With a rare blend of over two decades of hands-on animation expertise and a pioneering spirit in education, I am a 3D Animator who transforms creative visions into captivating stories. My unique skill set spans top-tier studios like Disney and DNEG, where I’ve not only delivered award-winning animations but also spearheaded innovative training programs and animation pipelines. As an architect of 3D animation curricula at Humber College and a mentor to aspiring artists, I bring a combination of technical prowess, artistic insight, and a passion for nurturing talent that sets me apart. My work consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in animation, making me a sought-after leader in the industry.
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
• 3D Layout Artist for Disney Animation, DNEG, ReDefine, Tangent Animation, and Keyframe Digital Productions.
• Character FX Artist, Animation Pipeline Specialist and Consultant for Tangent Animation on the film "Next Gen."
• Facilitator and Project Manager for motion capture on the award-winning animated film "Up We Soar."
• 3D support tool developer and trainer for Autodesk, Disney Animation, Tangent Animation, Tangent Labs, and DNEG.
• Architect, builder, coordinator, curriculum lead, and professor for the 3D animation programs at Humber College.
• Coach/Mentor specializing in time management, career connections, and well-being.
• GMA nominated recording artist and World Vision Artist Affiliate.
• Award-winning author and finalist for 2021 Castle Quay Best New Canadian Manuscript.
• Speaker and panellist at industry, educational, leadership, and worship conferences.
SKILLS
• Layout – Anim Prep, Cam Polish, and Set Dressing;
• Project and Pipeline Management;
• Cinematography – Animation and Virtual Production;
• Animation – Props, Cameras, and Characters; and
• Visual Storytelling – Composition and Staging.
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• Collaborative and Good-natured Leader;
• Meticulous and Versatile Supervisor;
• Convergent and Forward Thinker;
• Organized Time and Resource Manager; and
• Resourceful Team Leader.
At ReDefine, I leveraged visual storytelling, cinematography, and layout skills to craft visually dynamic and captivating content as a Final Layout Artist.
Key Accomplishments:
• I enhanced visual storytelling by refining camera placement, movement, and timing, resulting in visually dynamic shots that effectively conveyed the story.
• I created captivating crowd scenes by skillfully blocking out characters, camera, and environment, achieving the desired visual effect.
• I utilized cinematography techniques, animation skills, Autodesk Maya, and layout expertise to deliver exceptional results as a Final Layout Artist.
Skills: Animation · Autodesk Maya · Cinematography · Layout · Autodesk Shotgun
At DNEG, as a Final Layout Artist and Trainer, I elevated visual storytelling through meticulous animation preparation and developed a pioneering course on Unreal Editor, fostering skill migration and innovation.
Key Accomplishments:
• I successfully prepared animation assets, dressed sets, and polished camera work for feature animation projects, enhancing the overall visual quality.
• I provided crucial camera support to elevate the impact of final animation shots, resulting in more dynamic and captivating scenes.
• I developed and delivered a comprehensive 20-hour course on Unreal Editor for Layout Artists, equipping team members with the necessary skills to migrate their roles from Maya to Unreal Editor and back again.
Skills: Cinematography · Animation · Autodesk Maya · Autodesk Shotgun · Unreal Editor
At Keyframe, I led the layout for Season One of the "Happy House of Frightenstein" series, enhancing storytelling through collaboration and high-quality visuals, contributing to the series' award-winning success.
Key Accomplishments:
• I served as the Layout Lead for the "Happy House of Frightenstein" series, ensuring smooth coordination and execution of anim prep, set dressing, and cam polish.
• I collaborated with animators, designers, and other team members to create visually engaging scenes that captivated preschool viewers.
• I contributed to the success of the award-winning animated television series, delivering high-quality layouts that supported the overall storytelling and entertainment value.
Skills: Layout · Animation · Character Animation · Computer Animation · 3D Studio Max
At Humber College, I spearheaded the 3D Animation programs, cultivating a legacy of innovation and success through team leadership and student mentorship over 12 years.
Key Accomplishments:
• I founded and coordinated the 3D Animation programs, shaping the future of animation education at the college for 12 years.
• I developed a talented team of instructors and course leads, ensuring the continuous success and growth of the program.
• I mentored and guided numerous students, empowering them to excel in their academic journey and achieve successful careers in the animation industry.
Skills: Classroom Instruction · Career Development Coaching · Program Management · Team Leadership · Research and Development (R&D)
As a content specialist and consultant, I boosted brand engagement for notable clients and advanced the 3D animation sector with impactful training programs and educational materials.
Key Accomplishments:
• I created engaging and high-quality content for prominent clients, including Roger’s Sportsnet, Sopexa Canada, Sad Nuggie, and The Swatch Group, resulting in increased brand visibility and customer engagement.
• I delivered comprehensive training programs to animation houses, software resellers, and television networks, equipping professionals with the necessary skills to excel in their roles.
• I developed and produced customized training tools, post-secondary textbooks, and user manuals for the 3D animation industry, enhancing learning experiences and facilitating knowledge transfer. the 3D animation industry, enhancing learning experiences and facilitating knowledge transfer.
Skills: Technical Writing · Curriculum Development · Video Production · Motion Graphics · Digital Audio
At Tangent Labs, I elevated LoUPE's market presence and user engagement through the creation of strategic and compelling marketing, curriculum materials, and tutorials, leading to significant increases in brand awareness and user conversion rates.
Key Accomplishments:
• I developed strategic marketing guidance materials for LoUPE, resulting in increased brand awareness and improved marketing effectiveness.
• I created engaging marketing launch materials and ongoing curriculum materials, which were used to acquire higher user engagement and adoption rates.
• I crafted compelling website marketing materials and tutorials, resulting in increased website traffic and user conversions.
Skills: Technical Writing · Curriculum Development · Blender · Video Production · Social Media
At New Realm Studios, I played a pivotal role in the motion capture project for "Up We Soar," enhancing the film's realism and success with my leadership and technological expertise.
Key Accomplishments:
• I successfully facilitated and oversaw the motion capture project for the award-winning animated film "Up We Soar."
• I implemented effective technical management strategies to ensure the smooth execution of the project.
• I contributed to the film's success by leveraging motion capture technology to create realistic and captivating animations.
Skills: Team Leadership · Team Coordination · Motion Capture · Animation · Maya
In a dynamic role at Tangent Animation, I elevated team skills and project outcomes through the development of a Blender training series, contributions to Netflix's "Next Gen," and streamlining animation workflows. I also boosted brand engagement through strategic social media management.
Key Accomplishments:
• I developed and facilitated training programs and tools, including creating two popular Blender training video series.
• I contributed to the character FX animation production for the acclaimed Netflix feature animation, "Next Gen."
• I led the development of an efficient animation pipeline, resulting in improved productivity and workflow.
• I developed, implemented, and managed Tangent Animation's social media outreach, resulting in increased brand visibility and engagement.
Skills: Animation · Blender · Training · Video Production · Social Media
At Disney Animation Studios, I melded technology with tradition, creating and animating models for groundbreaking visuals, fostering team skill development, and integrating 3D and hand-drawn elements to produce seamless, captivating scenes.
Key Accomplishments:
• I successfully created models and animations for props and buildings in Previs, exploring creative ideas, planning out the technical aspects of those ideas, and communicating them effectively to ensure a smooth and efficient animation process.
• I provided training and support for artists outside the layout department, empowering them to contribute effectively to projects and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• I seamlessly integrated 3D sets and cameras with traditional hand-drawn animated characters in shot layouts, delivering visually stunning and cohesive scenes.
Skills: Training · Animation · 3D Studio Max · Cinematography · Layout