George Griffin, a renowned independent animator, was born in 1943 in Knoxville, Tennessee. As a young adult, Griffin was drafted into the army, where he likely developed discipline and a sense of responsibility. After his military service, he pursued higher education, studying political science at the prestigious Dartmouth College.
In 1967, Griffin made the bold decision to relocate to New York City, a hub for artistic expression and creative endeavors. During his time in the city, he honed his skills by interning at commercial studios, where he was exposed to various design styles and techniques. Griffin's artistic influences were diverse, ranging from the witty and satirical work of Saul Steinberg to the innovative animation methods of Robert Breer.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Griffin has created over 30 films, each with its unique narrative and style. His body of work includes both cartoon-style animations and self-referential documentaries, seamlessly blending abstract and figurative elements. In addition to his filmic endeavors, Griffin has also designed and created interactive, animated objects such as mutoscopes and flipbooks, which invite viewers to engage with his art in a more immersive way.
Griffin's impressive portfolio has earned him numerous accolades, including grants from the Guggenheim Foundation, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. His work has been published in various formats, including the journals FRAMES and FLIP-PACK.
As a respected educator, Griffin has taught courses at esteemed institutions such as Harvard University, Parsons School of Design, and Pratt Institute. Through his studio, Metropolis Graphics, he has produced a wide range of projects, including educational, commercial, and public service announcements for television.
Griffin's expertise and insights have been sought after by numerous international film festivals, where he has served on panels and shared his knowledge with fellow animators and filmmakers. He has also contributed essays to academic journals and books, further solidifying his reputation as a leading authority in the field of animation.
