Louis Henry Mitchell
About Louis Henry Mitchell
Louis Henry Mitchell serves as the Creative Director of Character Design at Sesame Workshop, where he has worked since 2013. He founded the Spiritstorm School to emphasize classic art fundamentals and has contributed to notable projects, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Sesame Street Google Doodle.
Current Role at Sesame Workshop
Louis Henry Mitchell has served as the Creative Director of Character Design at Sesame Workshop since 2013. In this role, he oversees the design and development of characters for the iconic children's program, Sesame Street. His responsibilities include ensuring that the characters resonate with audiences and maintain the show's educational objectives. Mitchell's work has contributed to various projects, including the Sesame Street Google Doodle and the Brooklyn Library Sesame Street Muppet Exhibit, which celebrated the show's 40th season.
Education and Training
Mitchell studied at the School of Visual Arts from 1980 to 1984, where he completed a four-year program. He furthered his education at The Art Students League from 1996 to 2007, focusing on Anatomy and Elements of Drawing over an eleven-year period. This extensive training has equipped him with the skills necessary for character design and artistic instruction.
Art School Development
Mitchell developed the Spiritstorm School, an art school dedicated to preserving classic art fundamentals. The institution aims to help students understand their role in art history while honing their skills. This initiative reflects his commitment to art education and mentorship in the creative community.
Notable Projects and Contributions
Mitchell has been involved in several notable projects, including the creation and installation of a float for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as designing two balloons, Big Bird and Super Grover. He also produced a special gift portrait for Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, featuring the Sesame Street Muppets. These projects highlight his versatility and creativity in character design.
Teaching and Mentorship
Mitchell teaches artists worldwide how to draw Sesame Street Muppets, emphasizing the importance of capturing the characters' personalities. He plans to relaunch the Character Design class previously taught at the School of Visual Arts and The Tribe Sessions, an artists' fellowship, furthering his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.