J.D. Smith: 3D Animator, Previs and Digital Artist

I began my video and film production journey in Phoenix, AZ, where I worked in a wide range of roles. Working across various departments in production gave me a foundation in visual storytelling, and taught me invaluable

lessons when it comes to creative problem-solving and the

collaborative demands of production.

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Eventually, I relocated to Los Angeles where I landed an internship with Fangoria magazine. Having connected with Fangoria, I transitioned to a freelance production hand, working on several projects with horror icons such as Chucky, Elvira and the Walking Dead.

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Wanting to take my visual storytelling skills further, I attended the Gnomon School of VFX, Games and Animation, graduating with a BFA as a 3D Generalist with a focus on character animation. 

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My background in live-action production, combined with my technical and artistic training at Gnomon, has given me a well-rounded understanding of the production pipeline and has allowed me the opportunity to work on dream projects for the MSG Sphere, Disney, Marvel and more.

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I'm particularly interested in opportunities where I can continue to develop my artistic eye and collaborate with talented teams to effectively tell a story, whether it's through sequential art or a powerful single image. 

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Select Project History - both credited and uncredited - include:

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Alien: Rogue Incursion (Video Game - Trailer Cinematics)

Towerborne (Video Game - Cinematics)

Aquaman 2 (Feature Film - Previs)

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (Feature Film - Previs)

Marvel's Midnight Suns (Video Game - Cinematics)

Disney's Pinocchio (Feature Film - Virtual Production Previs)

Wasteland 3 (Video Game - Cinematics)

Clockwork Revolution (Video Game Trailer Cinematics)

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Awards:

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"Best Digital" - Death and Other Details ​

"Most Social" - GoDaddy "Derby"

"Best Cinematography" - "Life of Hell"

1st Place - "Roller Baby"

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