Shawn Van Briesen
shawn@empusa.com
(612) 720-7164
• 18+ years of professional
experience including work in Entertainment, Business-to-Business, Advertising,
Education, Theater, Film and Television
Allen Interactions,
St. Paul, MN
Senior Media Designer 2004-2006
I direct, design and implement computer based training modules for corporate clients. I manage teams of media and development people. I also function as the client’s main point of contact.
Duties: Duties included designing learning paradigms and
interactions and the direct implementation of custom graphics.
VBI
Studios,
Laguna Niguel, CA
Director/Animator 1997-2004
I
created over 75 animated cartoons designed for web delivery. I streamlined the
creation processes, and as a result, cut production time in half while
increasing revenues by fifty percent. I also produced computer based training
modules for major corporations, including State Farm, 3M and Cox Communications
Inc.
Duties: Designing learning paradigms and
interactions and the implementation of custom graphics. Wrote, animated,
colored, programmed and provided voice-over talent of web-based cartoons.
The Human Element,
San Francisco, CA
Media Designer, 1995-1997
I was chosen by the company to
create an adjunct office in San Francisco. I designed and implemented computer
based training modules for corporate clients, and was also their main point of
contact.
Duties:
Duties included anticipating client needs, designing learning paradigms and
interactions, and the implementation of custom graphics.
Area Seven, Minneapolis, MN
Art Director/Producer 1998-2001
At Area Seven, I conceptionalized, produced and art directed industrial
videos, music videos, and commercials in conjunction Greatapes Media
Corporation. The highlight of my time at Area Seven certainly includes the
anti-gang video Gang
Green, which I art directed and co-produced. Although intended for the
Minneapolis school district only, Attorney General Janet Reno picked it up for
distribution throughout our nation’s high schools.
Duties:
Produced, production designed, and art directed on tight deadlines and
shoestring budgets. Designed and implemented video and 3D graphics.
Related Experience
Animator, Minneapolis,
MN
Various Companies, 1990 – 2004
I have created traditional (hand
drawn) world class animation for television spots and various animation
companies including Mike Jones Film Corp., Reelworks,
Gav Productions, Mercury Zeitgeist, Marvel
Productions, and Warner Bros. My duties included direction, animation,
assistant animation, lip syncing, timing, character
design, storyboarding, and ink and paint.
Writer/ Artist, Minneapolis,
MN
Various Companies, 1987 – Present
I have been instrumental in the
creation of comic books, cartoons, screenplays, and commercial art for various
companies since 1987, including Baytide Films, Image,
Marvel and Caliber comics, as well as many other major corporations.
Art Director, Mallrats, Minneapolis,
MN 1995
I assumed the role of Art Director
on Kevin Smith’s 1995 film Mallrats, when the original Art Director was called away on a
family emergency. I conceived and managed the backgrounds and settings for all
aspects of the film. I utilized my local contacts to manage the art
department’s limited assets and bring the film in on time and under budget.
User Interface Design
Consultant, Minneapolis, MN
Various Companies 1997-1999
I have created content and
GUI design for various web sites in Minneapolis and Atlanta. Examples include:
Metropolitan
State University,
Minneapolis, MN 2005
The First College that
allows students to create a Bachelors degree based on life and professional experience.
My focus is on instructional design, media, marketing and communications with a
Minor in theater
School of
Communication Arts, Minneapolis, MN 1995
3D computer animation / Multimedia
Interactive Production
Minneapolis
Community College, Minneapolis, MN 1988
Commercial art, advertising, and
theater
Film in the Cities, Minneapolis, MN 1987
Filmmaking .
In 1968 I took up a drawing pencil
for the first time after a particularly thrilling episode of the original
Batman television series. This in effect created an ongoing interest in comic
books, but more profoundly, an interest in art.
Over the years I have developed an
eclectic taste in many differing art forms. But I knew early on in my life that
Commercial Art was my calling. I figured if I wanted to be a fine artist, I
would have become a waiter.
During my down time I enjoy
surfing, biking and spending time with my family. My long-term goals include
buying a 1957 Thunderbird convertible for my father, surfing Waimaia Bay at least once, and becoming a flash-in-the-pan
teen idol in the tradition of Shaun Cassidy.
*References, reel and portfolio
available upon request.