E.W.Surpless

I'm an Illustrator & 2D Animator based in Austin, Texas with a slight cacti & succulent problem. I specialize in TV Paint Animation software and creating weird worlds. I'm fascinated with all things biology and mechanics, from tardigrades to drivetrains. I use these obsessions as inspiration for my creations.

Most recently, I was Animation Team Lead for the Richard Linklater film "Apollo 10 1/2" on Netflix both contributing animation and overseeing the work of 6 incredibly talented animators. Prior to this I worked on “Undone” (an animated series on Amazon Prime) as a senior animator at Minnow Mountain, which was nominated for both a Critics Choice Award and an Annie in 2020.

Previous to working in animation, I spent a decade in the toy prototyping industry for McFarlane Toys on such products as Spawn, Halo, Sports Figures and various Movie properties (Austin Powers, Corpse Bride, Wallace & Gromit). I painted prototypes, built small scale sets and sculpted props. I’ve even sculpted larger than life characters and fountains for theme parks and water parks around the world.