As Creative Director of Character Design, Louis Henry Mitchell directs and oversees all aspects of character art for Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind Sesame Street. From designing the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons to directing Sesame Street Muppet photo shoots, Louis has been at Sesame Workshop since 2000. Prior to that, Louis freelanced for the organization since 1992. Sesame Workshop and Norman Rockwell Museum are each celebrating 50 year anniversaries this year, educating and inspiring a deep commitment to human values.
Most recently, Louis designed the character Julia, the first Sesame Street character on the autism spectrum. Julia was first designed exclusively as an illustrated character for an autism outreach book and then Mitchell expanded his design and directed the Jim Henson Company in building the actual Muppet for the show including Julia’s entire family. Among the skills he uses to accomplish his work are drawing, painting, and sculpting. In addition, he creates and art directs in traditional and digital media. Louis attended The School of Visual Arts, and The Art Students League and notes that Norman Rockwell has had a profound impact on his life, inspiring him to become an artist.
