I’m Kenneth J. Spirduso, a concept artist and illustrator with decades of experience creating character concepts, environments, storyboards, and background paintings for theme parks, animation, and film. My clients have included Universal Creative, Walt Disney Imagineering, N-Space, Raytheon, and other industry leaders, and I’ve taught art and visual development at institutions around the world. I blend traditional media with digital painting to bring immersive worlds to life, and I enjoy collaborating with directors, designers, and engineers to translate bold visions into compelling visuals. When I’m not creating, I teach and mentor aspiring artists through Ringling College and other programs.

KENNETH J. SPIRDUSO

I’m Kenneth J. Spirduso, a concept artist and illustrator with decades of experience creating character concepts, environments, storyboards, and background paintings for theme parks, animation, and film. My clients have included Universal Creative, Walt Disney Imagineering, N-Space, Raytheon, and other industry leaders, and I’ve taught art and visual development at institutions around the world. I blend traditional media with digital painting to bring immersive worlds to life, and I enjoy collaborating with directors, designers, and engineers to translate bold visions into compelling visuals. When I’m not creating, I teach and mentor aspiring artists through Ringling College and other programs.

Available to hire

I’m Kenneth J. Spirduso, a concept artist and illustrator with decades of experience creating character concepts, environments, storyboards, and background paintings for theme parks, animation, and film. My clients have included Universal Creative, Walt Disney Imagineering, N-Space, Raytheon, and other industry leaders, and I’ve taught art and visual development at institutions around the world.

I blend traditional media with digital painting to bring immersive worlds to life, and I enjoy collaborating with directors, designers, and engineers to translate bold visions into compelling visuals. When I’m not creating, I teach and mentor aspiring artists through Ringling College and other programs.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Concept Artist/Illustrator at Universal Creative
January 1, 2004 - Present
Theme park concepts and illustrations; collaborated with multiple studios on concept design and painting.
Concept Artist/Illustrator at Walt Disney Imagineering
January 1, 2004 - Present
Theme park and resort concept design; concept illustrations; artwork design and painting.
Concept Artist/Illustrator at Falcon’s Creative Group
January 1, 2004 - Present
Concept Illustration; Theme Park Storyboards.
Storyboard Artist/Illustrator at Raytheon
December 31, 2014 - October 19, 2025
Created storyboards and illustrations for video and print.
Senior Concept Artist at N-Space
December 31, 2010 - October 19, 2025
Created character and environment concepts, illustrations, interactive screens, in-game illustrations and storyboards for DS video games. Titles include Star Wars Battlefront-Elite Squadron, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, Call of Duty-World at War, James Bond Bloodstone, Tron, Toy Story 3.
Art Instructor at Ringling College of Art and Design
January 1, 2014 - Present
Illustration Professor teaching Visual Development, Drawing and Painting; created online visual development course with Kadenze.
Art Instructor at Studio Arts College International
June 1, 2019 - Present
Summer 2019 portrait and landscape painting instruction.
Layout Artist/Background Artist at Project Firefly Animation
December 31, 2007 - October 19, 2025
Layouts, backgrounds for feature film, Curious George.
Layout Artist/Background Artist at Cecropia Animation
December 31, 2007 - October 19, 2025
Layouts, backgrounds for animated video game, The Act.
Illustrator at Genesis Studios
December 31, 2007 - October 19, 2025
Illustrations in watercolor, pen and ink and Photoshop.
Background Painter at Walt Disney Feature Animation-Florida
December 31, 2004 - October 19, 2025
Painted backgrounds in acrylic and Photoshop for feature films, including Brother Bear, My Peoples.
Layout Artist at Walt Disney Feature Animation-Florida
December 31, 2004 - October 19, 2025
Designed layouts, lighting and camera movement for feature films, including The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo and Stitch, Brother Bear, My Peoples, Trail Mix-up, John Henry.
Layout Artist at Sullivan/Bluth Animation
December 31, 1992 - October 19, 2025
Designed layouts for feature films, including A Troll in Central Park, Thumbelina.

Education

BFA Visual Communication/Illustration at University of Kansas
January 1, 1979 - January 1, 1983
Study Abroad Program in Great Britain at University of Kansas
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1983
Art Studies at Atelier Lack School of Fine Art
January 11, 2030 - October 19, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services