James D. Shepard - Graphic Artist

James has been a professional graphic artist for over 50 years and is a right-side-of-the-brain kind of guy. He was born and raised in Terre Haute, Indiana.  He graduated from Wiley High School in 1968 and Indiana State University in 1972.

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James fulfilled his boyhood dream of working as an artist for Disney. At fifteen years old, he received a letter from Walt Disney after sending him a portrait he painted of him. The famous animator encouraged the budding artist to keep drawing and go to college, then to come and see him. Well, it took about twenty-five years to get there, but he became a pictorial artist in the animation department at Disneyland. For many years, he painted all the animatronic figures in the attractions from pirates to giraffes and dinosaurs.

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After thirty years of residing in southern California, James has relocated back to his hometown. He is still busy painting and taking on commissioned projects. Many of his artistic creations and hand-lettered signs can be seen around the city.

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Some of his clients include:

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• Trinity Broadcasting Network

• Knotts Berry Farm

• Adventure City Theme Park

• Toledo Zoo

• Museum of Wheels

• Wild West Stores

• Baesler’s Market

• Crazy Horse Saloon

• House of Wax

• Thompson Thrift

• Farm Service Group

• Pasta Bravo

• Vigo County Historical Museum

• Cal State University

• Rusty Pelican

James is also a singer and songwriter. He was heavily influenced by the Beatles and other 60’s music icons. He has just released his fifth album, 'Wavs Across the Pond'. You can listen to his music at:

    http://store.cdbaby.com/cd/jamessovra

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