Meet Lee Ann Dufour | Art Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lee Ann Dufour and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lee Ann, why did you pursue a creative career?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved drawing. It’s always been a way for me to create beauty in the world and share it with others. When I was in high school and the time came to choose a career path, I was really focused on making a choice that could lead to long term happiness. It was clear to me that a creative career was the answer but I wasn’t sure which avenue I wanted to pursue. As a kid I wanted to be an architect but I also loved fashion and drawing people so I wasn’t sure where I’d fit in best. Once I discovered the animation industry, I felt like a world of opportunity opened up to me. There was room to indulge in all those interests and more while being a part of projects that were bigger than myself.

Creating art that resonates with others is one of the most satisfying experiences my career choice has offered me. The ability to create a connection with complete strangers over a feeling or shared experience depicted in either my personal art or the animated projects I’ve worked on makes the world feel like a warmer, more welcoming place.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My art is heavily influenced by my experience in the animation industry. In my free time, I tend to draw characters and environments that could be part of an animated series. I love color and use it to create appealing worlds I’d like to live in. In my professional work, there’s more variety as I’m usually following the direction the show creators are envisioning for the project, which is really rewarding in a different way.

I’m currently the Art Director on Disney’s Hailey’s On It! and while it wasn’t easy to get here, I wouldn’t change any of it if I had to do it all over again. I think the most challenging time in my career was right after graduation when I didn’t get a job in an animation studio like most of my fellow classmates. I ended up working at a bank for two years while I reworked my portfolio. At the time, I felt like a failure because I had invested so much time into getting an animation degree but what I learned from that experience is that if you don’t give up and you put in the work to keep trying to improve your craft, you can reach the goals you’ve set for yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a tricky question because I feel like I still have so much to explore and learn about LA but some of my favourite areas to hang out are Los Feliz and Highland Park. What I love most about those areas is that they’re so walkable. It’s easy to get a delicious breakfast at Loupiotte Kitchen (@loupiottekitchen) and find a great book at Skylight Bookstore (@skylightbooks) while in Los Feliz. Hiking up to Griffith Observatory at dusk is also such a pleasure. The sunset colors and the city’s twinkling lights are breathtaking!

In Highland Park, I love the little strip on York Blvd where you can get a coffee at The Highland Cafe (@highlandcafela), check out the gorgeous art prints and stationary at Crush and Touch Art Supply (@crushandtouch) and finish it all off with some delicious donuts from Donut Friend (@donutfriend).

A week-long trip wouldn’t be complete without getting to see the ocean at El Matador Beach in Malibu, people watching in Venice Beach and taking a nice walk around Echo Park Lake. I haven’t taken a ride on the swan boats there yet but it’s on the list!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I’ve learned from along the way that have helped me become the artist I am today. Animation is such a collaborative industry and having access to so many talented people is one of the greatest benefits of having chosen this career path. Many of my coworkers have also become close friends.

Specifically, I’d like to thank Gyimah Gariba (@gyimahg) for bringing me onto the animated series he created called Big Blue. He’s such an inspiring artist and creative leader, getting to work with him has been a privilege. I’d also like to thank Emily Jenkins (@jenkytime) for being such a good friend, an awesome Creative Exec and always encouraging me to push myself further. Last but not least, I’d like to thank Scott Forbes (@wscottforbes) who was my first Art Director and has taught me so much of what I know today.

Website: www.leeanndufour.com

Instagram: @leeanndufour

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-ann-dufour/

Twitter: @leeanndufour

Image Credits
Headshot by Daniel Sprogis All other images by Lee Ann Dufour