Who we are
Passion Projects SF is a hybrid gallery, shop, and community space that gives visual effects artists a platform to share the work they make for themselves. Alongside their contributions to iconic films and television, we showcase paintings, sculptures, photographs, and stories that reveal the full creative lives of the people behind the screen.
Right Now
Our online gallery is live and growing — featuring selected works, artist interviews, and process videos that illuminate both the personal practices and specialized disciplines of VFX artists. Our online shop is coming soon, where you'll be able to purchase original artwork, artist-made creations, and PPSF gear.
Coming in 2026 and Beyond
A pop-up is on the horizon — and eventually, a permanent home. Here's what we're building toward:
Gallery Shows • Rotating exhibitions of artists' personal work, with new voices introduced throughout the year
Retail • Prints, books, ceramics, textiles, and other merchandise, all made by featured artists
VFX Legacy Wall & Community Space • A photo and video installation celebrating artists professional contributions from ILM, Pixar, Tippett Studios, and beyond, with film screenings and artist reels. A community space where visitors and VFX pros alike can share stories and learn more about our day jobs and featured Passion Projects
Events & Workshops • Artist talks, panel discussions, live drawing nights, and intimate screenings. Hands-on workshop sessions hosted by featured artists and vfx colleagues
Follow us here or on Instagram - our story is just beginning.
PPSF Artist Leigh Barbier and Mark Siegel
Passion Projects SF Team
katharine Baird
Stranger Things • Old • Solo: A Star Wars Story • Ready Player One • Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi • Thor: Ragnarok • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story • The Great Wall • Captain America: Civil War • Jurassic World • Transformers: Age of Extinction • Pacific Rim • The Lone Ranger • Super 8 • Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides • Rango • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen • Star Trek • Iron Man • The Spiderwick Chronicles • Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End • Eragon • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest • Jarhead • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban • Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World • Hulk • Men in Black II • Planet of the Apes • Pearl Harbor • Galaxy Quest • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace • Deep Impact • Flubber • Deconstructing Harry • The Lost World: Jurassic Park •
Stranger Things • Old • Solo: A Star Wars Story • Ready Player One • Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi • Thor: Ragnarok • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story • The Great Wall • Captain America: Civil War • Jurassic World • Transformers: Age of Extinction • Pacific Rim • The Lone Ranger • Super 8 • Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides • Rango • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen • Star Trek • Iron Man • The Spiderwick Chronicles • Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End • Eragon • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest • Jarhead • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban • Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World • Hulk • Men in Black II • Planet of the Apes • Pearl Harbor • Galaxy Quest • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace • Deep Impact • Flubber • Deconstructing Harry • The Lost World: Jurassic Park •
Stranger Things • Old • Solo: A Star Wars Story • Ready Player One • Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi • Thor: Ragnarok • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story • The Great Wall • Captain America: Civil War • Jurassic World • Transformers: Age of Extinction • Pacific Rim • The Lone Ranger • Super 8 • Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides • Rango • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen • Star Trek • Iron Man • The Spiderwick Chronicles • Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End • Eragon • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest • Jarhead • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban • Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World • Hulk • Men in Black II • Planet of the Apes • Pearl Harbor • Galaxy Quest • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace • Deep Impact • Flubber • Deconstructing Harry • The Lost World: Jurassic Park • Stranger Things • Old • Solo: A Star Wars Story • Ready Player One • Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi • Thor: Ragnarok • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story • The Great Wall • Captain America: Civil War • Jurassic World • Transformers: Age of Extinction • Pacific Rim • The Lone Ranger • Super 8 • Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides • Rango • Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen • Star Trek • Iron Man • The Spiderwick Chronicles • Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End • Eragon • Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest • Jarhead • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban • Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World • Hulk • Men in Black II • Planet of the Apes • Pearl Harbor • Galaxy Quest • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace • Deep Impact • Flubber • Deconstructing Harry • The Lost World: Jurassic Park •
DAY JOB: 2D Paint & Rotoscope Artist
PASSION PROJECT: Founder, Passion Projects • Creative Director
With 25+ years in VFX at Industrial Light + Magic (ILM) and over 30 years industry experience, Katharine Baird has worked on groundbreaking films and television as a Digital Paint & Rotoscope Artist and Supervisor on films such as The Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Jurassic World and Galaxy Quest. She’s led teams at ILM and Curated VFX and freelanced with Apple, MSG Sphere, Whiskytree and Cinesite.
A NYU Tisch School of the Arts trained producer with roots in theatre, film, fine art and curation, she’s now focused on spotlighting the personal, untold work of VFX artists through Passion Projects: The Artists Behind the Effect - a curated platform revealing the personal artistry behind cinematic innovation.
Katharine, with the sign from 3160 Kerner Blvd in San Rafael, CA. This was the birthplace of Industrial Light + Magic, where she and countless others made their careers in VFX.
David Valentin
Planet Terror • Grindhouse • Hero • Space Cowboys • The Green Mile • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace • Jack Frost • Mercury Rising • The Lost World: Jurassic Park • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (2002) •
Planet Terror • Grindhouse • Hero • Space Cowboys • The Green Mile • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace • Jack Frost • Mercury Rising • The Lost World: Jurassic Park • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (2002) •
Planet Terror • Grindhouse • Hero • Space Cowboys • The Green Mile • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace • Jack Frost • Mercury Rising • The Lost World: Jurassic Park • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (2002) • Planet Terror • Grindhouse • Hero • Space Cowboys • The Green Mile • Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace • Jack Frost • Mercury Rising • The Lost World: Jurassic Park • E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (2002) •
DAY JOB & PASSION PROJECT: Executive Producer (That Guy)
Founder of Mr. Smith Studios, David Valentin has led content and marketing strategies for global brands, nonprofits, and cultural institutions. With decades in visual effects and production, including formative years at Industrial Light & Magic, David blends creative leadership, technical fluency, and the ability to rally communities around art. A dedicated mentor, he has spent years guiding young artists from underrepresented communities into the film industry, championing their early careers and amplifying their voices. His experience bridging global brand strategy with grassroots artistry makes him uniquely positioned to expand Passion Projects’ reach and impact.
