Shahen Jordan
Newhall,CA
Summary
An accomplished Art Director with over twenty years of crafting compelling visual experiences for major motion pictures and the larger entertainment industry. Strongest skill sets include: Developing and executing comprehensive visual style for 50+ projects, elevating the brand and capturing audiences Managing budgets and timelines for complex, long-term initiatives from concept art to completion Developing innovative and creative aesthetics through extensive visual effects experience and staying updated on trends
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Art Director, Head of Environments
Varnish Bros
08.2021 - Current
- Conceptualized and produced cohesive visual aesthetics for multimillion-dollar film and TV projects
- Translated the Project Manager (Director)'s vision into evocative concept art that drove the brand and established a distinct visual style
- Collaborated with directors, producers, and designers to translate vision into consistent branding guidelines
- Created brand-aligned digital assets and environments for projects like Transformers, DnD, and House of the Dragon
- Led artistic direction for Disney's Class of 09 TV show
Sr. Visual Development Artist
LAIKA
03.2024 - 09.2025
- Led design of environments, focusing on appearance, costumes, and poses. Produced concept art sketches and mood boards to articulate project style and atmosphere. Established color schemes to shape emotional tone and overall mood. Partnered with art directors, writers, and production teams to ensure visual elements met project objectives.
Producer / Art Director, Head of Environments
Synaptic VFX
12.2011 - 12.2022
- Led Art Direction for highly successful projects, including Man in the High Castle, Sleepy Hollow, and Agents of Shield. Details include:
- Developing comprehensive brand identity, establishing guidelines, and working with leadership to maintain alignment with larger goals
- Leading and mentoring teams of 10+ artists and designers, providing creative direction and building a positive environment
- Researching and identifying emerging trends, tools, and technologies to enhance and refine work
- Implementing timelines, managing budgets, and tracking outcomes and deliverables to ensure on-time and profitable launches
- Developed and drove key creative direction as Art Director for award-winning projects such as Man in the High Castle
- Building adaptable designs that evolve with the brand over time, including serving as Creative Director for the first two seasons of Sleepy Hollow
Lead Matte Painter/Visual Development Artist
Digital Domain
06.2006 - 12.2011
- Shaped the visual foundation and guided the creative direction for TV and film by creating concept art and digital assets for high-grossing projects
- Developed distinct visual styles and mood boards for characters, environments, and props
- Prototyped and iterated on initial ideas through sketches, digital paintings, and 3D models
- Created photorealistic digital environments that seamlessly integrated with live-action footage, successfully delivering the larger aesthetic
- Created assets for Pirates of the Caribbean, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Speed Racer
- Led look development for the characters, setting, and aesthetics of Jack the Giant Slayer and Paradise Lost
Education
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Art Center College of Design
01.1993
Skills
- Creative Direction
- Concept Art
- Visual Development
- Design Thinking
- Art Direction
- Branding
- Design Leadership
- Team Management
- Vendor Coordination
- Mentorship
- Communication
- Task Prioritization
- Content Creation
- Photoreal and Stylized Matte Painting
- Visual Effects (VFX)
- 3D and 2D Art
- Project Management
- Budgeting & Bidding
- Developing KPIs
- Tracking Timelines
Websites
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Sony Imageworks
- Look Development
- Nov 2009 - Sep 2011
- Asylum VFX
- Senior Matte Painter
- Nov 2005 - Aug 2009
- Method
- Feb 2004 - Oct 2004
- Dreamworks SKG
- Visual Development
- Jan 1996 - July 1999
Timeline
Sr. Visual Development Artist
LAIKA
03.2024 - 09.2025
Art Director, Head of Environments
Varnish Bros
08.2021 - Current
Producer / Art Director, Head of Environments
Synaptic VFX
12.2011 - 12.2022
Lead Matte Painter/Visual Development Artist
Digital Domain
06.2006 - 12.2011
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Art Center College of Design