Shashikant Sonawane

Creative Animation Professional with 25+ years of experience in 2D/3D Animation, Storyboarding, Character Design, Visual Development and Creative Direction. Experienced in leading creative teams, mentoring artists, developing visual concepts, reviewing animation and artwork, and maintaining high production standards from concept through delivery. Contributed to international animation and entertainment projects associated with global brands including Disney, Marvel and Amazon.

Strong expertise in animation principles, visual storytelling, character animation, creative problem-solving and team leadership.

Creative Head - Pixa Animation Makers LLP - Hyderabad

(2024-01 - 2025-12)

• Led creative development and animation production from concept through final delivery.
• Provided creative direction and visual guidance to artists and production teams.
• Reviewed and refined animation and artwork to maintain high production quality.
• Applied strong knowledge of animation principles, visual storytelling and creative problem-solving.
• Collaborated with artists and production teams to achieve project requirements and deadlines.
• Mentored team members through creative feedback, guidance and artistic support.

Animation Mentor - Starblast Animation - Kolkata

(2021-01 - 2024-12)

• Supervised and supported animation production across creative and technical requirements.
• Guided artists and team members to maintain animation quality and production standards.
• Reviewed animation and artwork and provided constructive creative feedback.
• Supported artists in improving animation execution, visual storytelling and overall quality.
• Coordinated with production teams to meet project requirements and delivery deadlines.
• Applied animation expertise and creative problem-solving to support production goals.

Trainee Artist → Animator → Senior Artist → Creative Supervisor - DQ Entertainment - Hyderabad

(2003-01 - 2021-12)

Progressed through multiple creative and animation responsibilities over a long-term career with DQ Entertainment.

• Worked on international animation productions and collaborated with multidisciplinary creative teams.
• Led, mentored and motivated junior and senior artists.
• Supervised creative execution and maintained quality standards throughout production.
• Worked on storyboarding, animation, creative development and visual problem solving.
• Reviewed and approved artwork and animation developed by the team.
• Translated creative ideas and production requirements into clear visual direction.
• Supported production planning, scheduling and workflow improvements.
• Contributed to projects for internationally recognized entertainment brands.

2D Animator - UTV Toons - Mumbai

(2000-01 - 2003-12)

• Worked as a 2D animation artist on television animation productions.
• Contributed to character animation and production artwork.
• Developed strong foundations in traditional 2D animation and drawing.
• Worked as part of a production team to meet quality and delivery requirements.

Government Diploma in Art - Art - Pune University (1996-01 - 2000-12)

Natyashastra Diploma - Performing Arts - Chaturang Prathisthan (1995-01 - 1996-12)

Art Teacher Diploma - Art Education - Aurangabad (1994-01 - 1996-12)