Summary
Hello, my name is Jonathan Sheldon, and I am a 3D animator, visual effects artist, and educator. I am a graduate of IUPUI with a Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University in Computer Graphics Technology and a Master’s Degree from Indiana University in Media Arts and Sciences. I am currently the Lead Instructor of the Media Arts and Animation program at The Art Institute of Indianapolis.
I am an avid designer and storyteller who excels at taking stories from conceptualization to implementation. As a multimedia artist, I have a full understanding of design, motion, and story. I am an expert with the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design, After Effects, and Premiere), Autodesk Maya, and many other design applications. I have taught multiple courses on storyboarding, animation, motion graphics, photo manipulation, graphic design, lighting and texturing, rigging, and compositing. In addition to teaching, I have significant experience in freelance and remote work. I am an avid collaborator and work well in a team setting. I am expected to be on the cutting edge of industry standards, work with clients of all backgrounds to accomplish time sensitive tasks, and work flexibly wearing “multiple hats” to accomplish everything needed.
Skills
Software proficiency
Reel
Productions
- MovieRescue Party
- Year2019
- RoleWriter, Director, 3D Animator
- CompanyStudio 208
- Video GameThe Crystal Core
- Year2018
- Role3D Animator & Rigger
- CompanyBitLoft
Experience
- Adjunct Faculty & Lead Instructor at The Art Institute of IndianapolisIndianapolis, United States of AmericaOctober 2015 - December 2018
Taught a variety of classes across the production pipeline from storytelling and storyboarding, to character animation and motion graphics, and finally to post production, compositing, and visual effects. Created curriculum and assignments to encourage students to value lifelong learning. Encouraged a philosophy of hard work and determination by creating challenging, relevant, and fun assignments and discussions. Students were encouraged to produce professional work suitable for professional portfolios. In addition to teaching, strategically planned student retention, career planning, curriculum merging and implementation, and student advising. Worked collaboratively with faculty and administration to oversee and implement curriculum improvements and changes. Developed and implemented assessment tools for accreditation. Organized and held Professional Advising Committee meetings twice a year.
- Freelance 3D Animator at Ascent XRIndianapolis, United States of AmericaMay 2018 - August 2018
Acted as the principal 3D Animator, Rigger, and Dynamics Artist for Ascent XR augmented reality projects. Created 3D animation and simulations for augmented reality applications. Worked collaboratively across the production spectrum. Worked remotely and independently while keeping deadlines and meeting production milestones. Used Autodesk Maya and Unity to create augmented reality assets for scenes. Used the Bifrost fluid simulation system to create dynamic fluid simulations.
- Freelance 3D Animator at BitLoftIndianapolis, United States of AmericaFebruary 2018 - April 2018
Acted as principal 3D Animator and Rigger for the educational video game The Crystal Core. Worked collaboratively with the design team to create compelling and exciting animations. Created animation lists, created tasks, and assigned tasks to other members of the 3D team. Created rigs for player avatar characters and non-player characters. Animated character cycles for in game use. Exported and baked animation for game engines. Worked remotely and independently while keeping deadlines and meeting production milestones. Used Autodesk Maya and Adobe After Effects to create appealing animations.
- Freelance Motion Graphics Artist at SellutionUnited States of AmericaNovember 2017 - February 2018
Worked collaboratively with the creator of Sellution to create an exciting, engaging, and informative motion graphic. Worked primarily in the Adobe Creative Suite using Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, Element 3D, and Autodesk Maya. Worked remotely, across time zones, and managed tasks on time. Coordinated, planned, and executed a design standard for the Sellution viral marketing campaign.
- Freelance Motion Graphics Artist at CiviWikiUnited States of AmericaJanuary 2016 - March 2016
Consulted with St. Louis, Missouri startup CiviWiki to create engaging and unique motion graphics and animations. Motion graphics, logos, and design concepts were created to convey the core message and function of the CiviWiki social media political website. Worked with the CiviWiki organization and board to create effective marketing messages, branding, and theme. Worked primarily in the Adobe Creative Suite using Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Worked remotely, across time zones, and managed tasks on time.
- Freelance Motion Graphics Artist at MOCSAMUnited States of AmericaMay 2015 - July 2015
Created engaging motion graphics and visualizations for the St. Louis, Missouri start-up MOCSAM. Motion graphics and app visualizations were created to convey the core mechanics and principles of the MOCSAM app. Redesigned the MOCSAM logo to represent a more professional look. Worked with the creator of the MOCSAM app to design and develop core concepts, mechanics, marketing, and etc. of the MOCSAM app. Worked primarily in the Adobe Creative Suite using Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, and Photoshop. Worked remotely, across time zones, and managed tasks on time.