Overview
Stephen Jennings is an animator, director, and educator whose work focuses on character animation, hybrid 2D/3D storytelling, and animation production workflows. With more than two decades of experience in animation and visual effects, he brings a production-focused approach to teaching that combines artistic development with technical problem solving.
Jennings earned an MFA in Digital Production Arts from Clemson University and a BFA in Film and Video from California Institute of the Arts. Before joining Wichita State University’s School of Digital Arts, he taught animation and digital production courses at Clemson University, the University of Iowa, and Southeastern Community College.
From 2002 to 2023, Jennings was founder and director of Grasshorse Technologies, an animation and visual effects studio that produced commercials, animated shorts, music videos, and public-service campaigns for clients in entertainment, advertising, education, and public health. He is currently focused on the completion of various independent animated productions.
His professional credits include work connected to Star Wars: Clone Wars, The Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Test, and music videos for Fitz and the Tantrums and Gone West. His work has received more than 50 industry awards, including Best Animated Short at Dragon Con.
Jennings’ teaching interests include character performance, visual storytelling, animation pipelines, hybrid animation techniques, and helping students develop sustainable creative careers in animation and related industries.