Steve Ross Purcell, a multifaceted American professional of remarkable talent, has made a lasting impact across the industries of cartooning, animation, and game design. Among his most notable achievements is the creation of the critically acclaimed independent comic book series, Sam & Max, which chronicles the electrifying escapades of a pair of anthropomorphic animal vigilantes and private investigators. This groundbreaking series has garnered widespread acclaim, including the prestigious Eisner Award in 2007, and has subsequently been adapted into an animated television series and multiple video games, further cementing its place in the annals of popular culture.
Purcell's academic foundation is deeply entrenched in the esteemed California College of Arts and Crafts, where he meticulously refined his artistic skills by crafting engaging comic strips for the college's newsletter, a platform that allowed him to showcase his creative prowess and develop a distinctive voice.
Before making his mark with the debut of Sam & Max in 1987, Purcell cultivated his talents as a freelancer for the renowned Marvel Comics and Fishwrap Productions, a dynamic duo of industry powerhouses that enabled him to hone his craft, build a comprehensive portfolio of his work, and establish himself as a versatile and skilled artist.
In the year 1988, a pivotal moment in the career of Purcell unfolded as he embarked on a journey with the renowned LucasArts, where his exceptional artistic and animating skills flourished, resulting in significant contributions to various notable titles within the company's prosperous adventure games era.
Following his impressive tenure at LucasArts, Purcell embarked on a new creative venture, collaborating with Nelvana in 1997 to develop a captivating television series based on the beloved characters Sam & Max.
Purcell's profound expertise in animation also led him to briefly join the prestigious Industrial Light & Magic, where he leveraged his talents as an animator, leaving an indelible mark before moving on to new endeavors.
Purcell's professional trajectory has been marked by a unique blend of innovative storytelling and artistic expression, as he currently holds a pivotal position within the story development department at Pixar Animation Studios. Notably, his contributions to the studio's esteemed canon have been most pronounced in the creation of the 2006 cinematic masterpiece, Cars, as well as its subsequent spin-offs, encompassing both short-form and video game formats.
Throughout his tenure at Pixar, Purcell has successfully balanced his responsibilities with a profound affinity for the comic book genre, fostering a remarkable connection to this beloved medium. In 2005, he collaborated with the esteemed video game development company, Telltale Games, to produce a series of Sam & Max video games, thereby cementing his status as a multifaceted creative force within the entertainment industry.
