Jaz McDaniel

Animation and design have always been my passion. I grew up watching classic cartoons like Looney Toons and He-Man and spent much of my childhood drawing. As I got older, I was introduced to comics and started to copy characters from any comic I could get my hands on. In high school, I studied Architectural Drafting, which further developed my understanding of the angles and measurements ideal for drawing.

After graduation, I put my art on hold to co-found the first AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball program in Middletown CT, the Middletown Hoosiers, now known as the Connecticut Basketball Club. I coached, created flyers, designed the website and logos for the program.

In 2000, I was tapped by Joe Young and his team to create a holiday animation feature which aired nationally in 2004. Working with his team of artists inspired me to begin pursuing art again. I have had the privilege to learn from and be mentored by Adam Duff – Art Director for Electronic Arts and Artistic Supervisor for Disney and Stephen Silver – Character Designer for Disney and Nickelodeon.

I started freelancing in 2005. I create animated shorts, custom illustration, and graphic and website design for various clients. I teach courses and workshops in digital illustration, animation, and pencil drawing. Most recently, I illustrated a children’s comic, NKS Believe and animated the instruction and conclusion for an independent film called Diamond Ruff.