Artist Statement

I am a visual storyteller who strives to "design good" with each and every project. Each piece in my portfolio attempts to solve problems with creativity and compassion. This is accomplished by facilitating a community of playful, ambitious artists with a broad spectrum of talents. 

My work attempts to address real world problems with the maturity of childlike whimsy. I enjoy disarming people with new perspectives on familiar stories and imagery. Let's share something to exist for. 

Curriculum Vitae

Writing & Directing
  • Something There, short film Director, Producer, Writer, August 2025
  • Cookie Patrol, short film Director, Producer, Writer, November 2024
  • Be Happy, series pilot Associate Producer and Puppetry Coordinator, November 2024
  • ÜBEAR, short film Director, Producer, Writer, August 2024
  • Unplugged, short film Director, Producer, Writer, November 2023
  • The Hand Off, short film Director, Producer, Writer, August 2023
  • Munchie's Fresh Start, short film Director, Producer, Writer, August 2022
  • J-Way Games & Wegmans, 30-second commercial and in-store events Writer, Director, and Art Director, March 2018
  • Best Worst Day Ever, short film Writer, Songwriter, and Director, August 2017
  • Arlo's Art Show, television pilot and web series Director, Art Director, & Co-Writer,  January 2016 to June 2017
  • Friends to the End, short film directed by Ryan Monolopolus Producer and Puppet Wrangler, November 2016 
  • Sanity Intact, workshopped at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Writer and Director, June 2016
  • Dust to Dust, short film Co-Director, Producer, Art Director, and Co-Writer, August 2015
  • Mini Dental Implant Solutions, 60-second commercial Art Director, Co-Writer, Co-Director, and Co-Editor, August 2014
  • White Rabbit, short film Producer, Co-Writer, Co-Director, and Co-Editor, August 2014
  • Before Christmas, short film directed by Ryan Monolopolus Director of Puppetry and Co-Producer, November 2013
  • Sweet Discovery, 30-second commercial Art Director, Co-Writer, Co-Director, and Co-Editor, June 2013
  • Just Lookin' Antiques, series of three 30-second commercials, produced by IBC Digital Co-Producer, Puppet Wrangler, and Puppet Builder, June 2012
Filmed Performance
  • Something There, short film Ben Rogers and Crowley, August 2025
  • Cookie Patrol, short film Puppeteer — Officer Crowley, November 2024
  • Be Happy, series pilot Puppeteer — Otis, November 2024
  • ÜBEAR, short film Assistant Puppeteer, August 2024
  • Unplugged, short film Puppeteer — Spark, Boss (puppetry only), November 2023
  • ​The Hand Off, short film Cam and Assistant Puppeteer, August 2023
  • Munchie's Fresh Start, short film Puppeteer — Elton 'Munchie' MacTigue, August 2022
  • Alone (with me), music video Lead Puppeteer,  November 2019
  • J-Way Games & Wegmans, 30-second commercial and in-store events Assistant Puppeteer,  March 2018
  • Best Worst Day Ever, short film Puppeteer — Lloyd and others,  August 2017
  • Arlo's Art Show, television pilot and web series Puppeteer — Felix the Magician, Banana Band Leader, and others,  January 2016 to June 2017
  • Friends to the End, short film directed by Ryan Monolopolus Puppeteer — Max, November 2016 
  • Dust to Dust, short film Assistant Puppeteer, August 2015
  • Mini Dental Implant Solutions, 60-second commercial Lead Puppeteer, August 2014
  • White Rabbit, short film Assistant Puppeteer, August 2014
  • Before Christmas, short film directed by Ryan Monolopolus Puppeteer — Old Man, November 2013
  • Sweet Discovery, 30-second commercial Assistant Puppeteer, June 2013
  • Garage Fun Time, pilot presentation for Cartoon Network, directed by Joe Russell Lead Puppeteer, June 2013​
  • Just Lookin' Antiques, series of three 30-second commercials, produced by IBC Digital Lead Puppeteer, June 2012
Live Performance
  • Boperdoo Puppet Slam Producer and Puppeteer, October 2025 to Present
  • Buffalo ComedySportz  Improv Performer and Puppeteer,  August 2017 to Present
  • Buffalo Comedy Collective Improv Performer, Stand-Up Comedian, Sketch Writer, and Puppeteer, March 2025 to Present
  • Oishei Children's Hospital Child Life Costume Performer,  March 2019 to Present
  • Muppet Family Scriptmas, staged reading of A Muppet Family Christmas Kermit, Big Bird, Ernie, and Oscar the Grouch; Director/Producer,  December 2025
  • ​Luna, Please Talk To Me, workshopped at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, directed by Dyana Díaz Lead Puppeteer, June 2025
  • Daemen University Mascot Performer,  March 2020 to August 2023
  • The Howdy Doo Show: Part Duh!, workshopped at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, directed by Jim Kroupa Lead Puppeteer, June 2023
  • SUEÑOS, workshopped at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Anatar Marmol-Gagné Lead Puppeteer, June 2019
  • Puppet Pandemic Slam Performer, July 2012, September 2012, January 2015, & October 2015
  • The National Festival of the Puppeteers of America  Fringe Festival Performer, August 2015
  • The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Summer Gala Performed 'Ain't That Love' from 'Ruby & Charlie', July 2015
  • Buffalo Sketch Comedy Guest Puppeteer & Additional Sketch Performer, October 2014 & April 2015
  • The Geppetto Festival: A Day of Puppetry Slam Puppeteer, April 2013 & April 2015
  • Cautionary Tales, Co-Director, Co-Writer, Puppeteer, & Puppet Builder, April 2015
  • All Quiet on the Western Front, stage play directed by Robert Waterhouse Lead Puppeteer, Puppet Wrangler, & Ensemble Actor, September to October 2014
  • The Littlest Snow Monster, stage play Assistant Director, Co-Writer, & Puppeteer, December 2013, January 2014, & December 2014
  • Mini Dental Implant Solutions, 60-second commercial Lead Puppeteer, Art Director, Co-Writer, Co-Director, & Co-Editor, August 2014
  • Ruby & Charlie, workshopped at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, directed by Jessica Simon Charlie Puppeteer, June 2014
  • The Halloween Project, workshopped at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, directed by Martin Robinson Jack Pumpkin Puppeteer, June 2013
  • Saga, workshopped at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, produced by Wakka Wakka Productions Ensemble Puppeteer, June 2012​
Design & Marketing
  • Daemen University Associate Director of Branding & Design, May 2022 to Present
  • #TenMinuteTypography Creator & Curator of Zazzle.com Digital Marketplace, May 2015 to Present 
  • You To the Fullest Freelance Designer, September 2025 to Present
  • Daemen University Graphic Designer, January 2020 to May 2022
  • The Foundation for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo Creative Media Developer & Communications Director for the Upon This Rock campaign, May 2015 to January 2020
  • St. John the Baptist School Graphic Designer, September 2014 to June 2019
  • The Geppetto Festival: A Day of Puppetry Creator & Executive Director, April 2013 to April 2018 
  • BowsByAlicia Brand Manager, March 2015 to June 2017
  • TEDxBuffalo Graphic Designer & Co-Organizer, January 2014 to December 2016
  • The Buffalo Bridal Association Brand Designer & Digital Media Consultant, February & March 2015 
  • The National Festival of the Puppeteers of America  Program Designer, August 2013 & August 2015
  • Canisius High School Graphic Designer, January 2014 to May 2015
  • IBC Digital  Puppeteer Intern, January 2012 to May 2013
Speaking & Teaching
  • This Should Have Been a Phone Call, long-form interview podcast Producer & Host,  January 2022 to January 2024
  • ​Puppet Tears: Puppetry Shop Talk, long-form interview podcast Producer & Co-Host,  June 2018 to December 2023
  • Daemen University Adjunct Professor of Puppetry,  Fall 2021
  • Buck's Rock Creative & Performing Arts Camp Head of the Puppetry Shop,  June to August 2016
  • Creative Mornings/Buffalo Featured Speaker on the topic of Reality,  May 2016
  • ​Host of TEDxBuffalo October 2015 & 2016
  • ​Daemen University Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design & Puppeteer in Residence, September 2014 to December 2015
  • 6-Minute Building Stories, presented by the Buffalo Architecture Foundation Guest Speaker,  November 2015​
  • The National Festival of the Puppeteers of America Workshop Presenter, August 2015
  • Albright Knox Summer Animation Workshop: Filming Fun with Puppets & Storyboards Workshop Instructor, July 2015​
  • Canisius for Kids, presented by the Differentiated Instruction Master Program at Canisius College Sock Puppetry Workshop Instructor, July 2015​
  • Onstage Theater Camp at Elmwood Franklin School Guest Speaker, July 2015​
  • ​St. John the Baptist School Substitute Teacher, September 2014 to May 2015
  • The Geppetto Festival: A Day of Puppetry Workshop Presenter & Slam Puppeteer, April 2013 & April 2015
  • Canisius High School Alumni Volunteer, August 2013 to June 2014
  • ​Presenter at TEDxBuffalo October 2013
Special Screenings & Exhibits
  • Short Film Corner at the Cannes Film Festival Something There, presenting May 2026
  • Filmapalooza Something There, presented March 2026
  • Buffalo International Film Festival Be Happy, presented October 2025
  • Adam Kreutinger's Puppetry For Everyone curated and produced a showcase of Kreutinger's puppetry work at Daemen University, presented August to October 2024
  • Filmapalooza Unplugged, presented March 2024
  • Daemen University Emergence jury selected artist presenting #TenMinuteTypography, April 2022
  • Daemen University Faculty Art Show exhibiting #TenMinuteTypography and puppetry work, December 2015 and November 2021
  • Daemen University Alumni Art Show #TenMinuteTypography, August 2018
  • Buffalo Dreams Film Festival Dust to Dust, September 2015​
Awards & Honors
  • ​For Something There at Filmapalooza, March 2026
    • Winner, Top 10 Film
    • Winner, Best Use of Genre
    • Nominated, Best Actor — Cameron Garrity
    • Nominated, Best Writing
    • Nominated, Best Costume Design
  • ​For Something There at the Buffalo 48 Hour Film Project, October 2025
    • ​Winner, Best Film
    • ​Winner, Audience Favorite
    • ​Winner, Best Lead Actor — Cameron Garrity
    • ​Winner, Best Acting Ensemble
    • Winner, Best Editing
    • ​Winner, Spirit of the 48
    • Nominated, Best Directing
    • Nominated, Best Supporting Actress — Olivia Vessel
    • Nominated, Best Writing
    • Nominated, Best Costumes
    • Nominated, Best Graphics
    • Nominated, Best Use of Line
  • ​For Cookie Patrol at the Four Points Film Project, December 2024
    • Nominated, Audience Favorite 
    • Nominated, Best Acting Ensemble
    • Nominated, Best Actor — Erika Frase
    • Nominated, Best Art Direction
  • ​For ÜBEAR at the Buffalo 48 Hour Film Project, September 2024
    • ​Winner, Audience Favorite
    • Nominated, Best Lead Actor — Zach Haumesser
    • Nominated, Best Lead Actress — Olivia Vessel
    • Nominated, Best Supporting Actor — Isaiah Brown
    • Best Use of Prop
  • ​For Unplugged at the Four Points Film Project, December 2023
    • ​Winner, Audience Favorite 
  • ​For Munchie's Fresh Start at the Buffalo 48 Hour Film Project, October 2022
    • ​Winner, Best Poster
    • Winner, Spirit of the 48
    • Nominated, Best Picture
    • Nominated, Best Directing
    • Nominated, Best Writing
    • Nominated, Best Graphics
    • Nominated, Best Sound Design
    • Nominated, Best Musical Score
    • Nominated, Best Use of Character
    • Nominated, Best Use of Prop
    • Nominated, Group B Audience Favorite 
  • PRSA Silver Excalibur Award Buffalo Niagara chapter of the Public Relations Society of America award for internal communications campaign: Daemen Forum | A Panel Series, September 2021
  • For cyrano_2.0 at the Buffalo 48 Hour Film Project, September 2018
    • ​Winner, Audience Favorite
    • Nominated, Best Writer
  • For Best Worst Day Ever at the Buffalo 48 Hour Film Project, August 2017
    • ​Winner, Audience Favorite
    • Winner, Best Graphics
    • Nominated, Best Special Effects
    • Nominated, Best Use of Prop
    • Nominated, Best Use of Character
  • ​Nominated for Best Comedy Short 'Dust to Dust' at the Buffalo Dreams Film Festival, September 2015
  • For Dust to Dust at the Buffalo 48 Hour Film Project, August 2015
    • Nominated, Best Director
    • Nominated, Best Actor — Jake Bazel
    • Nominated, Best Use of Prop
    • Nominated, Best Use of Character
  • ​Nominated for Audience Favorite 'Sweet Discovery' at the Advertising Club of Buffalo's Addy Awards, February 2014
  • ​Recipient of the 2013 Mary Angela Canavan Award May 2013
  • Recipient of the Visionary Award in Visual & Performing Arts May 2013
  • Student-Faculty Think-Tank Grant Award Winner 2011 & 2012 
  • President of the Daemen University Honors Program May 2011 to May 2013
  • Daemen University Trustee Scholar Awarded 2009 
Education
  • Daemen University, Masters of Science in Leadership & Innovation Amherst, NY, Class of 2026
  • The National Puppetry Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center  Emerging Artist, Participant, & Resident Company Member, June 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2025
  • Daemen University, Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, Minor in Theater Amherst, NY, Class of 2013
  • Canisius High School Buffalo, NY, Class of 2009
Skills & Software
Skills
  • Graphic Design: Typography, Layout, Poster Design, Web Design
  • Directing, Editing
  • Story Board Artist and Illustration
  • Conceptual Design, Copy Writing
  • Screenwriting, Playwriting 
  • Acting and Puppetry
  • Body Suit Performance
  • Mask Performance
  • Stage Combat

​Software
  • Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop
  • Premier, AfterEffects, iMovie
  • Adobe Fresco
  • Storyboard Pro
  • Apple iWork Platforms, Microsoft Office 
  • Celtx