Maria Lee
About Maria Lee
Maria Lee is a Shading Art Director at Pixar Animation Studios, where she has worked since 2005. She has extensive experience in the motion picture industry, having held various roles in graphic design and art direction, and she actively mentors students in their creative projects.
Current Role at Pixar Animation Studios
Maria Lee serves as a Shading Art Director at Pixar Animation Studios, a position she has held since 2005. With 19 years of experience in this role, she contributes to the visual development of animated films. Her expertise in shading and look development plays a crucial role in creating the distinctive visual style that Pixar is known for. Lee's work involves collaborating with various departments to ensure the artistic vision is realized in the final product.
Previous Experience in Graphic Design
Before joining Pixar, Maria Lee accumulated extensive experience in graphic design. She worked as a Graphic Designer at L3 Advertising from 1984 to 1988, where she honed her skills over four years. Following this, she freelanced as a Graphic Designer at Dae Advertising from 1996 to 1999 in San Francisco, CA. This experience laid the foundation for her transition into the motion picture industry.
Background in Look Development and Animation
Maria Lee has a strong background in look development, animation, and art within the motion picture and film industry. Her knowledge in these areas enhances her contributions to projects at Pixar. This expertise allows her to influence the visual storytelling process and ensure that the aesthetic elements align with the narrative goals of the films.
Educational Qualifications
Maria Lee holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts, where she studied from 1983 to 1988. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Computer Arts from the Academy of Art University, completing her studies from 1996 to 2000. These academic credentials provided her with a solid foundation in both traditional and digital art techniques.
Mentorship and Teaching Experience
In addition to her role at Pixar, Maria Lee has experience in teaching and mentorship. In 2018, she worked as a teacher at SAE Expression College for two months. She also provides mentorship to four students, guiding them through their individual projects as part of a portfolio class. This involvement reflects her commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists in the industry.