Steven Paul Judd has been making waves in Hollywood and has no plans to slow down. You have probably seen his work, even if you didn’t realize it. He is a writer, director, producer, fashion designer and visual artist.
From Disney, Marvel Studios and Netflix, he has worked on productions including “Zeke and Luther,” Marvel Studios’ “Echo” and, more recently, the Netflix hit “Dark Winds,” to name a few.
Writing and directing in Hollywood are just the tip of the iceberg of Judd’s artistic endeavors.
He is also a prolific visual artist whose work is a fusion of American pop culture and Native American experience. Judd creates paintings, prints, poster art, photography, clothing designs and more.
A collaboration with the popular fashion brand Faherty featured several designs representing Judd’s heritage.
“This Thunderbird design incorporates something from both my tribes. The triangles represent the ‘diamond pattern’ that you see in Choctaw clothing, and the teepee is to represent my Kiowa side,” said Judd in an interview with Faherty.
He recently launched a collaboration with the Oklahoma City Thunder. These apparel pieces celebrate Oklahoma City and Native American heritage.
Designed by Judd, the clothing features hand-drawn artwork inspired by regional culture, wildlife and community pride, according to the Oklahoma City Thunder website.
Judd mentioned he has more exciting clothing and fashion collaborations coming soon.
In his filmography, he brings Native representation to life, and that is very important to Judd.
“Growing up, I wanted to see someone who represents me in popular culture,” Judd said. “So, I always thought I can’t wait to grow up and write stuff where I can put a Native person doing cool things.”
According to the artist, he maintains his childhood perspective while creating.
“To me, it was just really writing for that 12-year-old me who loved watching TV and movies,” said Judd. “So really, that’s who I’m writing to. He would have enjoyed getting to turn on the channel and see these things.”
This childhood vision has now come to life in shows like Marvel Studios’ “Echo,” where Judd was instrumental in making the main character Choctaw, a departure from the original comic.
Choctaw culture is prominently woven throughout “Echo,” and Judd, along with Choctaw representatives, was a key part in overseeing this cultural representation.
The series features elements such as the Biskinik, or ‘little Choctaw news bird,’ alongside Ishtaboli, or stickball, and the Choctaw Origin story and a variety of traditional Choctaw dress, enriching the narrative with cultural depth.
The Netflix show “Dark Winds” is now in its fourth season and has reached a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Judd not only writes for the show, but he has also directed multiple episodes.
He said he is currently writing for season 5 and will direct some episodes in the upcoming season.
According to Judd, he has a few upcoming projects he is really looking forward to. One of those is a comic book series through Mad Cave Studios. The series will be adapted from the tabloid newspaper Weekly World News.
Judd, along with screenwriter and comic book author Ken Kristensen and producer, writer and director Tvli Jacob (Choctaw), collaborated in writing the comic book series.
The comic book is currently in production, and he hopes to develop a television series based on it.
Another upcoming project is a feature film directed by Judd titled “Brave.”
This movie will be the first film shot on the Choctaw reservation, and the Tribe has been closely involved in its development and preproduction.
Despite being involved in so many projects, Judd said he has no shortage of inspiration.
“I just love making stuff. Writing, painting, building things, making custom action figures—I was doing it for free before I got paid. I’m inspired by other artists, movies, shows, and comics,” said Judd. “Seeing great work makes me want to get better.”
Judd encourages anyone who wants to follow in his footsteps not to give up on that dream.
“I always thought it would happen, even when it took years,” Judd said. “Eventually, it did.”
He encourages those interested in film to consider all facets of the film industry.
“Film isn’t just writing or directing. There’s carpentry, transportation, catering, mechanics—every skill has a place,” said Judd.
To see more of Steven Paul Judd’s work and to keep up with his career, follow him on Instagram @stevenpauljudd.