About (Long version)

Ed Shems is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and has been illustrating and graphic designing for more than 25 years.

Ed works in the education market as well as for middle grade books and early readers. He also writes, storyboards, and designs animated shorts for large companies and hospitals. Once we’re back in the movie theaters, you can catch his short before most Showcase Cinemas movies and buy the 1-2-3 Go Box covered in Ed’s illustrated monsters.

Currently, Ed is writing and illustrating chapter books, graphic novels and comics, a few of which can be previewed on his Edfredned Comics website.

Ed is the Special Guests Coordinator for the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (MICE), where he manages comic creators from around the world and assists with programming.

Ed is a member of the Illustration Advisory Council for the Rhode Island School of Design.

Ed is an occasional lecturer, presenting to RISD, The Graphic Artists Guild, and Massachusetts College of Art and Design. He speaks about the creative industries, and how to be a better freelancer.

In 2014, Ed testified before members of the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives in a hearing alongside the publishing industry on behalf of the Graphic Artists Guild, The Copyright Alliance and all visual artists concerning changes to the First Sale Doctrine.

Ed lives outside Boston with his wife, two children, and a very barky dog. He is the chief tomato grower for his garden.