Tommie Lee Washington is an Emmy Award winning graphic designer and a 3D animator, who has been working in motion media for over 35 years. He is currently a Senior Animator for ESPN and the SEC Network. Prior to ESPN, Tommie worked as an Art Director for music videos and infomercials. He once owned his own design company, specializing in scoreboard animation with clients including the Philadelphia Phillies, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Tommie began his graphic design education at the Art Institute of Philadelphia. After one year he transferred to Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design.
In 1994, Tommie was hired by ESPN as a Graphic Designer 1, where he began producing graphics for various studio Shows like SportsCenter, NFL Gameday, and RPM Tonight. He received an Emmy Award for his work on SportsCenter.
In 1996, He was selected to be Lead Designer to design ESPNEWS. It was then that he took the initiative to learn 3D animation software on his own and became the first in-house employee to create a 3D animation that would air on an ESPN network. It was the ESPNEWS Station ID.
He continued to be an innovator by creating the first animated over-the-shoulder graphic, first full-screens with a moving background, and first virtual reality set for Outside The Lines. He was also instrumental in designing the first 3D animated clock and score bug for remote production.
Tommie has played a significant role in the awarding of several Broadcast Design (BDA/Promax) awards to ESPN's Creative Studio Department.
In 2007 he became Senior Animator at ESPN's Charlotte office, and was recently nominated for an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Live Graphic Design" on ESPN's SEC Network.
In 2014 Tommie completed his Masters Degree in Motion Media from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Before retiring from ESPN after 30 calendar years (1994-2024) he was a Disney Mentor and Adjunct Professor for Alabama State University, Oklahoma State University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Liberty University, where he taught Graphic Design and Motion Media online.
Currently, Tommie Lee is in the process of developing a world class Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Degree at Faulkner University. The degree will include Graphic Design, 3D Animation, Video Editing, Motion Graphics, Gaming, Web Design, Corporate identity, and more!
Mr. Washington has been a guest speaker at various high schools, universities, camps, and churches. He is a former Elder in the church of Christ.
