I'm a multidisciplinary animation professional with over 25 years of experience directing and supervising animation for preschool and family shows. I’ve led large teams from concept through final cut on Emmy-winning series like The Backyardigans and Mike the Knight, and I’ve created and illustrated children’s books and a range of animated shorts. I thrive on collaboration, mentoring new talent, and bringing playful ideas to life across TV, publishing, and digital media. When I’m not working, I’m writing and drawing more Wandering Melon adventures and exploring new ways to entertain and educate young audiences.…

Mike Shiell

PRO

I'm a multidisciplinary animation professional with over 25 years of experience directing and supervising animation for preschool and family shows. I’ve led large teams from concept through final cut on Emmy-winning series like The Backyardigans and Mike the Knight, and I’ve created and illustrated children’s books and a range of animated shorts. I thrive on collaboration, mentoring new talent, and bringing playful ideas to life across TV, publishing, and digital media. When I’m not working, I’m writing and drawing more Wandering Melon adventures and exploring new ways to entertain and educate young audiences.…

Available to hire

I’m a multidisciplinary animation professional with over 25 years of experience directing and supervising animation for preschool and family shows. I’ve led large teams from concept through final cut on Emmy-winning series like The Backyardigans and Mike the Knight, and I’ve created and illustrated children’s books and a range of animated shorts. I thrive on collaboration, mentoring new talent, and bringing playful ideas to life across TV, publishing, and digital media.

When I’m not working, I’m writing and drawing more Wandering Melon adventures and exploring new ways to entertain and educate young audiences.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Children's Book Author/Illustrator at Transatlantic Literary Agency Inc.
September 1, 2023 - Present
Author/illustrator representation and book activity related to Wandering Melon; ongoing engagement with publishing markets.
Cartoonist/Creator at Andrews McMeel Universal
June 1, 2014 - Present
GoComics syndication of The Wandering Melon; ongoing cartoon creation and publication.
Layout Supervisor at Mainframe Studios
October 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
Directed layout teams on multiple productions, managed up to 48 artists, and collaborated on scripts, storyboards and animatics.
Kid's Book Author and Illustrator at Kids Can Press
June 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
Authored and illustrated Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure; led illustration and concept development for a children's graphic novel.
Creative Consultant at Shaftesbury
January 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
Provided direction notes for What The Stink? including premise, scripts, storyboards, layout; contributed character, set and prop designs.
3D Animation Instructor at Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & Design
May 1, 2023 - October 22, 2025
Taught 3D animation and mentored students in a college setting.
Animation Supervisor at NELVANA
November 1, 2019 - October 22, 2025
Animation supervisor on projects including Mike the Knight; oversaw animation pipelines and team coordination.
The MELON SHORTS Creator/Director at Nimble Collective
January 1, 2017 - October 22, 2025
Created, wrote, and directed MELON SHORTS; led production with support from Nimble Collective network.
Lead Animator at Universal Studios Hollywood
October 1, 1999 - October 22, 2025
Lead animator on major projects; supervised animation production.
Director at Nelvana (The Backyardigans / Funpak)
June 1, 2004 - October 22, 2025
Director of the Emmy and Canadian Screen Award-winning 3D preschool show The Backyardigans; directed multiple Funpak bumpers.
Director at Nelvana (The Backyardigans)
March 1, 2007 - October 22, 2025
Director of The Backyardigans, an Emmy and CSA-winning 3D preschool show.
Director at Nelvana (Guess with Jess)
January 1, 2010 - October 22, 2025
Director of 'Guess with Jess', a 3D animated preschool show.
Animation Supervisor at Nelvana (Mike the Knight)
February 1, 2014 - October 22, 2025
Animation Supervisor for Season 2; also contributed to Season 1 and Season 3 as appropriate.
Animation Director at Nelvana (Mike the Knight)
August 1, 2015 - October 22, 2025
Animation Director for Season 3 of Mike the Knight.
Senior Animator / Handy Manny at Nelvana
October 1, 2007 - October 22, 2025
Senior Animator on Handy Manny; later involved in animation and layout supervision on related projects.
Children's Book Author/Illustrator at Transatlantic Literary Agency Inc.
September 1, 2023 - Present
Represented author/illustrator; developing and promoting children’s books.
Cartoonist / Creator at Andrews McMeel Universal
June 1, 2014 - Present
The Wandering Melon cartoon; digital syndication on GoComics.
Lead / Layout Supervisor at Mainframe Studios
October 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
Layout supervision for multiple seasons; managed crews up to 48 artists.
Author/Illustrator at Kids Can Press
June 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
Author/illustrator of Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure and related works.
Creative Consultant at Shaftesbury Films
January 1, 2024 - October 22, 2025
Creative consultant on What The Stink?, providing direction notes and designs.
3D Animation Instructor at Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & Design
May 1, 2023 - October 22, 2025
Taught 3D animation to aspiring animators.
Animation Supervisor at NELVANA
November 1, 2019 - October 22, 2025
Season 1 supervision for Binky the Space Cat; other Nelvana projects.
Animation Director at Nelvana
March 1, 2007 - October 22, 2025
Directed The Backyardigans; Emmy and CSA-winning preschool show.
Director at Nelvana
June 1, 2004 - October 22, 2025
Director of the Funpak shorts; 5x5 minute surreal 3D pieces.
Lead Animator at Universal Studios Hollywood
October 1, 1999 - October 22, 2025
Lead animator on various projects for theme parks and media.
Author/Illustrator at Transatlantic Literary Agency
September 1, 2023 - Present
Children's book author/illustrator; represented by Transatlantic Literary Agency; developing Wandering Melon titles and related projects.
Cartoonist/Author/Illustrator at Andrews McMeel Universal
June 1, 2014 - Present
Wandering Melon cartoon; digital syndication on GoComics.
Layout Supervisor at Mainframe Studios
September 1, 2021 - October 1, 2024
Led layout department; managed up to 48 artists; contributed to multiple shows with strong collaboration across teams.
Author/Illustrator at Kids Can Press
January 1, 2019 - June 1, 2024
Author/Illustrator of Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure; illustrated Stinky Science series; developing visuals for additional titles.
Creative Consultant at Shaftesbury
March 1, 2021 - January 31, 2024
Creative consultant on What The Stink?; provided direction from premise to final cut; scripts, storyboards, animatics, layout, animation; character/set/props design.
3D Animation Instructor at Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & Design
September 1, 2020 - May 1, 2023
Instructor teaching 3D animation; mentoring students in industry-standard techniques.
Animation Supervisor at NELVANA
October 1, 2018 - November 1, 2019
Animation Supervisor; contributed to multiple series including Binky the Space Cat; supported Season 1 of Ranger Rob and other Nelvana productions.
Lead Animator at Universal Studios Hollywood
May 1, 1997 - October 1, 1999
Lead animator on the 3D/CG projects produced for Universal Studios Hollywood.
Creator/Director at The MELON SHORTS / Nimble Collective
October 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
Created, wrote and directed the MELON SHORTS; originated short-form content with Nimble Collective support.
Author and Illustrator at Kids Can Press
January 1, 2019 - June 1, 2024
Author/illustrator of Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure; illustrated Stinky Science and related works.
Animation Director at NELVANA
May 1, 2004 - March 1, 2007
Director of The Backyardigans ( Emmy‑winning & Canadian Screen Award–winning 3D preschool show ); directed Backyardigans and related projects.
Director at Nelvana / Funpak
October 1, 2003 - June 1, 2004
Director of the Wild, Wild Circus Company for Nelvana’s Funpak; directed 5x5 minute surreal 3D shorts and bumpers Fishy, Blastoff, Birthday.
Assistant Director at Nelvana
October 1, 1999 - October 1, 2003
Assistant Director – Backyardigans, Little Miss Spider Animation; early Nelvana roles.
Lead/Animator at Universal Studios Hollywood
May 1, 1997 - October 1, 1999
Lead Animator on various projects; contributed to early 3D animation work.
Director/Creator at Nimble Collective
October 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
The MELON SHORTS: Created, wrote and directed the short animations based on gag cartoons.
Illustrator at Kids Can Press
October 1, 2017 - November 1, 2018
Illustrated Stinky Science; early contribution to a series of gross science books for kids.
Cartoon digital syndication on GoComics at Andrews McMeel Universal
June 1, 2014 - Present
The Wandering Melon cartoon digital syndication on GoComics.
Kid's Book Author and Illustrator at Kids Can Press
January 1, 2019 - June 1, 2024
Author/Illustrator of 'Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure' (Linty series).
Creative Consultant on ‘What The Stink’ at Shaftesbury
March 1, 2021 - January 1, 2024
Creative consultant on TV series What The Stink? provided direction and notes for scripts, storyboards, animatics, layout and animation; designed characters, sets and props.
The MELON SHORTS Lead/Director at Nimble Collective
October 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
Created, wrote and directed the MELON SHORTS; shorts based on gags.
Director at Nelvana – The Backyardigans
May 1, 2004 - March 1, 2007
Director of Emmy and Canadian Screen Award winning 3D preschool show - The Backyardigans.
Director/Creator – Bumpers for Funpak at Nelvana
October 1, 2003 - June 1, 2004
Director/Creator – Series of 3 short Bumpers for Nelvana’s Funpak Series; Fishy, Blastoff and Birthday.
Director at Nelvana – Funpak
October 1, 2003 - June 1, 2004
Director of the Wild, Wild Circus Company for Nelvana’s Funpak Series.
Animation Supervisor – Seasons 1, 2 and 3 at Mike the Knight
December 1, 2010 - August 1, 2015
Animation Supervisor – Seasons 1, 2 and 3 of Mike the Knight.
Cartoonist at Andrews McMeel Universal
June 1, 2014 - Present
Creator of The Wandering Melon, a cartoon syndicated on GoComics; ongoing since 2014.
Director at Nimble Collective (The MELON SHORTS)
October 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
Created, wrote and directed The MELON SHORTS, a series of shorts based on gag cartoons.
Author & Illustrator at Kids Can Press
January 1, 2019 - June 1, 2024
Author and illustrator of Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure; developing graphic novels and picture book projects.
Animation Supervisor at Nelvana
January 1, 2016 - April 1, 2017
Animation Supervisor for various shows including Ranger Rob, Little Charmers, and Mike the Knight; supervised animation pipelines.
Animation Director at Nelvana
December 1, 2010 - August 1, 2015
Directed seasons and major episodes for Mike the Knight; contributed to 3D preschool animation.
Director at Nelvana (Funpak) – Wild, Wild Circus Company
October 1, 2003 - June 1, 2004
Directed The Wild, Wild Circus Company for Funpak; created several 5-minute surreal 3D shorts and bumpers.
Animator / Layout Supervisor at Nelvana (Handy Manny)
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011
Animator and layout supervisor on Handy Manny; contributed to animation and layout pipelines.
Animator / Layout Supervisor at Nelvana
March 1, 2007 - October 1, 2007
Animator and layout supervisor on Handy Manny; contributed to animation pipelines.
Cartoonist/Author at Andrews McMeel Universal
June 1, 2014 - Present
The Wandering Melon cartoon, digital syndication on GoComics.
Animation Director at Nelvana
June 1, 2008 - November 1, 2019
Directed animation for Emmy/CSA-winning preschool shows, including The Backyardigans and Mike the Knight.
Director at Nelvana
October 1, 2003 - June 1, 2004
Director of the 5 x 5 minute surrealistic 3D short films for Funpak and related projects.
Animator and Layout Supervisor at Nelvana
March 1, 2007 - October 1, 2007
Animator and layout supervisor on Handy Manny.
Director at Nelvana
October 1, 2007 - January 1, 2010
Director of 'Guess with Jess' (3D preschool show, aired 2009).
Senior Animator at Nelvana
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011
Senior animator on multiple projects including Handy Manny.
Layout Supervisor at Nelvana
January 1, 2010 - August 1, 2010
Layout supervisor on Handy Manny; contributed to production planning.
Cartoonist/Author at The Wandering Melon (GoComics) / Andrews McMeel Universal
June 1, 2014 - Present
Cartoon/digital syndication for 'The Wandering Melon' series.
Writer/Director at Nimble Collective
October 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
Created, wrote, and directed The MELON SHORTS; built shorts based on gag cartoons.
Director / Creator at Nelvana / Funpak
October 1, 2003 - June 1, 2004
Directed short bumpers and surreal 3D shorts for Funpak; led concept, design, and animation pipelines.
Director of The Backyardigans at The Backyardigans
May 1, 2004 - March 1, 2007
Director of Emmy- and Canadian Screen Award-winning 3D preschool show; led creative direction, design, and animation coordination.
Director of Guess with Jess at Nelvana
October 1, 2007 - January 1, 2010
Director of 3D preschool series; led development through early production and delivery.
Director of Mike the Knight at Mike the Knight / Nelvana
December 1, 2010 - August 1, 2015
Director of Emmy-nominated 3D preschool series; oversaw animation and layout for Seasons 1–3.
Senior Animator / Animator at Handy Manny
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011
Senior Animator and Layout Supervisor on 3D show; contributed to animation pipelines and on-set design integration.
OH NO - Senior Animator at Nelvana
April 1, 2012 - September 1, 2012
Senior Animator on 3D show OH NO; collaborated on animation style and shot execution.
Director / Creator – Funpak Short Bumpers at Nelvana / Funpak
October 1, 2003 - June 1, 2004
Directed 5x5 minute surrealistic 3D short films and bumpers; created ‘Fishy’, ‘Blastoff’, and ‘Birthday’.
Author/Illustrator at Transatlantic Literary Agency Inc.
September 1, 2023 - Present
Author/illustrator for Wandering Melon properties; developing picture books and illustrated content; represented by Transatlantic Literary Agency.
Director at Nelvana (Funpak)
October 1, 2003 - June 1, 2004
Director of The Wild, Wild Circus Company and related Funpak bumpers; led 5x5 minute surreal 3D shorts and bumpers.
Director at Nelvana (Funpak) – Fishy/Blastoff/Birthday
October 1, 2003 - June 1, 2004
Director/Creator – Series of 3 short Bumpers for Nelvana’s Funpak Series; led concept to final delivery.
Director/Writer/Creator at Nimble Collective
October 1, 2015 - January 1, 2017
Directed, wrote, and produced The MELON SHORTS; developed short-form animated content.
Animator at Handy Manny
March 1, 2007 - October 1, 2007
Animator and layout supervisor on the 3D show Handy Manny; contributed to shot planning and animation.
Layout Supervisor at Handy Manny
January 1, 2010 - August 1, 2010
Layout Supervisor for Handy Manny; managed shot layout and collaboration with animation team.
Senior Animator at Handy Manny
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011
Senior Animator on Handy Manny; contributed to character animation and timing.
Animation Director at Mike the Knight
December 1, 2010 - August 1, 2015
Animation Director for Season 3 of Mike the Knight; oversaw animation direction and episode delivery.
Animation Supervisor at Mike the Knight
September 1, 2012 - February 1, 2014
Animation Supervisor for Season 2 of Mike the Knight; led animation pipeline and team coordination.

Education

Diploma in Computer Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1997
Classical Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1987
Diploma at Sheridan College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1997
Diploma at Sheridan College
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1987
Diploma in Computer Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1997
Classical Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1987
Program in Computer Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1997
Classical Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1987
Computer Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1997
Classical Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1987
Computer Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1997
Classical Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1987
Diploma in Computer Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1997
Classical Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1987
Computer Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1997
Classical Animation at Sheridan College
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1987
Diploma at Sheridan College
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1997
Diploma at Sheridan College
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1987

Qualifications

EMMY AWARD - Animation Director on Mike the Knight
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025
GEMINI AWARD - Director of the Backyardigans - best pre-school show
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025
EMMY AWARD - Director of the Backyardigans - best pre-school show
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025
Palm Springs International Comedy Festival - Best Animated Comedy Short
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025
Comedy World Network International Film Festival - Best Film of the Year 2018
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025
Emmy Award – Animation Director on Mike the Knight
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025
Gemini Award – Director of the Backyardigans (Best Preschool Show)
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025
Emmy Award – Director of the Backyardigans (Best Preschool Show)
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025
Palm Springs International Comedy Festival 2018 – Best Animated Comedy Short
January 11, 2030 - October 22, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other, Software & Internet
    paper GROSS SCIENCE books series

    A delightfully disgusting nonfiction series that introduces young readers to the gross side of science. Each Gross Science book tackles a different icky topic, from germs to poop. Featuring hilarious comic-style illustrations and laugh-out-loud humor, this series makes science revolting — and fun!
    The books include POOPY SCIENCE, STINKY SCIENCE and GERMY SCIENCE.
    See more about the GROSS SCIENCE books series by clicking here: https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Jasper John Dooley: Public Library Enemy #1 and Jasper John Dooley: Lost and Found

    A series of chapter books featuring a charismatic and funny central character. An only child with active, loving parents (and a most impressive lint collection), Jasper John Dooley is a true original. I illustrated the titles, Jasper John Dooley: Public Library Enemy #1 and Jasper John Dooley: Lost and Found
    See more about Jasper John Dooley here; https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe book series

    From the world of Ashley Spires comes a picture book series based on episodes from the animated television show Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe. Binky is always on a mission to protect his space station (house) from aliens (bugs). And with the top-secret agents of P.U.R.S.T. (Pets of the Universe Ready for Space Travel) also on high alert, the team can handle just about any kind of invasion. Young readers will love blasting off into these harrowing and hilarious adventures featuring everyone’s favorite space cat.
    This book series includes the titles; A WALK in the PARK, BYE BYE, BUTTERFLY and No MOUSIE LEFT BEHIND.
    See more about the Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe book series here; https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Linty: A Pocketful of Adventure

    Silliness abounds in this offbeat early graphic novel with loads of heart. In the pocket of a faded pair of hand-me-down jeans, a tiny ball of lint lives alone. Linty’s days are all much the same: Some cardio. Sightseeing (“So blue!”). Solo Marco Polo. Until one day, a boy starts wearing the jeans and everything changes. Before long, Linty has a parade of visitors: an acorn, a shell, pizza crust. Soon, the pocket is packed with new friends, and Linty is having a blast! But, uh-oh . . . Wash Day! Is Linty’s world about to be turned upside down, again? An in-jean-ious idea. Kids will never think of their pant pockets the same way again!
    Book Synopsis
    Making his author-illustrator debut, Mike Shiell elevates the everyday to hilarious drama in this offbeat graphic novel for early readers. In the front pocket of a faded pair of hand-me-down jeans, a tiny ball of lint lives alone. The days are pretty much the same for Linty: Some cardio. Sightseeing (“So blue!”). Solo Marco Polo. Until one day, everything changes. A boy, who has finally grown into the jeans, has put them on. All Linty knows is that he’s suddenly shaking and bouncing like crazy. And then visitors start arriving. There’s an acorn, a coin, pizza crust. Linty is a bit overwhelmed at first. Soon, though, the pocket is packed, and he’s learning all kinds of fun new things to do (imagine, Solo Marco Polo with friends!). But then, just as suddenly . . . Wash Day arrives. Is Linty’s world about to be turned upside down, again? Cartoonist, animator and illustrator Mike Shiell makes his author-illustrator debut with this high-energy and very funny graphic novel for early readers. Silly and engaging, with loads of heart, it’s the perfect book to place in the hands of any reluctant or emerging reader. The relatable emotions of the lovable main character as portrayed in the story and the expressive illustrations support social-emotional learning with themes of making friends, embracing what life throws at you, and finding the courage to try new things. And the busy, brightly colored pages full of hysterical dialogue, asides and antics (ever wonder what happens to lint when it goes through the washer and dryer?) enhance visual literacy. See more about Linty here: https://www.twine.net/signin