I'm a multidisciplinary animation artist specializing in 2D and 3D animation, illustration, and immersive storytelling. I enjoy blending historical research with imaginative worldbuilding to bring games, museums, and visual media to life. When I'm not animating, I love exploring archival sources, maps, and narratives to inform worldbuilding and create richly detailed visuals for diverse media.

Emily Shepherd Kohnen

I'm a multidisciplinary animation artist specializing in 2D and 3D animation, illustration, and immersive storytelling. I enjoy blending historical research with imaginative worldbuilding to bring games, museums, and visual media to life. When I'm not animating, I love exploring archival sources, maps, and narratives to inform worldbuilding and create richly detailed visuals for diverse media.

Available to hire

I’m a multidisciplinary animation artist specializing in 2D and 3D animation, illustration, and immersive storytelling. I enjoy blending historical research with imaginative worldbuilding to bring games, museums, and visual media to life.

When I’m not animating, I love exploring archival sources, maps, and narratives to inform worldbuilding and create richly detailed visuals for diverse media.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Lead Animator (Freelance) at Classy Fox Studio
January 1, 2025 - October 2, 2025
Produced 2D/3D weekly character animations, concept art, and motion graphics for a YouTube independent animated series. Created storyboards, animation tests, and 2D production assets aligned with project goals. Used Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, and Maya to deliver assets on schedule. Collaborated with a remote creative team using Google Meet, Gather, Trello.
Docent at National Museum of Toy and Miniatures
July 1, 2024 - October 2, 2025
Delivered guided tours to diverse audiences, enhancing visitor engagement and educational outcomes. Designed, constructed, and managed museum events and fundraisers. Coordinated museum programs and special events, ensuring smooth setup, operation, and visitor satisfaction.
Barista at Starbucks
August 1, 2024 - October 2, 2025
Delivered consistent and adaptable customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Trained in cash handling, POS systems, multitasking, and conflict resolution.
Lead Animator (Freelance) at Classy Fox Studio
January 1, 2025 - October 3, 2025
Produced 2D/3D weekly character animations, concept art, and motion graphics for a YouTube independent animated series. Created storyboards, animation tests, and 2D production assets aligned with project goals. Used Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint and Maya to deliver assets on schedule. Collaborated with a remote creative team using Google Meet, Gather, Trello.
Docent at National Museum of Toy and Miniatures
July 31, 2024 - October 3, 2025
Delivered guided tours to diverse audiences, enhancing visitor engagement and educational outcomes. Designed, constructed, and managed museum events and fundraisers. Coordinated museum programs and special events, ensuring smooth setup, operation, and visitor satisfaction.
Barista at Starbucks
August 31, 2024 - October 3, 2025
Delivered consistent and adaptable customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Trained in cash handling, POS systems, multitasking, and conflict resolution.
Lead Animator at Classy Fox Studio
January 1, 2025 - October 3, 2025
Produced 2D/3D weekly character animations, concept art, and motion graphics for a YouTube independent animated series. Created storyboards, animation tests, and 2D production assets aligned with project goals. Used Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint and Maya to deliver assets on schedule. Collaborated with a remote creative team using Google Meet, Gather, and Trello.
Docent at National Museum of Toy and Miniatures
July 1, 2024 - October 3, 2025
Delivered guided tours to diverse audiences, enhancing visitor engagement and educational outcomes. Designed, constructed, and managed museum events and fundraisers. Coordinated museum programs and special events, ensuring smooth setup, operation, and visitor satisfaction.
Barista at Starbucks
August 1, 2024 - October 3, 2025
Delivered consistent and adaptable customer service in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Trained in cash handling, POS systems, multitasking, and conflict resolution.
Lead Animator | Freelance at Classy Fox Studio
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Produced 2D/3D weekly character animations, concept art, and motion graphics for a YouTube independent animated series. Created storyboards, animation tests, and 2D production assets aligned with project goals. Used the Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint and Maya to deliver assets on schedule. Collaborated with a remote creative team using Google Meet, Gather, and Trello.
Docent at National Museum of Toy and Miniatures
July 1, 2024 - July 1, 2024
Delivered guided tours to diverse audiences, enhancing visitor engagement and educational outcomes. Designed, constructed, and managed museum events and fundraisers. Coordinated museum programs and special events, ensuring smooth setup, operation, and visitor satisfaction.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) | Animation at Kansas City Art Institute
August 1, 2021 - May 1, 2025
Geography and Cartography Studies at University Of Kansas
August 1, 2019 - May 1, 2020
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at Kansas City Art Institute
August 1, 2021 - May 1, 2025
Geography and Cartography Studies at University of Kansas
August 1, 2019 - May 1, 2020
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Animation at Kansas City Art Institute
August 1, 2021 - May 1, 2025
Geography and Cartography Studies at University of Kansas
August 1, 2019 - May 1, 2020
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation at Kansas City Art Institute
August 1, 2021 - May 1, 2025
Geography and Cartography Studies at University of Kansas
August 1, 2019 - May 1, 2020

Qualifications

President's List Honor Roll
August 1, 2021 - May 1, 2025
Earth in the Making Undergraduate Prize
January 1, 2020 - October 2, 2025
Illustrators of the Future | Honorable Mention
January 1, 2020 - October 2, 2025
Earth in the Making Undergraduate Prize
January 1, 2020 - October 3, 2025
Illustrators of the Future - Honorable Mention
January 1, 2020 - October 3, 2025
Earth in the Making Undergraduate Prize
January 1, 2020 - October 3, 2025
Illustrators of the Future - Honorable Mention
January 1, 2020 - October 3, 2025
President’s List Honor Roll
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2025
Spencer Museum of Art Earth in the Making Undergraduate Prize
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Illustrators of the Future Honorable Mention
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020

Industry Experience

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