Experience
ART DIRECTOR
Neon - Big Lab
April 2023 - Current
Creative lead for multi-million dollar attractions such as Jurassic World: the Exhibition, Avatar: the Experience, and several unannounced projects based on some of the world’s most well known IPs. I provide art direction for projects like D23’s Avatar booth, Marvel Avengers Station and World Heritage Exhibitions museum exhibits.
Each project I have led was reviewed highly and financially successful. I manage multiple internal teams, external vendors, and serve as the point of contact between Neon Global and the intellectual property holders.
CREATIVE DESIGN INTERN - I.P. & PROPS
Universal Creative
September 2022 - December 2022
Interned at Universal Creative as part of UCF’s Themed Experience Master of Fine Arts program. I aided in the design of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic at Universal’s Epic Universe. I collaborated with the Advanced Technology Interactives (ATI) team to design digital interactive experiences using iconic objects and original props. I supported the Intellectual Property team to ensure continued brand alignment.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Freelance
February 2012 - April 2023
As a freelance creative director, I focused on combining human-centered design with data-driven creative strategy. I was the creative lead on multiple award-winning location based entertainment projects, including "The Hangover" escape room, "Eeriepalooza,” a psychedelic rave-themed haunt, and Hamburg Fairgrounds’ Festival of Lights festival. I also aided in the design and fabrication of WWE‘s Halloween Havoc TV special, pop-up experiences, escape rooms, haunted houses, and brand development.
OPERATIONAL RISK ANALYST
M&T Bank
May 2015 - November 2016
Worked directly with department executives to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks to business operations by reviewing and rewriting existing policies and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
OWNER - OPERATOR
Queen City Games
February 2012 - May 2015
Transformed an auto parts store into an immersive tabletop game store themed to “The Queen City,” Buffalo, NY. With frequent conventions, unique interior, and knowledgeable staff, Queen City games was the premier destination for local gaming enthusiasts.
Education
M.F.A. - THEMED EXPERIENCE
University of Central Florida
Exp. December 2025
Thesis | "Real Time A.I. Generated Interactive Immersive Experiences"
M.S - PHYSICS AND EDUCATION
SUNY College at Buffalo
December 2014
Thesis | “Educator Misconceptions of Newtonian Physics Models”
B.A. - PHYSICS
Buffalo University
May 2012
• Computational Physics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Modern Physics
FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT - JAPAN
Concordia College
August 2007
COMPUTER SCIENCE
Rochester Institute of Technology
Non-Degree Seeking Student
Hi! I'm Bryan McGowan
My passion is crafting experiences that deeply resonate with audiences. As an Art Director at Neon Global, I have served as creative lead for multi-million dollar attractions such as Jurassic World: The Exhibition, Avatar: the Experience, and several unannounced projects based on some of the world’s most well known IPs.
An insatiable learner at heart, I earned my Master of Fine Arts in Themed Experience Design, Master’s of Science in Physics & Communication, and Bachelor's in Physics. Yet, I recognize technical and creative skills are merely tools and that stunning design is hollow if it fails to facilitate an emotional response.