About Me.
I'm Matthew T Shaw.
I help studios, agencies and creative teams shape ideas at the point where clarity matters most — early development.
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My focus is on character design, worldbuilding and visual direction, supported by story-driven 2D animation. I work with projects that need to define tone, identity and emotional intent before they move into full production.
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I’m UK-based and available for freelance and contract work, remote or hybrid.
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If you’re developing a project, campaign or idea and need help shaping its visual identity, feel free to get in touch.
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Experience & Background
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I’ve spent over a decade working across animation, illustration and visual storytelling, collaborating with studios, agencies and organisations including the BBC, NHS, UNICEF and many more.
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Alongside client work, I regularly develop original concepts and pitch material — building worlds, characters and visual identities as complete systems rather than isolated images.
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This mix of commissioned and self-initiated work keeps my process grounded in both real-world constraints and creative exploration.
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​​How I Work
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I work collaboratively and transparently. I ask questions early, explore options visually, and help projects arrive at decisions they can commit to. I’m comfortable working independently or as part of a wider team, and I’m happy stepping into roles that involve:
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shaping early creative direction
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supporting pitches or funding submissions
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refining visual identity
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translating abstract ideas into something concrete
I care about craft, storytelling and ideas with purpose. I also believe creative development doesn’t have to be joyless or overly precious.​ Good work comes from curiosity, honesty and the freedom to explore — occasionally with a bit of humour.
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​What I Actually Do
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I design characters that feel expressive, readable and emotionally grounded
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I define the visual rules of a world so it feels consistent and intentional
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I create pitch visuals and illustrations that help ideas communicate themselves clearly
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I use short-form animation to sell campaign ideas, explore tone, character performance and narrative beats
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I’m often brought in when a project is still taking shape — when the question isn’t “how do we produce this?” yet, but “what is this really about?”