Tim Decker is a cartoon artist, painter, and animator whose life and career have been deeply rooted in the transformative power of art. Currently based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he balances his roles as a working artist, educator, and community builder. With decades of experience in the animation industry, academic teaching, and public art initiatives, Tim continues to live by his guiding motto: “Art = Change!”
A Dedicated Educator in Animation and the Arts
Decker is a tenured Professor at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), where he co-founded the Animation program. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College in Chicago, teaching courses such as Animation, Character Development, and Digital Life Drawing. Prior to this, he spent 16 years as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts (UWM), where he helped develop the institution’s Animation program.
Through his efforts, Tim established an articulation agreement between MATC and UWM, ensuring students have opportunities to further their education and seamlessly transition between institutions. His impact on curriculum development and mentorship has paved the way for countless young artists to pursue careers in animation and cartooning.
Community Engagement and Public Art
Decker’s vision of art as a force for change extends far beyond the classroom. He is the founder of Black Cat Alley, a renowned mural project in Milwaukee that transformed a once-quiet alley into a vibrant outdoor gallery. He also inspired the Trail Ends Park in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, further demonstrating his commitment to public art initiatives that are accessible to all.
These projects reflect his belief that art should not be confined to museums or private spaces but should exist in the everyday lives of communities. His murals, open to anyone who passes by, are living testaments to his philosophy that creativity can inspire, unite, and uplift people.
Mentorship and Education at CalArts and RMCAD
Tim’s artistic journey was shaped by extraordinary mentors during his studies. While attending the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), he studied under influential artists such as Jules Engle, Cornelius Cole III, Glen Vilippu, and Robert Winquist. These years were spent immersed in drawing, painting, and refining his craft alongside some of the most respected figures in the field.
In his senior year, Tim participated in the Walt Disney Studios’ “Studio System” class, hosted at Disney’s headquarters. This experience introduced him to the inner workings of the legendary studio and gave him the opportunity to meet industry icons, including Michael Eisner, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Frank Wells, Robert Iger, Roy Disney Jr., Robert “Bo” Cannon, Peter Schumacher, and David Hobermann. He often describes this experience as an education of a lifetime.
In addition, Tim holds a degree in painting and illustration from the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD). While there, he worked closely with Philip J. Steele, engaging in a year-long independent study in Steele’s studio, further honing his skills as a painter.
A Professional Career in Animation
Before moving into academia, Decker had a vibrant career in the animation industry. He served as Animation Director at Disney Interactive, overseeing animation production for video games. This role allowed him to collaborate with studios around the world, travel internationally, and gain invaluable experience in managing large-scale creative projects.
He also worked as a lead artist and animator at Knowledge Adventure, where he created animation for the beloved “Jump Start” educational software series. His work combined artistic creativity with educational value, giving millions of children engaging tools for learning.
In television, Tim contributed as a character layout artist and animator to some of the most iconic animated shows of all time, including The Simpsons, The Critic, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. His involvement in these groundbreaking productions placed him alongside some of the most talented teams in animation.
Additionally, Tim appeared as a guest artist on eight episodes of the Mark Kistler Imagination Station television series. His experience there is now part of a forthcoming Netflix documentary, which highlights his contributions and the creative spirit he brought to the program.
A Belief in the Power of Art
Throughout his career, Decker has worked with some of the most inspiring artists in the industry. These experiences have reinforced his conviction that “Art creates positive changes in people’s lives.” His own artwork reflects this belief. Whether through painting, illustration, or cartooning, his style is consistent, playful, lively, and designed to bring joy.
His paintings often mirror the whimsical qualities of his cartoon background, inviting viewers into a world of creativity and imagination. The goal of his art is not just aesthetic pleasure but emotional impact, sparking smiles, laughter, and inspiration.
Exhibitions and Collections
Tim’s work has been exhibited nationwide and is part of numerous private and corporate collections. Collectors and institutions value his art not only for its distinctive style but also for the spirit of positivity and creativity it embodies.
Conclusion
Tim Decker’s career is a remarkable blend of professional animation, academic leadership, and community engagement. From working on internationally beloved television shows to shaping future generations of animators, from founding public art projects to developing academic programs, his contributions to the world of art are both vast and meaningful.
Through it all, his guiding principle has remained constant: “Art = Change!” For Tim Decker, art is more than an occupation; it is a way of life, a force for good, and a means to connect people across generations and communities.
