Available to hire
Hi, I’m Ty Semaka, a seasoned art director, graphic designer, and illustrator with over three decades of experience. I’ve been running my own studio, Ty Semaka Studios, since 1991, specializing in creative direction for television, film, and illustration projects. I love collaborating with creative teams to bring engaging visuals to life on screen and stage.
My work spans from television series and feature films to teaching graphic design and Photoshop online. Whether it’s art direction or hands-on illustration, I bring a friendly and professional approach to everything I do. I’m passionate about crafting detailed, visually compelling work that tells a story and connects with audiences.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Owner of graphic design & illustration studio at Ty Semaka Studios
January 1, 1991 - PresentOwner and operator of a graphic design and illustration studio since 1991, specializing in art direction, graphic design, illustration, and props building primarily for television and film productions.
Art Director and PropsMaster at There Are No Squirrels In Lethbridge - Independent
May 24, 2025 - July 8, 2025Lead art direction and props management for an independent feature film, creating visual props and overseeing design elements on set.
Graphic Artist at Warner Bros./Discovery - Back To The Frontier TV series
August 9, 2024 - July 8, 2025Produced graphic artwork for the TV series, ensuring high-quality visuals that supported the show’s aesthetic and storytelling.
Art Director at Hallmark Channel - Sweet Summer Love feature film
May 18, 2023 - July 8, 2025Directed art and graphic design elements for a feature film, coordinating with production to align with creative objectives.
Part Time Graphic Design & Photoshop Instructor at Toronto Film School - Yorkville University
July 1, 2022 - PresentTeaching graphic design and Photoshop online, helping students develop skills in visual communication and digital tools.
Art Director & Illustrator at Various Television and Film productions
May 24, 2025 - July 8, 2025Worked extensively as Art Director and Graphic Artist on multiple feature films and TV series, including The Birds Who Fear Death, American Girl: Corinne Tan, The Last Of Us (S1), JANN, Wynonna Earp, and more.
Art Instructor at City Of Calgary Parks & Recreation
August 31, 2012 - July 8, 2025Provided art instruction during summers to community participants.
Contract Graphic Designer at Alliance Pipeline
September 30, 2014 - July 8, 2025Provided graphic design services under contract.
Art Director at Cree-ative Media Advertising Agency
December 31, 2001 - July 8, 2025Directed creative visual design and campaigns for clients at an advertising agency.
Art Director & Illustrator at Image Club Graphics
August 31, 1991 - July 8, 2025Directed art and created clip art development, producing 13 volumes of clip art and several fonts that won awards and were sold to iStock.
Owner at Ty Semaka Studios
January 1, 1991 - PresentOwner of a graphic design and illustration studio since 1991, providing art direction, graphic design, and illustration services primarily for film and television productions.
Art Director and Props Master at There Are No Squirrels In Lethbridge - Independent
May 24, 2025 - July 8, 2025Led art direction and props creation for an independent feature film, managing visual coherence and prop design to support the story.
Graphic Artist at Warner Bros./Discovery
August 9, 2024 - July 8, 2025Created graphic designs for the TV series Back To The Frontier.
Art Director at Hallmark Channel
May 18, 2023 - July 8, 2025Art Director for feature film Sweet Summer Love, overseeing the visual elements and graphic design.
Graphic Artist at Castlerock / Warner Brothers
April 18, 2023 - July 8, 2025Designed graphics for the feature film Wind River: The Next Chapter.
Graphic Artist at Independent on Shudder
November 18, 2022 - July 8, 2025Produced graphic artwork for feature film Dark Match.
Art Director at Independent
September 16, 2022 - July 8, 2025Art Director for feature films The Birds Who Fear Death and American Girl: Corinne Tan (HBO Max), managing all art direction aspects.
Props Builder & Graphic Artist at Disney / FX Networks / Imagine Entertainment
December 22, 2021 - July 8, 2025Built props and designed graphics for Under The Banner Of Heaven, contributing to visual storytelling.
1st Assistant Art Director at CTV
March 26, 2021 - July 8, 2025Assisted art direction on TV series JANN (Season 3), coordinating design efforts.
Part Time Graphic Design & Photoshop Instructor at Toronto Film School - Yorkville University
July 1, 2021 - PresentTeaching graphic design and Photoshop courses online.
Art Director & Illustrator at Image Club Graphics
August 31, 1991 - July 8, 2025Art Director and Illustrator of award-winning clip art development, producing 13 volumes of clip art and several fonts, later sold to iStock.
Owner at Ty Semaka Studios
January 1, 1991 - PresentOwner of graphic design & illustration studio providing art direction, graphic design, illustration services for film, television and various clients since 1991.
Art Director and PropsMaster at Independent
May 24, 2025 - July 8, 2025Directed art direction and props for feature film 'There Are No Squirrels In Lethbridge' from April 20 to May 24, 2025.
Graphic Artist at Warner Bros./Discovery
August 9, 2024 - July 8, 2025Created graphic art for TV series Back To The Frontier from July 28 to August 9, 2024.
Art Director at Hallmark Channel
May 18, 2023 - July 8, 2025Art director for feature film Sweet Summer Love from April 17 to May 18, 2023.
Graphic Artist at Castlerock / Warner Brothers
April 18, 2023 - July 8, 2025Provided graphic art for feature film Wind River: The Next Chapter from February 30 to April 18, 2023.
Art Director at HBO Max
June 7, 2022 - July 8, 2025Art director for feature film American Girl: Corinne Tan from May 9 to June 7, 2022.
Props Builder & Graphic Artist at Disney / FX Networks / Imagine Entertainment
December 22, 2021 - July 8, 2025Built props and created graphic art for Under The Banner Of Heaven from August 12 to December 22, 2021.
1st Assistant Art Director at CTV
March 26, 2021 - July 8, 2025Served as 1st assistant art director for TV series JANN (Season 3) from January 25 to March 26, 2021.
Part Time Graphic Design & Photoshop Instructor at Toronto Film School - Yorkville University
July 1, 2013 - PresentInstructor for graphic design and Photoshop courses, delivering online education since July 1st.
Art Instructor at City Of Calgary Parks & Recreation
August 31, 2012 - July 8, 2025Conducted art instruction during summers of 2010, 2011, 2012.
Contract Graphic Designer at Alliance Pipeline
September 30, 2014 - July 8, 2025Contracted as graphic designer from January 2013 to September 2014.
Art Director at Cree-ative Media Advertising Agency
December 31, 2001 - July 8, 2025Art director from March 2000 to December 2001.
Art Director & Illustrator at Image Club Graphics
August 31, 1991 - July 8, 2025Art director and illustrator developing clip art volumes and fonts from October 1988 to August 1991. Produced 13 volumes sold to iStock.
Education
Bachelor Of Arts at Alberta University Of The Arts
January 1, 1984 - December 31, 1988High School Diploma at W.R. Myers School
January 1, 1981 - December 31, 1984Bachelor Of Arts at Alberta University Of The Arts, Calgary AB
January 1, 1984 - December 31, 1988High School Diploma at W.R. Myers School, Taber AB
January 1, 1981 - December 31, 1984Bachelor Of Arts at Alberta University Of The Arts
January 1, 1984 - December 31, 1988High School Diploma at W.R. Myers School
January 1, 1981 - December 31, 1984Qualifications
‘A’ Status Member of IATSE 212 Union
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014Saint John Ambulance First Aid and CPR Certificate
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 20142017 Art Director’s Guild for Best Production Design - Fargo Season 3
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 20172016 Emmy Winning Art Department - Fargo Season 2
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 20162005 Dr. Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Poster Design
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 20052005 Dr. Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Musical (writer, performer)
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005'A' Status Member of IATSE 212 Union
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014Saint John Ambulance First Aid and CPR Certificate
January 11, 2030 - July 8, 2025Art Director’s Guild for Best Production Design - Fargo Season 3
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017Emmy Winning Art Department - Fargo Season 2
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016Dr. Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Poster Design
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005Dr. Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Musical (writer, performer)
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005‘A’ Status Member of IATSE 212 Union
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014Saint John Ambulance First Aid and CPR Certificate
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 20142017 Art Director’s Guild for Best Production Design
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 20172016 Emmy Winning Art Department
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 20162005 Dr. Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Poster Design
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 20052005 Dr. Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Musical
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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