Mattie Bowden
Profile
Experienced fabricator with high level of skill engineering kinetic models for use in stop-motion animation. Detail oriented and expertise in fine work. Skilled problem solver, creative thinker, and efficient builder with a broad range of materials experience. Works independently and collaborates well with others.
Work Experience
Character Fab, Mold Maker, Set Dresser, at House Special — 2025-2026
Worked on a small team to cast, shape and paint hundreds of facial expressions for unannounced project from streaming service. Worked independently to mold and cast hundreds of puppet heads in polyurethane and silicone and to embed armature rigging. Served as stage support as set dresser when the going got tough.
Production Designer, Producer, Pergato Productions — 2025-present
Worked in pre-production to design the look of the short film Machaca. Executed a crowdfunding marketing campaign and raised funds. Scheduled and managed a small cast and crew on shooting days while also serving as co-art director, set designer, costume designer, special effects artist, prop master, providing crafty service and more.
Model Maker/ Set Dresser, at Shadow Machine — 2019-2024
Designed, fabricated and rigged miniature models using varieties of materials including metal, wood, plastic, fabric, polyurethane resin, silicone, for multiple award winning projects including Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, Nickelodeon’s Tiny Chef and Peacock’s In the Know. Collaborated with teams to plan and execute complex animated shots.
Set Dresser, Model Maker, Mold Maker at Laika — 2012-2019
Worked on three of Laika's feature films starting as a silicone mold maker on Boxtrolls, moving into model making for Kubo and finishing as a set dresser on Missing Link.
Education
Lewis and Clark College, University of Maine at Farmington — BFA Creative Writing, Fiction and Fine Art — 2003-2007
Awards and Exhibitions
2023 Group Exhibition, Shadow Machine Spotlight, Portland Art Museum
Rental Sales Gallery, PDX
2022 Group Exhibition, Guillermo del T oro: Crafting Pinocchio, MOMA
Museum of Modern Art, NY
2022 Seattle Art Museum Gift Shop, 8 sterling silver pendants from
Chimera collection, on display and for sale
2022 Portland Art Museum Gift Shop, 12 sterling silver pendants from
Chimera collection, on display and for sale
2019 The Gallery at Somes Sound: Mahogany and Silk Screen , 72”x 25”
Collaboration with Joe Tracy Woodworks
2017 Group Exhibition, Paperworks, Dab Art, Venice, CA
2017: Group Exhibition, Artist’s Vision: The Skies Opened, Lake Oswego
Festival of the Arts, OR ; Winner of “Best in Show”
2016 Solo Exhibition, Seascapes, Laika Entertainment, Hillsboro, OR
Collections