of collaboration by working with multiple companies and individuals. I have been educated in Ireland, Switzerland, Australia & UK. This background has shaped my identity and influenced my work. My strengths : * ability to translate words into images * Idea machine! Ability to ideate and communicate * international & national work * focussed & determined * capture emotions * effective time management * interpersonal skills * adaptable & flexible * highly collaborative * enthusiastic, curious & creative * global mindset * innovative approach to storytelling & character design My values : Committed, art that speaks, integrity, achievement, innovation, languages, learning, imagination Open for work in short term/freelance capacity in illustration, IP development and production spaces, please get in touch if you would like to collaborate via Linkedin or email _Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_

SammiZaleskiArt

Public portfolio: _Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_ *Private portfolios available upon serious request. Currently, I work in the development space on animated TV shows and films and as a character designer, storyboard artist and illustrator for a variety of projects including books, website branding and board games. Working in this area allows the ability to develop and direct my own projects, using hybrid skills including script writing, storyboarding, designing, team management and a passion for storytelling with heart. With a diverse career that spans 10+ years, I am passionate about creating for high profile animated, live action and illustrated projects. I have worked with a global clients and companies like Adobe, Atomic Cartoons, Aardman, JAM Media, StudioCanal, Cheeky Little Media plus more. Outside of creative endeavours, I mentor emerging talent through Women in Animation and have taught at universities such as JMC Academy and Swinburne University. I am a 2019 Griffith University animation graduate and have trained at Aardman Academy with Aardman Animations, focussed on stop motion animation and character model making. This allowed me to build on my strengths in pre production. Using concept sketches, Adobe and procreate programs enables me to push boundaries of the possible, create new realities & bring alive unique and strong stories with maximum impact. Writing, illustrating and publishing my first book aged fourteen (The Story of Doris Cummiski) showed me the power of connecting with an audience by bringing a story to life through storytelling and character development. Since 2014, I have learned the value of collaboration by working with multiple companies and individuals. I have been educated in Ireland, Switzerland, Australia & UK. This background has shaped my identity and influenced my work. My strengths : * ability to translate words into images * Idea machine! Ability to ideate and communicate * international & national work * focussed & determined * capture emotions * effective time management * interpersonal skills * adaptable & flexible * highly collaborative * enthusiastic, curious & creative * global mindset * innovative approach to storytelling & character design My values : Committed, art that speaks, integrity, achievement, innovation, languages, learning, imagination Open for work in short term/freelance capacity in illustration, IP development and production spaces, please get in touch if you would like to collaborate via Linkedin or email _Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_

Available to hire

Public portfolio: Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup
*Private portfolios available upon serious request.

Currently, I work in the development space on animated TV shows and films and as a character designer, storyboard artist and illustrator for a variety of projects including books, website branding and board games. Working in this area allows the ability to develop and direct my own projects, using hybrid skills including script writing, storyboarding, designing, team management and a passion for storytelling with heart.

With a diverse career that spans 10+ years, I am passionate about creating for high profile animated, live action and illustrated projects. I have worked with a global clients and companies like Adobe, Atomic Cartoons, Aardman, JAM Media, StudioCanal, Cheeky Little Media plus more. Outside of creative endeavours, I mentor emerging talent through Women in Animation and have taught at universities such as JMC Academy and Swinburne University. I am a 2019 Griffith University animation graduate and have trained at Aardman Academy with Aardman Animations, focussed on stop motion animation and character model making.

This allowed me to build on my strengths in pre production. Using concept sketches, Adobe and procreate programs enables me to push boundaries of the possible, create new realities & bring alive unique and strong stories with maximum impact.

Writing, illustrating and publishing my first book aged fourteen (The Story of Doris Cummiski) showed me the power of connecting with an audience by bringing a story to life through storytelling and character development. Since 2014, I have learned the value of collaboration by working with multiple companies and individuals.

I have been educated in Ireland, Switzerland, Australia & UK. This background has shaped my identity and influenced my work.

My strengths :

  • ability to translate words into images
  • Idea machine! Ability to ideate and communicate
  • international & national work
  • focussed & determined
  • capture emotions
  • effective time management
  • interpersonal skills
  • adaptable & flexible
  • highly collaborative
  • enthusiastic, curious & creative
  • global mindset
  • innovative approach to storytelling & character design

My values :
Committed, art that speaks, integrity, achievement, innovation, languages, learning, imagination

Open for work in short term/freelance capacity in illustration, IP development and production spaces, please get in touch if you would like to collaborate via Linkedin or email Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup

See more

Work Experience

Creative Director at Samantha Zaleski
December 13, 2013 - Present
Internationally commissioned across Europe, Australia, and America for illustration, character design, storyboarding, and concept development across animated TV + feature films, live action, games and publishing. Trusted collaborator with notable clients and studios, driving creative vision and delivering innovative visual storytelling with heart and high profile impact. As an emerging director and creator, I lead original project development - building worlds from scratch, writing, designing, boarding and directing animated content and children’s books. My work has been showcased at premier venues such as the Gallery of Modern Art and the Melbourne International Animation Festival (MIAF). Key Projects & Roles: - Original Slate projects: In the Stars (animated short), selected for MIAF, Two long form animated series in development with small creative teams attached. - Development roles: Lead Character Designer (JAM Media, Hey Daisy Moon), Storyboard Artist, (Adventurverse Studios + RTE Jr (The Mighty Oak), unannounced Live Action Feature) - Illustration roles: Trasna, written by Dolores Cummins (2025), The Art of Sammi Zaleski (2024), illustration streamer with Adobe (2023,2024), Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Cults (Windmill Slam Games), Golden Joystick Awards 50 Years of Games countdown (Games Radar), Charming Charlie and the Spectacular Sophia trilogy, written by Fiona Ware (2014-2021), Lizzy Goes to the Zoo trilogy, written by Mitchell Page (2022-2023), The Story of Doris Cummiski (2014) - Mentoring: Women in Animation, School of Visual Arts (New York, USA), JMC Academy, Swinburne University (Melbourne, Australia) and individual tailored programs for global clients. This multifaceted role leverages my hybrid expertise in scriptwriting, storyboarding, and design to lead projects that combine strong narrative with compelling visual innovation, while mentoring and educating the next generation of animation talent.
Character Designer at The 2D Workshop
March 3, 2025 - August 1, 2025
As Character Designer on unannounced animated project, I drove ideation and creative direction across character development from ideation to final concept. Producing main character designs, detailed turnarounds, costume designs, FX, storyboard & animation reference, expression & pose sheets. I collaborated closely with the Art Director, creative & production teams to refine concepts. Ensuring seamless delivery aligned with narrative vision and production standards. My role balanced innovative artistic leadership with practical execution, contributing to high-quality, emotionally resonant characters for original IP.
Production Designer at Fade in Productions
September 9, 2024 - February 28, 2025
Character designer collaborating with the creative team to develop engaging, expressive characters and props for the animated series Zip and the Tiny Sprouts (seasons 1 & 2). Responsible for concept ideation, turnarounds, costume design, prop designs and expression/pose sheets, ensuring designs align with storytelling and production.
Production Designer at Atomic Cartoons
August 15, 2022 - February 17, 2023
Collaborated on design development for the children’s animated series The Mindful Adventures of Unicorn Island, produced in partnership with Headspace and YouTube Kids. Delivered cohesive and engaging prop, character, and environment designs, collaborating closely with creative and production teams to ensure design consistency and storytelling impact across FX and compositing elements. Played a key role in elevating the show’s visual identity while maintaining tight production schedules and quality standards.
Storyboard Artist at Pixelzoo Animation
March 1, 2021 - March 31, 2021
Contributed to the feature animation Buster Saves Christmas, a co-production with Moonbug Entertainment, by revising and refining storyboards to improve narrative clarity and pacing. Created thumbnails and boarded multiple scenes from scratch, ensuring strong visual storytelling. Collaborated closely with the creative team to meet tight production deadlines while maintaining high-quality storyboards.

Education

Bachelor of Animation at Griffith University
December 11, 2019
Bachelor of Animation and VFX (Exchange studies- 1 year) at Falmouth University
December 7, 2018
Sketch to Screen Course (Puppet making) at Aardman Academy
May 28, 2021
Stop Motion 1 Course (Stop motion character animation) at Aardman Academy
August 27, 2021

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Other