Born in Salt Lake City Utah. Freelanced from an early age and acquired experience as a scenic artist, cartoonist, illustrator and gallery painter before becoming employed in the animation industry. After 15 years in top level animation Studios, have been freelancing ever since.

K. Sean Sullivan

Born in Salt Lake City Utah. Freelanced from an early age and acquired experience as a scenic artist, cartoonist, illustrator and gallery painter before becoming employed in the animation industry. After 15 years in top level animation Studios, have been freelancing ever since.

Available to hire

Born in Salt Lake City Utah. Freelanced from an early age and acquired experience as a scenic artist, cartoonist, illustrator and gallery painter before becoming employed in the animation industry. After 15 years in top level animation Studios, have been freelancing ever since.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Storyboard Artist, Illustrator, and Instructor at Self-Employed / Freelance
January 1, 2005 - Present
Freelance work includes storyboarding for film, television, and corporate; illustration, theme park design, and concept art; university level instruction.
Adjunct Instructor - Animation / Drawing / Storyboarding at Utah Valley University (UVU)
January 1, 2006 - Present
Taught drawing and animation courses; contributed to curriculum development and student advising.
Full-Time / Temp Faculty - Animation, Drawing for Animation, Business and Ethics in Animation at Brigham Young University (BYU)
August 31, 2018 - October 11, 2025
Developed curriculum and taught undergraduate animation; class prep, testing, grading, and student counseling.
Production Graphics / Show Offs at BYU TV
December 31, 2018 - October 11, 2025
Produced production graphics for BYU TV projects including the Show Offs program.
Senior Artist at Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios
December 31, 2004 - October 11, 2025
Senior artist contributing to animation production pipelines.
Animation Artist at Don Bluth Entertainment
December 31, 1993 - October 11, 2025
Animation artist contributing to feature animation productions.
Scenic Artist at Promised Valley Theater
December 31, 1982 - October 11, 2025
Scenic painting and backdrop work for stage productions.
Art Director / Designer at Disney Entertainment, WDW
December 31, 2004 - October 11, 2025
Art direction and design for Disney entertainment projects at Walt Disney World.
Production Murals - Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea
January 1, 2005 - October 11, 2025
Production murals for Tower of Terror at Tokyo DisneySea.
Freelance Storyboard Artist, Illustrator, and Instructor at Self-employed / Freelance
January 1, 2005 - Present
Freelance storyboard artist for film, television, and corporate media; illustration, concept art, and scenic/backdrop painting; university-level instructor.
Adjunct Instructor at Utah Valley University (UVU)
December 31, 2020 - October 11, 2025
Fall Drawing 1 and Summer Drawing 120; teaching and contributing to curriculum in animation and drawing.
Full Time Faculty, Animation at Brigham Young University (BYU)
September 1, 2018 - October 11, 2025
Instructor in Animation, Drawing for Animation, Business and Ethics; developed curriculum; counseled pre-major students.
Storyboard Artist at Various (unreleased films)
December 31, 2019 - October 11, 2025
Storyboard work for 17 unreleased films; development of story visuals.
Art Director / Designer at Disney Entertainment (WDW, FL)
January 1, 2005 - October 11, 2025
Art direction and design; produced murals; Tower of Terror projects; production artwork for Disney entertainment.
Senior Artist at Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios
January 1, 2004 - October 11, 2025
Senior artist; contributed to storyboarding and animation for feature films; opened Fantasia Continued segment.
Animation Artist at Don Bluth Entertainment
January 1, 1993 - October 11, 2025
Animation artist; contributed to various projects in Burbank, CA.
Freelance Illustrator, Muralist, Painter, Cartoonist at Self-employed
January 1, 1990 - October 11, 2025
Freelance work published nationally; murals and artwork for various clients.
Scenic Artist at Promised Valley Theater
January 1, 1982 - October 11, 2025
Scenic painting and backdrops for theater productions.
Online Instructor at Elite Animation Academy
January 1, 2020 - October 13, 2025
Taught Character Design, Foundational Drawing, and Comics and Cartooning in online format.
Adjunct Instructor at Utah Valley University (UVU), Art and Visual Communications
July 1, 2020 - October 13, 2025
Taught Drawing I; contributed to curriculum and student mentoring.
Full Time Visiting Instructor at BYU, Design Department, Animation Program
September 1, 2018 - October 13, 2025
Taught DESAN courses (Intro to 2D Animation, 2D Animation, Drawing for Animation, Advanced Storyboarding, Business and Ethics in Animation, Special Problems in Animation).
Adjunct Instructor at BYU, Design Department, Animation Program
September 1, 2017 - October 13, 2025
Taught DESAN 262 2D Animation; DESAN 360 Advanced Storyboarding; DESAN 460 Business and Ethics in Animation; DESAN 494 Special Problems in Animation; supervised pre-major counseling.
Online Instructor at AnimSchool
June 1, 2013 - October 13, 2025
Delivered online courses in animation and related subjects.
Online Instructor at Virtual Animators
March 1, 2013 - October 13, 2025
Provided online instruction in animation topics.
Adjunct Instructor at Utah Valley University (UVU), Art and Visual Communications, Digital Media
March 1, 2011 - October 13, 2025
Taught courses across multiple programs including ART 2210 Drawing for Illustration, ART 2250 Drawing for Animation, ART 3210 Illustration I, DGM 260R, DGM 2620, DGM 3130 Digital Storyboarding.
CERT Instructor at Lindon City Emergency Management
January 1, 2024 - October 13, 2025
Delivered CERT training and safety workshops.
Guest Instructor at Walt Disney Imagineering, Orlando, Florida
January 1, 2005 - October 13, 2025
Guest instructor for painting workshops and plein air painting.
Keynote Speaker/Lecturer at Disney Institute
January 1, 2001 - October 13, 2025
Keynote speaker for 'Managing for Creativity and Innovation for the Small Business'; delivered lectures and workshops.
Art Director, Department Head, Background Painter at Walt Disney Feature Animation-Florida
March 1, 2004 - October 13, 2025
Directed art direction and background painting for feature animation; contributed to Studio Review Board activities and Disney Institute events.
In-between Artist, Assistant Animator, Background Painter at Sullivan-Bluth Entertainment
August 1, 1992 - October 13, 2025
In-betweened animation frames and performed background painting; advanced within the studio over the tenure.
Freelance Illustrator/Animation Artist at Self-Employed
June 1, 1993 - October 13, 2025
Created artwork for film and print; contributed concept art, storyboards, and illustrations for various clients including major studios.
Freelance Illustrator/Artist (Concurrent) at Self-Employed
August 1, 1992 - October 13, 2025
Published nationally in trade magazines; produced public safety campaigns, textbooks, and other illustrated materials.
Firefighter/Paramedic, Certified Fire Service Instructor at Salt Lake County Fire Department
December 1, 1990 - October 13, 2025
Firefighter/Paramedic; instructed fire safety, first aid and CPR; delivered safety training.
Scenic Artist, Set and Prop Construction, Set Design at Promised Valley Playhouse & BYU Theatre Scene Shop
August 1, 1982 - October 13, 2025
Scenic painting, set construction, and prop design for theatre productions.
Guest Instructor at Disney Institute / Walt Disney Imagineering
January 1, 2001 - October 13, 2025
Keynote speaker and workshop leader; presented sessions on creativity and innovation.
Art Director, Concept Illustrator, Project Manager at Evermore Adventure Park
January 1, 2015 - October 13, 2025
Provided artistic oversight, master planning, and project management for adventure/theme park development and seasonal events.
Sculptor, Model Maker, Designer at Western Architectural Services
December 1, 2007 - October 13, 2025
Sculpting architectural elements and building models; ornamental and figurative sculpture for temples and resorts worldwide.
Freelance Consultant (Art Director, Illustrator, Designer) at Self-Employed
January 1, 2004 - Present
Concept renderings, designs, illustrations, and storyboards; leadership and artistic direction for advertising, publishing, theme parks, and theatre.
Freelance Prop Maker at Self-Employed
January 1, 2014 - Present
Created paper props and documents for film props; used digital media and printing to produce paper facsimiles.
Certifications & Involvements at Various
January 1, 2017 - October 13, 2025
BSA Certified Level II Climbing Instructor (2015–2017); Safety Instructor, Rocky Mountain Telecommunications (1993); Fire Safety/First Aid/CPR Instructor (1984–1990).
Instructor, Infantry Tactics at Utah Army National Guard NCO Academy
December 31, 1982 - October 13, 2025
Instructor of infantry tactics at NCO Academy.
Online Instructor at Elite Animation Academy
August 31, 2020 - October 13, 2025
Online instruction teaching Character Design, Foundational Drawing, and Comics and Cartooning; developing course materials and feedback for online learners.
Adjunct Instructor at Utah Valley University
July 31, 2020 - October 13, 2025
Taught Drawing I for Art and Visual Communications; collaborated with faculty and supported student learning.
Full-Time Visiting Instructor at BYU, Design Department, Animation Program
September 1, 2018 - October 13, 2025
Taught courses DESAN 160 Intro to 2D Animation; DESAN 262 2D Animation; DESAN 265 Drawing for Animation; DESAN 360 Advanced Storyboarding; DESAN 460 Business and Ethics in Animation; DESAN 494 Special Problems in Animation; Citizenship Assignment: Pre-major counselor.
Adjunct Instructor at BYU, Design Department, Animation Program
September 1, 2017 - October 13, 2025
Taught DESAN 262 2D Animation (Winter 2016, Fall 2016); DESAN 360 Advanced Storyboarding (Winter 2017); DESAN 362 Intermediate Character Animation (Winter 2017); DESAN 460 Business and Ethics in Animation (Fall 2016); TMA 384 Practicum-Cinema, Storyboarding (Fall 2016).
Online Instructor at Animschool
June 30, 2013 - October 13, 2025
Online instruction at Animschool.
Online Instructor at Virtual Animators
March 31, 2013 - October 13, 2025
Online instruction.
Adjunct Instructor at Utah Valley University
May 1, 2011 - October 13, 2025
Art & Visual Communications, and the Digital Media colleges; taught multiple courses.
Freelance Artist at Self-Employed
January 1, 2008 - Present
Storyboards, Concept Art, Instruction, Traditional Animation Art, Illustration for film, publishing, and entertainment.
Freelance Consultant at Self-Employed
January 1, 2004 - Present
Art Director, Illustrator, and Designer; provided leadership and solutions for advertising, theme parks, publishing, and theatrical entertainment.
Art Director / Background Painter at Walt Disney Feature Animation-Florida
March 31, 2004 - October 13, 2025
Art Director, Department Head, Background Painter; collaborated with a world-class team; served on Studio Review Board and chaired Animation Services Advisory Board; keynote speaker for Disney Institute.
In-between Artist / Assistant Animator / Background Painter at Sullivan-Bluth Entertainment
August 31, 1992 - October 13, 2025
In-between Artist, Assistant Animator, Background Painter; contributed to feature films and shorts.
Firefighter/Paramedic & Certified Fire Service Instructor at Salt Lake County Fire Department
December 31, 1990 - October 13, 2025
Firefighter/Paramedic; Certified Fire Service Instructor.
Scenic Artist / Set Designer at Promised Valley Playhouse / BYU Theatre Scene Shop
August 1, 1982 - October 13, 2025
Scenic Artist, set and prop construction, Set Design.
Online Instructor at Elite Animation Academy
August 31, 2020 - October 13, 2025
Online instruction; courses taught included Character Design, Foundational Drawing, and Comics and Cartooning.
Adjunct Instructor at Utah Valley University
July 31, 2020 - October 13, 2025
Art and Visual Communications, and Digital Media colleges; courses taught include Drawing I.
Visiting Instructor at Brigham Young University
September 1, 2018 - October 13, 2025
DESAN 160 Intro to 2D Animation; DESAN 262 2D Animation; DESAN 265 Drawing for Animation; DESAN 360 Advanced Storyboarding; DESAN 460 Business and Ethics in Animation; DESAN 494 Special Problems in Animation.
Adjunct Instructor at Brigham Young University
September 1, 2017 - October 13, 2025
DESAN 262 2D Animation; DESAN 360 Advanced Storyboarding; DESAN 362 Intermediate Character Animation; DESAN 460 Business and Ethics in Animation; TMA 384 Practicum - Cinema, Storyboarding.
Online Instructor at Animschool
June 30, 2013 - October 13, 2025
Online instruction.
Online Instructor at Virtual Animators
March 31, 2013 - October 13, 2025
Online instruction.
Adjunct Instructor at Utah Valley University
January 1, 2011 - October 13, 2025
Drawing for Illustration; Drawing for Animation; Illustration I; Digital Storyboarding; and other related courses.
Guest Instructor at Walt Disney Imagineering
December 31, 2005 - October 13, 2025
Painting workshops and plein air painting.
Art Director / Department Head / Background Painter at Walt Disney Feature Animation - Florida
March 1, 2004 - October 13, 2025
Art Director, Department Head, Background Painter; collaborated with a world-class team; served on Studio Review Board and advisory boards; keynote speaker for Disney Institute events.
In-between Artist / Assistant Animator / Background Painter at Sullivan - Bluth Entertainment
August 1, 1992 - October 13, 2025
Entry-level to mid-level positions in animation; contributed artwork for feature animated films and shorts.
Freelance Illustrator / Animation Artist
June 1, 1993 - October 13, 2025
Freelance work published nationally; contributed to film and print media.
Firefighter / Paramedic at Salt Lake County Fire Department
December 31, 1990 - October 13, 2025
Firefighter/Paramedic; Certified Fire Service Instructor.
Scenic Artist / Set & Prop Construction at Promised Valley Playhouse and BYU Theatre
August 1, 1982 - October 13, 2025
Scenic painting, set and prop construction, and related theatre shop work.
Instructor of Infantry Tactics at Utah Army National Guard NCO Academy
January 1, 1990 - October 13, 2025
Instructor of infantry tactics; leadership and training.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at Utah Valley University (UVU), Utah
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration (Summa Cum Laude) at Utah Valley University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
Paramedic Certification, Allied Health Science (Honors) at Weber State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1985
Art Major (Non-Graduate) at Brigham Young University
January 1, 1979 - January 1, 1980
Undeclared, Non-Graduate at University of Utah
January 1, 1978 - January 1, 1979
East High School Diploma at East High School (Salt Lake City)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1975
BFA Illustration at Utah Valley University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
Certified Paramedic, Allied Health Science, Honors at Weber State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1985
Art Major (non-graduate) at Brigham Young University
January 1, 1979 - January 1, 1980
Undeclared, non-graduate at University of Utah
January 1, 1976 - January 1, 1979
High School Diploma at East High School, Salt Lake City
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1975
BFA Illustration at Utah Valley University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
Certified Paramedic, Allied Health Science, Honors at Weber State University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1985
Art Major, non-graduate at Brigham Young University
January 1, 1979 - January 1, 1980
Undeclared, non-graduate at University of Utah
January 1, 1976 - January 1, 1976
Undeclared, non-graduate at University of Utah
January 1, 1978 - January 1, 1979
High School Diploma at East High School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1975

Qualifications

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, UVU
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, UVU
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2009
BSA Certified Level II Climbing Instructor
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
Paramedic Certification, Allied Health Science
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1985
BSA Certified Level II Climbing Instructor
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2017
Safety Instructor
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1993
Fire Service Instructor of Fire Safety, First Aid, and CPR
January 1, 1984 - December 31, 1990
Instructor of Infantry Tactics, Utah Army National Guard NCO Academy
January 1, 1982 - December 31, 1982
Disney Institute Keynote Speaker: Managing for Creativity and Innovation for the Small Business
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2001
CERT instructor
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2024
BSA certified Level II climbing instructor
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2017
Safety Instructor, Rocky Mountain Telecommunications
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2017
Fire Service Instructor of Fire Safety, First Aid, and CPR
January 1, 1993 - October 13, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Travel & Hospitality, Other, Healthcare, Professional Services, Retail, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Software & Internet