Joseph Pepe

Joseph C. Pepe set new standards in character design as a Key Character Designer on James Cameron’s blockbuster AVATAR (2009). His work helped establish the discriminating level of detail and authenticity while maintaining the humanity of the alien main characters, the Na’Vi.

Pepe recently wrapped from a nine-year adventure with veteran Director/Writer/Producer James Cameron on the AVATAR SEQUELS, the first being AVATAR: The Way of Water (2022). While working as the Lead Character Designer on the sequels, Pepe designed and managed the development of all the new characters as a key member of Cameron’s elite team of production artists.

With a degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute (1991), the disciplined designer has a repertoire from Walt Disney Feature Animation veteran to Stan Winston Studio concept artist. This established reputation has made Pepe an invaluable team member for the top filmmakers in the entertainment industry.

With his versatile artistic skills and distinct sense of design, Pepe has made a perceivable mark in the film industry for over 30 years. From Disney’s celebrated animated films The Lion King (1994), Pocahontas (1995) and Mulan (1998) to the blockbuster films Alita: Battle Angel, Alien vs. Predator, Cabin in the Woods and the upcoming Zach Snyder film for Netflix, Rebel Moon.

Concept art featured in:

• The Art of Avatar: The Way of Water
• The World of Avatar: A Visual Exploration
• Alita: Battle Angel - The Art and Making of the movie
• The Cabin in the Woods: The Official Visual Companion
• The Art of Avatar: James Cameron's Epic Adventure
• AVP: Alien vs Predator: The Creature Effects of ADI