Art Direction and Visual Development

Iuri Lioi is an Art Director and Production Designer with over 20 years of experience, whose work has helped shape some of animation's most visually distinctive and beloved films. During his nearly ten years at DreamWorks Animation, Lioi contributed to several productions, becoming best known for his work on the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, which earned him an Annie Award nomination for Best Production Design. As Production Designer on Spellbound at Skydance Animation and Art Director on The Magician's Elephant at Netflix Animation, he has led creative teams and collaborated with international production partners, bringing a singular artistic vision and the strategic leadership needed to align people, drive production, and deliver work that is as visually compelling as it is purposeful. Currently serving as Development Art Director at LAIKA Studios, Iuri remains devoted to crafting inspiring worlds and compelling characters — driven by a deep commitment to visual storytelling and the enduring power of unforgettable stories.