Joel Parod is a versatile artist whose true passion lies in expressing himself as a painter of soulful figures, landscapes, and inspired concepts. Lending his talents as a Director, Art Director, and Visual Development Artist in the animation and advertising industries, his creative work is highly regarded.

His paintings have been sold and commissioned to collectors all over the world. In his figurative work, Joel tries to paint the soul or spirit of his models to give them vitality and subtly allow their stories to unfold. Composition, color, and texture are also an important driving force as he designs his work.

His internationally published illustration work is usually figurative in nature, and encompasses book covers, magazine and newspaper articles, dvd and cd covers, and corporate advertising for clients including St. Martin’s Press and Microsoft Corporation. Recognized by fellow professionals in illustration competitions, he has been awarded, published, and exhibited in the New York Society of Illustrators, published and exhibited in the Los Angeles Society of Illustrators, won awards for his Microsoft illustrations, and published in Spectrum.

Working in the animation industry allows Joel to collaborate with other great artists and explore his creativity as a Visual Development Artist and Background Painter for companies including Warner Brothers and Walt Disney studios. Having also formed his own animation company, Parodjects: www.parodjects.com, Joel can work as a Director, Art Director, Designer, Suppervisor, and Animator with his wife, Claire, for animated commercials - many of which have won awards including an Emmy.

Having received his BS degree from San Jose State University in Illustration and Graphic Design and acquiring invaluable art training from American River College in Sacramento before that, Joel relocated to Los Angeles where he currently works and paints.