“Throughout my career at Space Ape, Lee has been instrumental to my professional growth. We've worked together in a variety of capacities over the past 10+ years - at first as an art director where he steered us to make games at a world-class quality, then later as a mentor which helped me to develop my work ethic and attitude as I stepped up my responsibilities.Lee has often been a model ambassador for Space Ape, from conferring with external partners, to offering advice to graduates, Lee strikes a balance of professionalism and warmth. He has juggled mammoth marketing projects, from partnering with animation studios and audio designers, to organising live action shoots, pulling them together to create impactful content.Lee has been an inspiring figure to work with, may he continue to inspire others.”
Sam Miller, Lead Artist, Space Ape Games
“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Lee on multiple projects at Space Ape, including Boom Beach Frontlines, Chrome Valley Customs, & what we currently have brewing - along with some shorter lived projects that we moved on from for better opportunities.
Throughout our time together, Lee has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an exceptional Art Director. He is a mentor, a leader, and a driving force behind building strong, cohesive teams. Lee has a remarkable ability to foster individual artistic growth while keeping the art team focused on what truly matters.
His keen eye for detail and high standards inspire everyone around him to continually raise the bar. He understands when artists need extra guidance on hitting the target, and when to let us follow our own judgement.
An expert communicator, Lee is always capable of coming up with the right 'sales pitch' to get the art team excited about a challenging task, and he creates a collaborative creative space where the whole team feel empowered to share ideas.”
Nic Williams, Lead Artist, Space Ape Games
"I have had the privilege of working closely with Lee for almost five years, and I can honestly say he has been one of the most influential leaders in my career. From day one, he has been incredibly supportive, always trusting me with new challenges and encouraging my growth at every step. His generosity with his time and guidance has made a huge impact on my professional development.
As a mentor, Lee is exceptional. He has an infectious enthusiasm and passion for everything he does, which not only drives his own success but also inspires the entire team. His ability to lead by example while always remaining approachable and willing to offer advice makes him a standout leader.
In addition to that, Lee is an extraordinary Art Director. His deep understanding of creative processes, combined with his exceptional eye for quality, ensures that every project he touches is elevated. His creativity knows no bounds, and he has an innate ability to turn complex ideas into stunning creative solutions.
I cannot recommend Lee highly enough. He is an incredible professional, a true mentor, and an inspiring leader. It’s been an honour to work alongside him, and I look forward to continuing to learn from him."
Gloria Peiró Pérez, Head of Video, Space Ape Games
“Working alongside Lee has been a privilege. Over the years he's enabled my fellow artists to grow, learn and share. As an artist, Lee has a breadth of knowledge in each discipline. Lee goes above and beyond in everything he does, expertly balancing deadlines and quality. Pushing artists and himself to become the best they can be. He takes extra effort to encourage and mentor the most senior and junior artists.
He's always approachable, sympathetic and great at mediating between team members. As a mentor, Lee has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals and to grow into the artist I am today.
Whether he's starting an intern program, creating company art books or facilitating talks, Lee proactively starts new initiatives that improve not just the art team but the company and its culture as well.
I can't recommend Lee enough, he is without a doubt one of the best.”
Andrew Johnston, Senior Artist, Space Ape Games
“Since I joined Space Ape in 2022, Lee and I have worked closely together through successfully growing our Art Team. As the Chief Art Officer at Space Ape, Lee has been the Hiring Manager for many of our hires.
Working with Lee has been an amazing experience for me, we’ve built a great working relationship and the trust that he has given me whilst hiring for our team has enabled me to excel in my role at Space Ape. He values my opinions and knowledge, guides me in the right direction when needed and encourages me to trust my own judgement.
I’ve witnessed firsthand the care and consideration Lee takes when communicating with candidates, his own team and the wider team at Space Ape. He is approachable, friendly and a genuine pleasure to work with.
The passion that Lee shows for art, game development, Space Ape and our culture is infectious and I have no doubt that it has been a significant factor in Space Ape’s success.
Thanks for being great to work with, Lee! It’s always a pleasure working with you. Here’s to many more successful hires in the future.”
Emma Myall, Senior Talent Acquisition, Space Ape Games
“Working with Lee over the last 2 years has been an invaluable experience for me. His honest advice and thoughtful guidance have helped me navigate pivotal moments in my career. Lee’s passion and enthusiasm are contagious, and his ability to inspire those around him is unmatched. Whether through candid conversations or practical advice, he’s consistently making a meaningful impact.
I cannot recommend Lee highly enough, it has been a pleasure working alongside him during my time at Space Ape.”
Chris Jenkinson, Senior 3D Artist, Space Ape Games
“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Lee for two and a half years, and during that time, I’ve benefited immensely from his guidance and mentorship.
Lee's generosity with his time and his deep expertise in creative production truly stand out. His ability to inspire with a clear creative vision, paired with his unwavering positivity and enthusiasm, makes him an exceptional leader. Lee has an incredible knack for energizing the team and fostering excitement for every new project, whether it be an art book or a major marketing campaign.
It’s been an absolute pleasure to work alongside him, and I know any team would be lucky to have him at the helm.”
Samantha Josling, Art Producer, Space Ape Games
“With a strong eye for detail, and a clear vision for world class aesthetics, Lee is a highly effective Art Director. Working closely with his team, Lee has been able to create distinctive visual styles for the titles he works on across all areas of the game, from front-end and presentation to modelling and lighting.”
Harvey Elliott, VP, GM Bright Light, Electronic Arts
“I have had the pleasure to work with Lee on a number of occasions over the years and his upmost professionalism has been very impressive. Lee really understands the games production process and aspires to reach the highest quality possible. A great asset to any art team.”
Chi Chan, Art Director, Electronic Arts
“Lee is without question one of the best artists and finest leaders I have encountered in my career.His artistic flair, knowledge and attention to detail really are superb. Lee also understands the subtleties in managing people as I saw first hand the care and attention he put into feedback for his direct reports. He is incredibly strong running the art teams plan ensuring everyone is clear on what’s required of them. Working with Lee has been a pleasure and I highly recommend him. I certainly hope to work with him again in the future.”
Glen Hammond, Development Director, Electronic Arts
“I have worked with Lee on multiple projects. He is a very creative and dedicated artist and an approachable and conscientious manager with good organisational skills. Lee is a strong team player, getting buy in from senior staff on his proposed direction and leading from the front. He is able to do this because he is very experienced with a strong creative aesthetic and a wide reaching understanding of tools, technology and digital media innovations.He is engaged and interested in the work of the other departments and can see how their work intersects with his and influences the whole.I would be happy to work with Lee again and recommend him as an Art Director and as a colleague.”
Lydia Andrew, Audio Director, Electronic Arts
“Lee is a talented and professional artist, with significant experience behind him. He is capable of both producing and directing work to a high standard, and has a natural capability with respect to man management and getting the best out of a team.”
Andrew Carr, Technical Director, Electronic Arts
“I've worked with Lee for around eight years at EA. He's always been an amazingly talented artist. I remember way back when Lee was modelling levels for games, he'd work on some concept work in his own time which I much preferred to the concept art being done by the concept artists! He's a talented individual with many strings to his bow. He has a keen eye for visual quality and the skills to bring it to life in front of your eyes. Lighting has also played a large part in Lee's career and its something he excels at. Lee also has become a great manager and director in the last few years having the kind of likeable personality that makes working with him fun and rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend Lee for any Art/Direction/Lighting/Management role.”
Matt Thomson, CG Supervisor, Electronic Arts
"Lee is an absolute joy to work with. His passion for achieving visual quality is contagious and, as my art director, I found his feedback invariably precise, clear and helpful. Lee will always take the time to offer great advice and direction when there is room for improvement and importantly is not afraid to say when he likes something either. He is a terrific artist with a great temperament and it is the combination of these qualities that make him a world class art director."
Jamie Wood, Senior Lighting Artist, Playground Games
“Working with Lee has been an absolute privilege. He’s an exceptional art director with a sharp eye for quality and consistency, always making a massive positive impact on any project or team he’s involved with. Beyond that, Lee has been a fantastic mentor to me personally, as well as to many others. Always approachable and generous with his time and knowledge, he’s taught us how to become better artists and professionals. Lee’s leadership skills are truly top-tier, especially in tough, high-pressure situations where his calm, reliable presence keeps everything on track. Whether he’s building teams, managing large productions, or collaborating with external partners, Lee’s professionalism, vision and personable nature make him an outstanding director.I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Lee, and I couldn’t recommend him more highly!”
Carl Button, Lead Artist, Space Ape Games
“Lee has been a transformative mentor in my career. When I joined Space Ape as a novice Lead Artist, Lee consistently supported my growth and development, offering honest feedback and supportive praise that helped me refine my craft. He adopted a tailored approach to my development, allowing me the space to learn from mistakes and find my own path, while always providing guidance when it was most needed.
Lee is a powerhouse of artistic leadership. Under his direction, the art team at Space Ape Games has delivered world-class content across both in-game and marketing platforms. As an Art Director, his eye for excellence is unparalleled, always identifying ways to elevate work to the highest standard. His unwavering commitment to quality has set a benchmark for the entire team, inspiring a culture of precision and excellence.
Beyond his leadership, Lee is a versatile and highly skilled creative. He seamlessly transitions between marketing, game development, and studio-wide design initiatives, consistently bringing his unique vision and boundless energy to every project. His ability to contribute meaningfully across various facets of the art discipline is a testament to his exceptional talent.
Lee's passion for creating outstanding imagery is evident in every interaction. This enthusiasm extends beyond the art team, influencing every department in the studio. One notable example of his thoughtfulness is his recommendation of Creativity, Inc. to all new Space Ape team members—a gesture that encapsulates his dedication to fostering inspiration and personal growth across the company. It’s these small but meaningful actions that showcase Lee's deep commitment to helping others realize their full potential.”
Tom Hunt, Lead Artist, Space Ape Games
"Working with Lee has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. As an Art Director, he not only leads a team of talented individuals to produce outstanding work but fosters an environment where creativity and collaboration thrive at an EXCEPTIONAL level - something I’ve never witnessed to such a stellar standard until now.
Lee excels at generating and uniting diverse ideas, shaping them into a clear and focused direction that inspires confidence across entire teams. Quite simply, when Lee speaks, everyone stops and listens. His personal creativity consistently elevates every game project, and his ability to anticipate challenges ensures the team remains on course. Imagine Lee as the captain of the finest ship, holding onto his Sullivan-heirloom telescope, looking ahead to spot obstacles on the horizon long before they appear, keeping everyone calm, focused, and moving in the right direction.
Next, factor in his veteran-level expertise and extensive experience across numerous games and art styles, then have your mind UTTERLY blown when you realise Lee remains approachable, humble, and always supportive. The level of trust that he places within you to perform at your best is the simply the best motivator you could ever wish for in a manager.
Finally, Lee’s kindness and positive nature make him an utter joy to work with. He is, without a doubt, one of the finest leaders I’ve had the privilege of working with. His mentorship has made me a better person, and if he ever decided to share his leadership secrets in a training course, I’d be first in line, ready to set sail."
Andy Grier, Audio Director, Space Ape Games
“Lee has an almost supernatural ability to spot opportunities and bring the right people together to make them a reality. He’s always one step ahead. His strategic, solution-oriented approach has been key in many successes, from building world-class marketing art functions to solving complex pipelines that deliver outstanding artwork for art-intensive game projects.
He has an incredible way with people, helping them reach their full potential through his creative, honest, and inspiring leadership style. I’ve had the privilege of working with Lee for seven years, and I owe a great deal of my personal growth and achievements to his motivational and trusting support throughout.”
Jamie Simmonds, Lead UI/UX Designer, Space Ape Games
“I am grateful to have worked with Lee as an Art Director during my 10-year career at Space Ape. His unwavering support and guidance played a pivotal role in my professional growth.
Lee consistently provided me with exceptional artistic direction and constructive feedback across four globally launched games, ensuring the highest quality in every project. His leadership style was both nurturing and decisive, adapting seamlessly to the needs of the situation. He was always approachable and available to help resolve challenges, no matter how complex.
If you are seeking an inspiring leader and a visionary director to guide your art team, I cannot recommend Lee more highly. He is truly an asset to any organization.”
Taufik Dharma Putra, Senior UI/ UX Designer, Space Ape Games
“Lee has always put a lot of effort in project and team planning and has always been able to make the right decisions in helping out external teams that need art and design support. I was under his mentorship in my first two years as a Space Ape and we worked on a wide variety of creative projects; the more I’ve worked with Lee, the more I see his laser-precision play-making, his superb eye in art direction, and his dedication to producing art on the highest bar of quality possible. Additionally, Lee has helped me grow and has supported me in my transition from our small, but powerful Creative Operations team, into UI/UX. His support and guidance althroughout the years has helped me grow and thrive tenfold in this fast-paced industry. With that said, thank you for everything you have shared and imparted with me. Eagle-eye art director + motivated manager is a perfect match you can’t deny.”
Chad Manzo, Graphic Design, Illustration, UI/UX, Space Ape Games
“Aside from being a great Art Director Lee has exceptional drive and determination. He is always focused and very well organised. I'd definitely recommend lee to any prospective employer!”
Radek Majder, Development Director, Electronic Arts
“Lee Sullivan really needs no recommendations, because once you meet him you realise his enthusiasm, professionalism, humour and commitment to a project, how else could he have joined EA as a graduate and excelled as he has.Currently he is Art Director on an Undisclosed EA Project. I worked with Lee on 'Spare Parts' for XBLA and PSN networks, and was the main driving force for the project, overseeing all aspects of the game from Conceptual designs, colour pallets Character designs, Lighting, world design. As stated earlier, if you have Lee on your team you are guaranteed a driving force that propels the project forward. He is a natural leader. I consider him a fantastic, creative Artist and Manager who is also a good friend. I wish him all the luck with future endeavours, but with Lee, luck really will have no bearing on his success.”
Carl Keeler, Senior VFX Artist, Electronic Arts
“There is nothing else I can say about Lee which has not already been said in his recommendations, except to say that his dedication as an Art Director has driven every project I have been fortunate to work with him on. His dedication, focus, raw talent and natural leadership skills are the bar that every creative person should aspire too. I truly hope to have the pleasure of working with him in the future.”
Phil Lloyd, Specialist Artist (VFX), Electronic Arts
“Lee has been responsible for giving me creative direction and career guidance over the last few years. We have worked together on user interface concepts, in game art, marketing assets and new IP logo development. During this time Lee has proven himself to be a knowledgeable and conscientious Art Director. He is not only a fantastic artist but has an exceptional eye for visual detail and always knows how to point me in the right direction. As a manager I cannot fault Lee. He is organised, approachable, supportive and dedicated to career progression. Working with him is great!”
Kim Hughes, UI/UX & Visual Designer, Electronic Arts
“Having worked on several projects with Lee, I've seen first hand his ability to push for and achieve fantastic visual results as Art Director. He has a talent for creating engaging art bars that not only clearly communicate the desired art style, but also give the art team the inspiration they need to bring their best work to the project. Lee is a hard working and talented AD with a terrific eye for detail, his feedback always concise and constructive. He is very organised and has the combination of artistic flair and technical know how which make him very suited to AD roles. I'd have no hesitation recommending Lee as I'm sure he'd be a huge asset to any project he works on.”
Robert Craig, Lead Lighting Artist, Electronic Arts
"I've had the pleasure of working closely with Lee on a number of projects over the last few years at Electronic Arts. Over that time I've seen Lee move from Lead Artist to Art Director, and he has the perfect mix of being a talented artist and a brilliant people manager to thrive in this role. What's fantastic about working with Lee is he will empower and push you to create your best work, challenge you to explore new responsibilities but always be there to help you with these. He has the respect of the team because he can turn his hands to most artistic areas, but is always keen to hear your thoughts and ideas. One of his strongest attributes is clarity of vision - whether setting out art styles or explaining feedback, Lee's vocabulary and presentation skills are excellent. Most importantly of all, working with Lee is fun - he creates an enjoyable, rewarding, and professional work space."
Robert Burt, Freelance Art Director