Available to hire
I’m Melissa McCann, a character animator and storyboard artist with over a decade of professional experience collaborating with studios and indie teams to bring characters to life. I blend traditional frame-by-frame craft with modern 2D workflows, mentor students, and build industry partnerships that connect education with real-world production.
Based in the Detroit area, I love creating engaging visuals across animation, design, and direction, while leading education partnerships and external programs that help emerging artists grow and thrive in the industry.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Owner & Director (Character Animator, Storyboard Artist, Illustrator) at Eat Rice Studio
January 1, 2019 - November 10, 2025Developed and implemented contemporary curriculum, led adjuncts, supported 100+ students, advised the Chair, coordinated industry contacts and internships, and served as External Partner Coordinator managing relationships and the annual Industry EXPOsion event
Professor; Director of Animation; External Partner Coordinator at College for Creative Studies
January 1, 2014 - November 10, 2025Teach and oversee Animation program, lead externships, coordinate industry partnerships and annual program events
Animator at Thunderbean Animation
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016Contributed animation work across projects
Animator at Powerhouse Animation
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016Contract animator for multiple projects including Great Big Story, Yahoo, and others
Animator at First Fight
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2021Created animation work for various clients in Detroit area
Animator at Alpha Omega Animation
January 1, 2017 - November 10, 2025Animation projects for various clients
Animator at Gunner Studio
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018Animation work for various clients
Animator at Leahpar Productions LLC / Roadkill: A Love Story
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2013Worked on animation direction for the project Roadkill: A Love Story
Animator at Verge
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019SFX animator on Verge project: A Sun Will Always Sing
Animator at Pronounce 3000
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018Animator on Pronounce 3000
Animator at Mesh
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016Animator on Mesh project
Animator at Nathan Love
January 1, 2020 - November 10, 2025Animator on projects for Nathan Love
Education
BFA, Entertainment Arts — Character Animation at College for Creative Studies
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010Sociology & Fine Arts coursework at Mott Community College
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006Animation Mentor: Online Basic 3D Character Animation at Animation Mentor
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010Lynda.com courses (various) at Lynda.com
January 11, 2030 - November 10, 2025Qualifications
BFA in Entertainment Arts — Character Animation
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010Animation Mentor Certificate: Online Basic 3D Character Animation
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010Dean's List (College for Creative Studies)
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2010Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
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