Jim McKenzie is a world renowned artist, animator, and director based in Burbank California. His vast body of work ranges from surrealist paintings, to stop motion films and designer toys. McKenzie is best known for his detailed character-based sculptures and cinematic art process videos. Though his whimsical esthetic is visually vibrant and at times satirical, McKenzie’s characters share underlining themes of distress, and melancholia, stemming from everyday life.

McKenzie graduated from School of Visual Arts in 2011 with a BFA in computer art and visual effects. Shortly after graduation, he returned to SVA as a professor, teaching various film-making and animation courses. During this time, McKenzie became a staff director at Aardman Nathan Love, a renowned character-based animation studio in New York.

Over the course of a decade, McKenzie has directed spots for major brands such as Prada, National Geographics, Clash Royal, Capital One, H&R Block, and has recently helped in the creation of Xifaxan’s mascot character “Gut Guy” who could be seen during Super Bowl 50.

Currently, McKenzie is exhibiting his artwork in numerous galleries across America and around the world.