My name is Kristan Kelly.  I was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1983 and have been using computers to create digital art ever since the age of 10, when my mother bought me my first computer.

I graduated from Ben Franklin High School in Atlanta, Georgia, where my love for art was encouraged and that made me very determined to pursue a Fine Arts degree in 3D animation.

At college, I created my first 3D model, an Abrams M1 tank, which I still display even today.  3D modeling, for me is the area I am most comfortable with, while I also do Texturing, Animation, Lighting, and Rendering.

My first opportunity in Los Angeles, was an unpaid internship at Zoic Studios. At the completion of the internship, I was one of the fortunate few to receive paid freelance assignments.  I also did freelance work for HeckArt Studios and DigiSculptor Studios, sometimes working 2 jobs each day.

I will always continue to explore all areas of visual effects and 3D as I learn new programs, techniques and styles to ultimately make me a well rounded 3D Artist, a knowledgeable colleague, and an asset to any studio I am fortunate enough to work with.

EMPLOYMENT        

Brand New School, November 2009 – Present
Maya Artist – 3D Modeling, Texturing, Lighting & Rendering

• Modeling and Texturing characters and creatures for 3D Motion Graphics projects
• Using Digital Sculpting techniques to create characters based on design
• Modeling, Texturing, Lighting props and environments

Zoic Studios, March 2009 – Present
Freelance Maya Artist – 3D Modeling, Texturing, Digital Sculpting & Setup

• Creating models for project pre-vis shots, using box modeling and digital sculpting
• High polygon creature and mechanical modeling using Zbrush and Maya Unlimited
• Modeling and Texturing props and environments for game cinema and episodic projects
• Setting up existing models from the client to work with our Maya Mental Ray pipeline

Moo Studios, June 2009 – July 2009
Maya Artist – 3D Modeling, Texturing, & Animation

• Modeling props for an independent short film
• Task also included texturing existing props and texturing models of my own creation
• Also responsible for rigging and animating objects for certain scenes

CBS Digital, November – December 2008
Freelance Maya Artist – 3D Modeling, Texturing, Lighting & Animation

• Created Hard-Surface 3D Models for work on television
• Texturing 3D Models in Maya for production work
• Texturing and Lighting Photo real cloth for live action matching
• Creating effects for production work that was not only efficient but effective

Heckart Studios, June, October 2008
3D Modeling, Pre-vis Animation, Texturing, Lighting & Rendering

• Creating, lighting, and rendering photo-realistic elements for use in various projects
• Modeling low-res environments based off of blueprints for pre-vis animation
• Using Maya particle systems to create elements for product packaging
• Use Maya to animate Motion Control Camera

Zoic Studios, January 2008 – August 2008
Freelance Maya Artist – 3D Modeling & Texturing

• Modeling 3D elements for various VFX works such as CSI: Miami, plus online content and video game content
• Working with other interns to create an animated short, using all of our skills to complete the project in a professional and timely manner
• Using skills in Maya to aid in Visual effects and 3D projects
• Learning Production Pipeline from Industry Veterans
• Working with Advanced Artists to learn new skills associated with my focus
• Delivering Studio work to companies associated with Zoic’s Pipeline

DigiSculptor, February 2008 – March 2008
3D Modeling, 2D Design

• Working with the company owner to deliver 3D mock-ups of products as they would be seen in major department stores.
• Learning and perfecting a production pipeline that uses multiple programs to create renders in a timely, and business oriented way

ADDITIONAL WORK

• Responsible for a 20+ person staff. Competent in dealing with conflict resolution
• Strong leadership skills.  Able to handle any task or responsibilities simultaneously
• Provided valuable input for upper management and work-flow
• Oversaw development and implementation of online notification program for regional entertainment
• Responsible for  administrative duties, including employee scheduling and inventory

ACE Computer Camp, summers of 1998 – 2000
Camp Counselor

• Responsible for instructing children ages 7-16 in HTML coding and editing
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills at a young age
• Responsible  for overseeing campers in indoor and outdoor activities
• Instructed children in using 3D and 2D software, including Adobe Photoshop

HONORS and AWARDS
            Ballistic Publishing, d'artiste Character Modeling 3 - invited artist

EDUCATION
           Bachelor of Fine Arts, Savannah College of Art & Design Major in 3D Animation           

Relevant Courses Taken

• Advanced Modeling
• Digital Materials and Texturing
• Sculptural Texturing for Games
• Digital Lighting and Rendering

 SKILLS

• Hard Surface 3D Modeling in Polygons & Nurbs
  • Environments
  • Prop/Set Modeling
  • Automotive
• High Polygon 3D Character Modeling
• Low Polygon 3D Character Modeling
• Digital Sculpting w/ ZBrush
• Fur Grooming
  • Fur Coloring & Texturing
• Texturing
• Lighting
• Animation

• Fully Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite Applications
• Traditional 2D Drawing and Sketching Skills

 TOOLS

• Maya Unlimited
• Maya Mental Ray
• Pixologic Z Brush
• NewTek LightWave
• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Wacom Table

REFERENCES

If you would like to contact any of my references please E-mail me at the following address:  KrisKelly3D@gmail.com