For many years, Shawnimals was a character design studio that believed in the power of unbridled, astonishing, ridiculous joy in both how it operated and how it created. Each product often came with its own story that started in the Shawnimaland universe, but was then given over to you to continue each unique creature's adventure in your own universe. Now Shawnimals is a art and creative service-based business owned and operated by Shawn Smith, its original founder and creative center. While toy-based products are still produced via strategic licensing partners, the range of services has expanded to include large-scale mural work / public art, illustration, commissioned art works, product design and development, and much more. Shawn's designs appear as designer toys, lifestyle accessories, apparel, comic books, video games, and really as anything that fosters community and friendship. He still believes that the best artistic experiences are participatory and affordable, and that – with an open heart – friendship can happen between you and just about anything. Even facial hair.