Mark Thompson

Art Director Mark Thompson has more than 17 years of experience as a digital artist preceded by 14 years in electrical engineering. After graduating in 1982 with a BSEE from the University of Illinois, Mark started out his career in computer vision research at Manan Manufacturing where he designed and built high-speed visual inspection systems. He then went to RCA where he worked with the Princeton R&D Labs to develop autonomous robotic systems that were guided through computer vision. From there he moved into 3D graphics, becoming a systems architect and designing high-end 3D graphics rendering engines. This included work at Lockheed/Sanders where he designed and developed the single chip graphics engine for the F22 Raptor.

However, untapped creative urges forced him to leave engineering and apply his 3D knowledge to computer animation. Mark founded and successfully ran three different visual effects studios, garnering numerous awards and developing a large high-end client base. Starting as an independent digital artist and animation consultant, he provided services for projects such as Robocop: The Series. This led to co-founding Fusion Films, a full service digital production facility, where Mark was vice president and director of animation. At the time of his departure, Mark’s animation department had become the principal source of revenue for the company. He then founded The Big Machines Studios, a 3D animation and visual effects facility servicing clientele in the film, broadcast, game and new media markets. His work continues to be broadcast in the United States and abroad.

Most recently, Mark served as the art manager/director for Impressions Games, a development studio for Vivendi Universal Games and as the 3D animation program director for Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts. Currently he is the Art Director at Handcranked Games.

In addition, throughout his career, Mark has been a teacher, mentor and motivator to his staff and other aspiring artists. He has served as business, art and technical consultant on various startup ventures, and has published dozens of articles and videos on 3D animation and visual effects.