Joel Parod is an acclaimed and versatile artist whose true passion lies in expressing himself as a painter of soulful figures, of nature’s elegance, and inspired concepts. He is also highly regarded for his illustration work and for his achievements in the animation industry.

His paintings have been sold and commissioned to collectors all over the world. Looking inside of his models, he paints their personalities and their souls. He also allows a story unfold with his pictures, open for the viewer’s interpretation. Composition, color, and texture are also a strong 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, 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 Warner Brothers and Walt Disney studios. He also works as a Director, Art Director, and Animator for commercials, many of which have won awards including an Emmy. He and his wife, Claire, are currently working together as animation directors and designers under the company name, Parodjects: www.parodjects.com, where they also have several of their own animated short films in development.

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.

Joel’s artistic journey is an exploration of color, composition, texture, energy, and visual storytelling in his quest for the expression of life. No matter what industry he works, or mediums and techniques he uses, its all an experiment as his passion pilots him towards limitless possibilities.