Millions of viewers have seen the work Michael Hilliger ’22 has helped bring to life across film, streaming and gaming. Early in his career, he contributed animation to Amazon Prime Video’s "The Boys," an experience that quickly opened doors to larger responsibilities. Not long after, he stepped into a lead animator role on Apple TV+’s "Yo Gabba GabbaLand!", where he helped guide production on fast-moving episode schedules, supported remote teams working under tight deadlines and ensured fellow animators had the tools and clarity they needed to succeed.
His career has continued to expand across the entertainment industry, with work tied to projects for Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video and Wizards of the Coast, including Magic: The Gathering. He has also contributed to productions connected to major franchises such as Spider-Man, Avatar: The Last Airbender and Final Fantasy VII, building a portfolio that spans some of the most recognizable names in modern animation and entertainment.
Animation has been Hilliger’s passion for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Whitewater, Wisconsin, he always knew he wanted to pursue a career in art. “I was really inspired by Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, and I just grew up always wanting to make cartoons,” he said. “On my first day of kindergarten, I came with drawings in hand to show my teacher.”
Although he initially considered attending a private art school, UW-Stout Polytechnic offered a more accessible path into animation. At UW-Stout Polytechnic, Hilliger studied under professors Michael Heagle, Kim Loken and Jerry Hui, who each influenced different parts of his development. Heagle met students where they were in their skill level, Loken challenged students to think and operate like professionals and Hui emphasized mastering the fundamentals that carry through every stage of production.
The structure of the animation program also reflected the collaborative nature of the industry. Team-based projects taught Hilliger how to communicate clearly, manage deadlines and adapt to shifting production needs while also learning how different creative roles depend on one another to bring a story to life. Those experiences became especially relevant when he accepted an opportunity to work on "The Boys" while still completing his final semester. While working on "The Boys", Hilliger stood out not only for his technical work but also for his willingness to support teammates. He helped other animators troubleshoot complex production software, an approach that caught the attention of project leaders.
After graduating, Hilliger continued building his experience through an internship with Minneapolis animation studio MAKE, where he assisted with several projects, including "House on the Outlands," "Dead Moon Walking" and "Sunny Side Down." When the same studio he had worked with on "The Boys" later began production on "Yo Gabba GabbaLand!", they invited him back, this time stepping into a lead animator position after previously entering the industry in an entry-level role.
Leading a fully remote animation team during a period when studios were still redefining production workflows reinforced the importance of communication, clarity and adaptability alongside artistic skill. In that role, Hilliger’s impact extended beyond animation itself, helping teams stay aligned, supported and on schedule in an environment where miscommunication could easily derail production. Today, Hilliger continues working across major entertainment projects while developing his own creative work for future release. His UW-Stout Polytechnic senior film now serves as the pilot for a project he is expanding into future episodes and plans to crowdfund. He also recently contributed animation work to a newly announced series of shorts for Adult Swim Smalls, "Soup Frogs".
For students hoping to follow a similar path in the entertainment industry, Hilliger emphasizes one lesson above all else: relationships matter. “I’ve never gotten a job by submitting my résumé,” he said. “It’s always been talking to someone over coffee, staying in touch and them remembering I exist.”
That emphasis on relationships is something he traces directly back to his time at UW-Stout Polytechnic. Looking back, the most lasting impact of UW-Stout Polytechnic came not only from technical training but from the people who shaped his growth along the way. “At the end of the day,” he said, “you only really need two or three good professors. Those relationships change everything.”
