shawn lee, Designer in San Diego, CA, USA

Overview

Hello! I'm Shawn Lee, a highly accomplished book designer, art director, and comic letterer with a remarkable 16-year career marked by over 1,500 credits. My name is synonymous with some of the most cherished titles in the industry, including "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "Sonic the Hedgehog," "Adventure Time," and "Locke & Key."

With a unique ability to navigate multiple genres, I have excelled in science fiction, fantasy, young adult, action & adventure, art books, romance, and horror. This breadth of experience not only showcases my adaptability but also demonstrates his deep understanding of storytelling, allowing him to resonate with diverse audiences.

My work includes serving as the Book Designer and Art Director for the Eisner and Ringo Award-winning "Usagi Yojimbo: Grasscutter Artist Select" collection, as well as the acclaimed "Madman: Quarter Century Shindig," which received Eisner nominations. Expert services extend to cover and interior book design, prepress, art direction, logo creation, and comic lettering.

Services

Cover Design

Typography

Book Interior Design

Production Management

Fiction

Action & Adventure Comics & Graphic Novels Fantasy Horror Middle Grade Fantasy Science Fiction Young Adult Fantasy

Awards

Eisner Award Winner Best Archival Collection/ Project–Comic Books Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo: Complete Grasscutter Artist Select, 2020
Ringo Award Winner Best Presentation in Design Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo: Complete Grasscutter Artist Select, 2020

Certifications

Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design

Work experience

Design Director

Magma Comix

Jan, 2024 — Present

Directed creative strategy for a diverse portfolio of visual content, elevating brand identity across digital campaigns, print publications, convention activations, and licensed merchandise. Spearheaded innovation in visual storytelling, introducing bold design approaches that shaped the aesthetic direction of graphic novels and media products.

Owner/Operator

Self-employed

May, 2014 — Present

Providing Art Direction, Book Design, Cover Design, logos, Marketing Design Kickstarter Design, Comic Lettering

Art Director

IDW Publishing

May, 2009 — Apr, 2023 (almost 14 years)

Oversaw creative direction for flagship titles and licensed content, translating brand narratives into visually compelling formats across publishing, digital, and experiential platforms. Led visual development for marketing initiatives, digital ads, and trade show materials, significantly enhancing brand presence and consumer outreach.