1. 1
s u m m a r y
senior creative leader, director, producer
A rarity in the business and education, one of those unicorns organizations is always looking
to capture: a creative with excellent business acumen. Process driven, structured in thought,
highly collaborative, a creative leader with dual MFA degrees. A filmmaker/designer, and
experiences developer with a rich practice-based creation background with knowledge and
experience that would lead many also to consider him a technologist.
A senior, executive leader of high-performance creative teams across all media, fostering
and sheepherding highly collaborative work environments that engage all stakeholders in
the creative process. Idea prolific, an expert in the design-thinking process to quickly arrive
at creative solutions to difficult design challenges centered on developing visual stories that
promote brand, ideas, and causes. Highly experienced producer of promotional/sizzle reels,
electronic press kits, show launches, image campaigns, sales presentations, producing origi-
nal shoots, and all creative tools available to the modern creative producer. A fiscally conser-
vative, action-oriented leader of complex, multi-faceted projects with budgets in the $10’sM,
with a diverse creative background spanning the multiple creative disciplines of digital con-
tent creation, development and management all focused on driving audience engagement.
s k i l l s
analog and digital experiences creator
Creative Strategy
25+ years experienced senior creative leader with extensive expertise delivering award-
winning ideas for global brands and the people who matter to those brands.
• MFA Digital Cinematography with rich visual story development background producing
award-winning content from animation to live action and documentary genres
• responsible for thought leadership in creative direction, best-practices, documentation
and implementation.
• experienced with rapid prototyping design and creative, visual storytelling, video
production design thinking and agile development.
• fanatical researcher - in depth knowledge of nudge and gamification
• a continuous resource of ideas for new and on-going projects.
• skilled, creative visual storyteller for all mediums including animation, film print, online
and in-person experiences
Management
Extensive experience managing complex project with large teams of diverse personalities in
deadline driven environments,
• exceptional, demonstrated, producer skills involving effective time management,
communication, budgeting, and organization.
• demonstrated leader and mentor and comfortable with success through others
• proven ability to collaborate well across functions and departments, to work as part of
a team, and to lead teams in achieving goals.
• demonstrated knowledge in all phases of pre-production, production and
post-production environments
• pro-active with the ability to problem solve and work well with peers and all levels
• fiscal responsibility in the $10sM leading large, complex creative teams
Creative Practice
Creator of award winning, high-production value content spanning the multiple creative
disciplines of behind the scenes content, marketing, consumer products, licensing,
online, TV, motion graphics, print, exhibitry, corporate presentations, and videos.
Software
Technical expert in Mac OS, Windows, Adobe Creative Suite, Full complement of non-linear
editing and production tools, Maya and associated 3D tools, After Effects, Premier Pro, In-
Design, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Microsoft Office, InDesign, Flash, Keynote, PowerPoint,
PREZI, HTML.
Hardware
Expert cinematography/cameras, lighting, motion control, motion capture, digital
content creation tools
“ W h e n t i m e l i n e s a r e t i g h t
a n d t h e p r e s s u r e i s o n ,
H o w a r d i s a t h i s b e s t .
H e a l w a y s f i n d s a w a y t o
b u i l d a n d f o s t e r a n
e n v i r o n m e n t o f c r e a t i v i t y
a n d i n n o v a t i o n , e n s u r i n g
h e g e t s t h e b e s t f r o m h i s
t e a m s . H e e m b o d i e s t h e
i d e a o f d i v i n e d i s c o n t e n t
a n d h i s a t t i t u d e a n d s p i r i t
i s c o n t a g i o u s . ”
— P e t e r D i a m a n d i s , X P r i z e
HOWARD COOK
8910 Chetwood Dr.
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920
Phone: 719-238-5617
E-Mail: howard.cook@ucdenver.edu
www.cu3d.org
reel: https://vimeo.com/143339970
H

2. 2
7
SL
$13M
w o r k l i f e
professional/administrative experience
University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
Director/Assistant Professor C/T, Digital Animation Center
Responsible for leading the efficient administration, of the teaching, creative work,
outreach, recruitment, student affairs, fiscal management, long-range planning, student
learning assessment, of a university cash-funded program.
• oversee the program-wide digital strategies that impact the enrollment and
revenue streams
• lead development of complex initiatives with multiple components including research
and insights, business case development, competitive analysis and future planning
• most responsible for marketing and creative leadership college-wide
• oversee faculty staff and student cadre of 200+-
• development and management of the DAC annual budget of $1,250,000 +
• responsible for financial performance and ROI. brought the program budget from a
negative cash balance to a cash balance of over $450,000 in 4 years during fiscally
challenging times.
• lead the program from a fledgling startup to a program in the top 20 nationally.
• directed and developed curriculum, created MFA, BFA, BA degree paths both online
and in residence.
• taught digital animation, motion graphics, digital experiences design.
Pleiades Productions, LLC, Colorado Springs, Colorado
CEO/Principal Designer
Supervised direction of overall strategic vision; shaped and guided creative paths. Con-
sulting and design for corporate and museum experiences, filmmaking, animation and
exhibits development, design and consultation.
• managed full creative teams and multiple partners/vendors; responsible for all
budgeting and scheduling of client
• oversight of all assigned creative projects from start to finish, reviewing work of cre-
ative teams to ensure accuracy and clarity of vision and brand alignment,
• supervised new business efforts, outreach and implementation
• developed high-impact visitor experiences and exhibitry and video content
Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Denver, Colorado
Chief Technologist/Director, Digital Media, and Graphics
Creative Director/Producer of print, video/photography, and digital media and experi-
ences and as the institution’s Chief of Technology, a senior leadership appointment
overseeing, as “Most Responsible Person”, a varied and rich design projects and analog
and digital experiences development.
• responsibilities encompassed hands-on, day-to-day project management of large,
complex technology and creative projects,
• shepherding of large cross-functional creative teams (40+),18-48 direct reports
• overseeing the design/development of a broad range of exhibition content and visitor
experiences.
• directed/designed a wide variety of visitor experiences, exhibits, media, motion
graphics, films/videos, software development and visualizations.
• Shared leadership responsibility for the public’s perception of the institution, ensuring
a positive experience for the nearly 2,000,000 +- visitors each year.
• responsible for the ideation, design, construction and content development of the
Gates Planetarium, a $12,500,000 immersive domed theater.
• most responsible development lead for creation the Cosmic Atlas, a real-time digital
simulation of available cosmic data,
• overseeing the exhibit technology, technical and scientific teams.
2004-present
2004-2009
1997-2004
howard.cook@ucdenver.edu
www.cu3d.org
reel: https://vimeo.com/143339970
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25+y e a r s i n
w o r k f o r c e
12+y e a r s i n
a t t h i s j o b
5y e a r s i n
a t t h i s j o b
y e a r s i n
a t t h i s j o b
s e n i o r
l e a d e r s h i p
SLs e n i o r
l e a d e r s h i p
b u d g e t
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y
$1.2Ma n n u a l b u d g e t
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y
MFAd i g i t a l
c i n e m a t o g r a p h y

3. 3
Airworks and Associates, Colorado Springs, CO/St. Paul, MN
Founder/Chief Creative Officer/Technologist
Founder and Chief Creative Officer overseeing the daily operations of the company. Co-
wrote business plan for design services company focused on developing cutting-edge
e-learning and training solutions exhibits and experiences for leading museums and
Fortune 1000 companies.
• developed firm’s initial pitch and brand story based on qualitative market analysis
which directly resulted in winning multi-year contracts worth upwards of $2.5M
• recruited national design talent and successfully built an award-winning team, growing
from 2 to 20 within two years.
• aligned creative functions and developed “pod” system for producing multi-disciplinary
creative work that supported strategic plans within a fast-paced start-up environment.
• negotiated and managed all vendor and supplier relationships with an internal budget
of +$250,000.
• consistently led firm’s communication and presentation efforts with client-side C-level
executives that facilitated strong project management and prioritized client’s goals.
• directed creative management and developed a strong incentive-based
working environment that achieved average project profit margins of 35%.
• client list includes NASA, USAF, DARPA, Lockheed Martin, 3M, LucasFilms, Para-
mount Studios, Sony Entertainment, Boeing, Rolls Royce, National Space Society,
Association of Space Explorers, International Space University,
Denver Museum of Natural History.
LucasFilms Ltd., Marin County, California
Creative Director, Licensing (freelance)
Freelance Creative Director LucasFilms licensing department at the heyday of the Star
Wars licensing phenomenon.
• launched Star Wars Insider, a monthly, full-color fan publication. Responsible for
design, editorial, and new product development
• develop and produce promotional creative for launches, topical promos, image
campaigns, upfront presentations, original shoots, special events and all creative
tactics as needed for the Lucasfilm Franchise
• oversaw design/development of new marketing programs for various products
• developed and designed consumer Star Wars products for licensees
• collaborate and cultivate relationships with key Lucasfilm stakeholders
• managed client relationship while overseeing the Creative Brief process; capture
all required information necessary for each project, ensured detailed timelines, key
milestones, and delivery dates, from kickoff through final delivery,
• supervised graphic designers, an art director and support personnel.
• managed the work of freelance artists and outside design services
• managed materials and creative content requiring review and escalate to the Head
of Licensing and others for sign-off, as required
Paramount Pictures, Culver City, California
Art Director (freelance), Print and Web Media, Star Trek Properties
Freelance Creative Director responsible for the design and development of a wide variety
of marketing content, on-air effects/graphics (Star Trek), models, branding standardiza-
tion web development, and publications.
15+y e a r s i n
a t t h i s j o b
7+y e a r s i n
a t t h i s j o b
8+y e a r s i n
a t t h i s j o b
SLs e n i o r
l e a d e r s h i p
$2+Ma n n u a l s a l e s
MFAp a i n t i n g /
i ll u s t r a t i o n
1989-1996
1986-1994
1982-1994
e d u c a t i o n
2008 Masters of Fine Arts, Digital Cinema
National University, La Jolla CA
1988 Certificate in Space Architecture Design
International Space University, Strasbourg, France
1982 Master of Fine Arts, Painting (abd)
1981 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Printmaking/Painting
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
howard.cook@ucdenver.edu
www.cu3d.org
reel: https://vimeo.com/143339970
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4. Sarah Alvarado
Talent Acquisition Manager, ILM
RE: VP/Senior Creative Producer
Sarah,
It is on Peggy Dollaghan’s (PIXAR) suggestion I write. The VP/Senior Creative Producer position at LucasFilms is not
an unfamiliar role for me. From 1989-1996, I worked as a freelance Creative Director for LucasFilm licensing at Skywalker
Ranch. While there, I was responsible for some high-profile projects including being the most responsible for the ideation,
design and launch of The Star Wars Insider magazine. My role included not only supporting the internal efforts of the
studio but also interfacing directly with the property’s third party licensees and promotional partners. 20 years on, I have
the professional maturation, creative leadership experience, budget management and creative chops to take on and
excel as LucasFilm’s VP/Senior Creative Producer. I hope you will agree.
Great creative makes a difference only when necessary, and essential things collide; big ideas, energized artist and
a strong leader that is equipped to own and drive the creative agenda. With 25 years of creative leadership experience,
I am a collaborator, artist/designer, and technologists who is not afraid to push boundaries with big ideas, energy, and
passion. With an MFA in Digital Cinema, my creative practice includes writing, producing and directing high production
value, award winning video content for a broad range of clients and genres. While creating is my passion, my producer
skills are what makes bank. Project management is my bread and butter. Keeping on top of projects and making sure all
parts get to the finish line at the same time is one thing I do best. The production pipeline is my muse from which grows
the best creative solutions to any design problem. Whether it’s promotional work for external clients or internal studio
leave behinds, I pride myself on my ability to recognize and articulate a distinct voice for every project.
No matter where I’ve been, I’ve produced topnotch work because I am dedicated to making sure each and every
project stands out from the crowd. I directed and produced award-winning content for a variety of industry verticals both
domestic and international. I have built brands from scratch and helped generate multiple millions for recognized brands.
Tapping into my entrepreneurial spirit, I started and ramped up a successful design/experiences firm. I have grounded
my creative work in experiences development through the creation of rich visitor experiences as the Denver Museum
of Nature and Science’s Chief Technologist and Director of Digital Media. My time at DMNS proved to place into action
innovative content that served over 2,000,000 visitors annually. Along the way, I led the creation some cool digital
tech, the least of which is the Gates Planetarium, a fully immersive, dome video experience. As the CTO/CCO, I was
responsible for creative teams of over 100 artists, designers, exhibit designers, videographers and staff and managed
budgets more than $12.5M.
The VP/Senior Creative Producer position is not a transition for me from my current role back to that of studio
creative leadership. As an educator and Director of the Digital Animation and Design programs at the University of
Colorado Denver, my creative leadership nor my creative practice did not end. I was responsible for managing the
program, the faculty, the curriculum, a budget of $1.5M, and teaching. Working with my students in production teams
of 25-32, I wrote, directed and produced eight award-winning short animated films. These films have shown in nearly
400 festivals in 22 nations and have been award 70+ Best Animated Short awards. Mentoring and shepherding
undergraduate students to accomplish such a record, I believe, stands as a strong indicator of my creative leadership,
my pro-active affect, my problem-solving skills and ability to work well with peers and all levels of management and staff.
I have no doubt that I am the right fit for the position. After all, I have seven years practical experience working in the
same area at Lucas. When you consider my previous time at LucasFilm, the depth of my leadership experience and my
creative work at the bleeding edge of digital content creation, one can quickly conclude; I am ready to return to the fold
as the next LucasFilm VP/Senior Creative Producer. I look forward to being able to pitch you on why I am the best fit. In
the meantime, if you need to reach me, you can call me at 719-238-5617, or email me at howard.cook@ucdenver.edu.
Sincerely,
Howard Cook, MFA DC
Director/Assistant Professor C/T
Digital Animation Center
University of Colorado Denver
HOWARD COOK
8910 Chetwood Dr.
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920
Phone: 719-238-5617
E-Mail: howard.cook@ucdenver.edu
www.cu3d.org
reel: https://vimeo.com/143339970
H