Rising Stars: Meet Brad Pattullo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Pattullo.

Brad, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
I am originally from Michigan; I attended high school in West Branch. I was interested in art from a very early age and began doing freelance illustration as early as middle school. In 1995, I attained a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Michigan, where I continued my freelance artwork, including political cartooning for the student newspaper and writing and illustrating articles for the student humor magazine. While studying for his Master of Fine Arts degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design, I was hired by Will Vinton Studios to work on the critically acclaimed but short-lived stop-motion animated television series “Gary and Mike.” I also had the opportunity to work on several other animated television programs, commercials, and music videos, including MTV’s “Celebrity Deathmatch” and WB’s “Phantom Investigators.” After completing my master’s degree in Savannah, I began my teaching career. I taught for two years in the Entertainment Arts department at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, and I is currently a Professor of Animation in the highly renowned Animation program at PennWest (formerly Edinboro University of Pennsylvania). I now produce independent animated films and commissioned work – I’ve directed two segments for Sesame Street and have worked on a number of other high-profile projects. His independent films, to date, have screened at over ninety festivals worldwide and earned eighteen awards. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I struggle internally with a lack of confidence, what some others might call “Imposter Syndrome.” I have also struggled with anxiety and depression at times. This has led to being passed over for jobs and having my artwork overlooked. When I began my teaching career, I often struggled with navigating the politics of academia. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in character animation, especially in stop motion. Stop motion animation is a very small and niche industry, with only a few thousand people worldwide claiming it as their profession. Professionally, I have a lot of interests. I draw, I paint, I sculpt; I am always trying to challenge myself and learn new things. I draw comics for a local paper (in Erie, Pennsylvania), and I maintain a podcast. I am most proud of my character animation abilities, but I am also proud of the fact that I am an artist with a broad range of talents and techniques. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Be humble, but also believe in yourself. Listen to other people, but also trust your own intuition. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bradpattullo.com
• Instagram: @bradpattullo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradford-pattullo-7689929/
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/2c5fl9ex5XWkT08wLllLE5

Image Credits
Megan Ciafre
Jamie Ward
Edinboro University