Hi, I'm Stephanie Pyren-Fortel, a passionate and experienced artist specializing in a broad range of mediums including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, sculpture, and bronze work. Since 1968, I've been creating commissioned pieces, ranging from portraits and murals to copies of old masters, and my work spans over several decades across the United States and France. Throughout my career, I have contributed to notable projects in animation and entertainment, working with big names like Universal Studios, Warner Bros., and Marvel Entertainment. As a teacher and fashion designer, I’ve enjoyed sharing my expertise in life drawing, fashion illustration, and animation. I find joy in illustrating children’s books and continue to participate in exhibitions internationally. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring creativity and experience to new projects.

Stephanie Pyren-Fortel

Hi, I'm Stephanie Pyren-Fortel, a passionate and experienced artist specializing in a broad range of mediums including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, sculpture, and bronze work. Since 1968, I've been creating commissioned pieces, ranging from portraits and murals to copies of old masters, and my work spans over several decades across the United States and France. Throughout my career, I have contributed to notable projects in animation and entertainment, working with big names like Universal Studios, Warner Bros., and Marvel Entertainment. As a teacher and fashion designer, I’ve enjoyed sharing my expertise in life drawing, fashion illustration, and animation. I find joy in illustrating children’s books and continue to participate in exhibitions internationally. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring creativity and experience to new projects.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Stephanie Pyren-Fortel, a passionate and experienced artist specializing in a broad range of mediums including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, sculpture, and bronze work. Since 1968, I’ve been creating commissioned pieces, ranging from portraits and murals to copies of old masters, and my work spans over several decades across the United States and France.

Throughout my career, I have contributed to notable projects in animation and entertainment, working with big names like Universal Studios, Warner Bros., and Marvel Entertainment. As a teacher and fashion designer, I’ve enjoyed sharing my expertise in life drawing, fashion illustration, and animation. I find joy in illustrating children’s books and continue to participate in exhibitions internationally. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring creativity and experience to new projects.

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Work Experience

Production: Character Design, Layout, Presentations, Backgrounds art director, merchandizing at Various Studios including Mike Young Productions, Universal Studios, Warner Bros., Marvel Entertainment, Hanna-Barbera, Filmation, DIC Entertainment
January 1, 1971 - June 17, 2024
Handled multiple production roles including character design, layout, presentation creation, background artwork, and art directing for popular shows such as "Masters of the Universe," "He-Man," "Fat Albert," "Care Bears," "Strawberry Shortcake," and "Clifford the Big Red Dog." Contributed to merchandising efforts and ensured visual consistency across productions.
Illustrator at Rasco Stores
January 11, 2030 - January 11, 2030
Created fashion illustrations, layouts, and copy illustrations for advertising and merchandising purposes at Rasco Stores.
Teacher (Life Drawing, Fashion Illustration, Window Display, Master Class: Animation) at Columbia College
January 11, 2030 - January 11, 2030
Taught courses and master classes in life drawing, fashion illustration, animation techniques, and window display design, sharing industry knowledge with students and aspiring artists.
Fashion Design at Body Electric, Irwin Productions, Debbie Reynolds Studio
January 11, 2030 - January 11, 2030
Designed fashion and costumes for showgirls and stage performances, including projects in Las Vegas. Provided fashion and set designs for productions such as "Cuban Soul Forever" and "Across the Room."
Freelance Artist and Muralist at Various clients including Graceville Retirement Home, Le Royal Restaurant Barbizon France, private residences
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 2013
Commissioned to create large-scale murals and commissioned artwork, including cityscapes and floral designs in various locations including California and France, as well as illustrating multiple children's books and working with studios like Disney TV and Pixar.
Production Artist / Art Director at Various Animation Studios and Entertainment Companies
January 1, 1971 - June 11, 2024
Worked from 1971 to current on character design, layout, presentations, backgrounds, and art direction for multiple shows such as "Masters of the Universe", "He-Man", "Fat Albert", "Mission Magic", "Star Trek", "Casper the Friendly Ghost", "Ghostbusters", "The Green Hulk", "Care Bears", "Strawberry Shortcake", "Clifford the Big Red Dog", and "Hello Kitty". Managed merchandising and contributed to production processes. Collaborated with major studios including Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Marvel Entertainment, Hanna-Barbera, Filmation, and others.
Production Artist / Art Director / Illustrator / Teacher / Fashion Designer at Various Studios and Companies including Mike Young Productions, Balmar Entertainment Ltd., Universal Studios, Hearst Animation Studio, Warner Bros. Consumer Products Div., Marvel Entertainment and others
January 1, 1971 - Present
Engaged in character design, layout, presentations, backgrounds, art direction, and merchandising for popular animations such as 'Masters of the Universe', 'He-Man', 'Fat Albert', 'Mission Magic', and others. Worked as an illustrator for fashion, layouts, and copy for Rasco Stores. Served as a teacher at Columbia College for life drawing, fashion illustration, and animation master classes. Designed fashion for various productions and shows, including T-shirt designs and showgirl costumes in Las Vegas. Collaborated on fashion, set design, and storyboards for theatrical productions.
Freelance Artist (Murals, Commissions, Master Copies)
December 31, 2013 - July 14, 2025
Created murals for private residences and commercial locations including Graceville Retirement Home and Le Royal Restaurant Barbizon, France. Created multiple copies of master works between Beverly Hills and Barbizon. Produced commissioned children’s books illustrations and private commissioned books series, along with writing and illustrating a self-published book. Worked with major studios for various projects including Disney TV, Pixar, Film Roman, and others.

Education

Teacher at Columbia College
January 1, 1971 - December 31, 1971
College Studies at Columbia College
January 1, 1971 - December 31, 1971

Qualifications

Stephanie Pyren
September 2, 2025 - September 2, 2025
I have illustrated 36 children's books for Read USA, 40 childrens books total in all various styles and genres.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Consumer Goods, Retail, Travel & Hospitality
    paper children's book illustration

    Newest project “Destiny’s Diary”, I had to create character design of a family and most of the illustrations were as a ten year old girl saw her life changed through her sketches in a diary
    ,“My Adventure with Gnomes” first of a series
    36 books Read USA “Searching Jacksonville for Leaders”
    “If Trees could Talk”
    "Maxime the Musical Mouse " , first of a series
    “Bedtime Stories”
    “Away up High where Dragons Fly”
    “Life on a Farm”