Hello from Steven Henry, an award-winning illustrator and art director with over 20 years of experience working with top publishers and brands like Chronicle Books, Starbucks, Nick Jr., and Microsoft. I’m an expert visual storyteller fluent in multiple illustration and design styles. As a veteran art director and contractor, I’ve also developed excellent project management and communication skills. Throughout my career, I’ve led talented teams of designers and illustrators, steered major branding initiatives, and contributed visuals and art direction to everything from children’s books to museum installations to animated TV series. I’m passionate about visual communication in all its forms, and bring creativity and seasoned leadership to any project.

Steven Henry

Hello from Steven Henry, an award-winning illustrator and art director with over 20 years of experience working with top publishers and brands like Chronicle Books, Starbucks, Nick Jr., and Microsoft. I’m an expert visual storyteller fluent in multiple illustration and design styles. As a veteran art director and contractor, I’ve also developed excellent project management and communication skills. Throughout my career, I’ve led talented teams of designers and illustrators, steered major branding initiatives, and contributed visuals and art direction to everything from children’s books to museum installations to animated TV series. I’m passionate about visual communication in all its forms, and bring creativity and seasoned leadership to any project.

Available to hire

Hello from Steven Henry, an award-winning illustrator and art director with over 20 years of experience working with top publishers and brands like Chronicle Books, Starbucks, Nick Jr., and Microsoft. I’m an expert visual storyteller fluent in multiple illustration and design styles. As a veteran art director and contractor, I’ve also developed excellent project management and communication skills.

Throughout my career, I’ve led talented teams of designers and illustrators, steered major branding initiatives, and contributed visuals and art direction to everything from children’s books to museum installations to animated TV series. I’m passionate about visual communication in all its forms, and bring creativity and seasoned leadership to any project.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Art Director at Committee for Children
February 1, 2020 - January 31, 2025
Led a team of 11 designers, video editors, and copywriters working on up to 150 projects at any given time; responsible for all creative reviews. Oversaw creative direction for major Second Step program ad campaigns and led stakeholder review presentations. Worked closely with video editors, directing motion graphics and branding alignments. Co-led a major re-branding initiative and became the internal owner of the Committee for Children and Second Step visual brands. Collaborated with in-house legal team to manage trademarks and IP licensing.
Principal / Illustrator at Lucky Hat Productions
January 1, 2004 - November 30, 2018
Illustrated 15 children’s books with major publishers such as Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, Dial, Chronicle, Bloomsbury, and Macmillan. Proficient in multiple illustration styles and formats. Created visuals for numerous installations and exhibits at museums and learning centers; contracted illustration work for Starbucks, Microsoft, and others. Was an art director and script consultant on the Disney Jr. animated series Ella the Elephant.
Product Design Manager at Committee for Children
May 1, 2017 - February 1, 2020
Hired and managed a team of 10 product designers and illustrators. Supervised creative development of the Second Step digital platform and K-5 curriculum, working with product owners and instructional designers to transform the program’s traditional printed products into an immersive ed-tech experience. Contributed illustrations and UI design concepts.
Senior Art Director at Smashing Ideas
June 1, 2008 - December 31, 2015
Mentored and collaborated with designers and animators working on mobile games and websites for clients including Mattel, Disney Channel, Nick Jr., and PBS Kids. Coordinated with project managers to ensure that all deliverable design, audio, and motion graphics were consistent with client style guides. Managed the agency’s font library and all related licensing.
Art Director at Committee for Children
February 1, 2020 - January 31, 2025
Led a team of 11 designers, video editors, and copywriters managing up to 150 projects simultaneously; responsible for all creative reviews. Oversaw creative direction for major Second Step program ad campaigns and led stakeholder review presentations. Collaborated closely with video editors on motion graphics and branding alignments. Co-led a major re-branding initiative and acted as the internal owner of the Committee for Children and Second Step visual brands. Managed trademarks and IP licensing in collaboration with the legal team.
Principal / Illustrator at Lucky Hat Productions
January 1, 2004 - November 30, 2018
Illustrated 15 children’s books for major publishers including Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, Dial, Chronicle, Bloomsbury, and Macmillan. Proficient in multiple illustration styles and formats. Created visuals for museum installations and learning centers. Completed contracted illustration work for Starbucks, Microsoft, and others. Served as art director and script consultant on the Disney Jr. animated series Ella the Elephant.
Product Design Manager at Committee for Children
May 1, 2017 - February 1, 2020
Hired and managed a team of 10 product designers and illustrators. Supervised creative development of the Second Step digital platform and K-5 curriculum, collaborating with product owners and instructional designers to transform traditional printed products into immersive ed-tech experiences. Contributed illustrations and UI design concepts.
Senior Art Director at Smashing Ideas
June 1, 2008 - December 31, 2015
Mentored and collaborated with designers and animators on mobile games and websites for clients including Mattel, Disney Channel, Nick Jr., and PBS Kids. Ensured all deliverables including design, audio, and motion graphics adhered to client style guides. Managed the agency’s font library and related licensing.

Education

Coursework in Graphic Design at Cornish College of the Arts
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000
Coursework in Fine Arts at Everett Community College
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1998
Coursework in Graphic Design at Cornish College of the Arts
January 11, 2030 - July 4, 2025
Coursework in Fine Arts at Everett Community College
January 11, 2030 - July 4, 2025

Qualifications

Human-Centered Design Course | LUMA Institute Certification
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Figma Training | LinkedIn Learning Certification
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Human-Centered Design Course
January 11, 2030 - July 4, 2025
LUMA Institute Certification
January 11, 2030 - July 4, 2025
Figma Training
January 11, 2030 - July 4, 2025
LinkedIn Learning Certification
January 11, 2030 - July 4, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Non-Profit Organization, Software & Internet