Michaela Richards
Animator, Product & Graphic Designer
(585) 943-4109
Education
Ringling College of Art and Design
Bachelor's of Fine Arts, Major in Computer Animation - May 2013
• Developed fundamental skills in drawing composition, design, and color theory
• Pitched story concepts, created animatics with character driven stories and conflicts
• Utilized knowledge of the 12 Principles of Animation through 3D software and traditional means
• Designed and created environments, props, characters, and indoor/outdoor lighting using 3D software
Experience
Animator/Motion Designer
Feld Entertainment, Inc. - January 2021 - Present
• Develops and executes animated designs including storyboards and logos/brands, title cards, lower thirds, call to actions, intro and outro sequences, cutaways, LED Ribbon animations, and full screen infographics for various social media, mobile, television broadcast, and in venue entertainment platforms.
• Utilizes various motion design techniques such as lighting, compositing, green screen, motion tracking, particles, etc. to create beautifully unique and effective animated graphics.
• Organizes and completes projects from pre-production through post-production. Collaborates remotely with editors, directors and other team members to achieve cohesive branded look for various clients.
• Seamlessly switches between a variety of brands and design styles on a daily basis.
• Manage and complete all requested assets for multiple projects within the scope of project deadlines.
Product Design Manager
The Custom Touch - July 2020 - December 2020
• Created multiple product lines ranging from customizable drinkware, Christmas ornaments, home decor signs, retail signs, 3D puzzles, and retail displays to be sold on e-commerce platforms and in retail settings.
• Developed creative marketing strategies for product lines to be successful on e-commerce platforms which lead to a 475% increase in online views from the previous year, an increase in conversion rates, and an increase of online sales. One new product line of Christmas ornaments sold over 1500 units in 6 weeks and created approximately $30,000 in revenue.
• Managed and creatively directed a team of graphic designers and photographers to develop e-commerce products and created an organizational system to fulfill customizable e-commerce orders.
• Worked directly with graphic design team, sales team, production team, and customers to ensure highest possible quality of product and customer satisfaction.
Product/Graphic Designer
Feld Entertainment, Inc. - May 2013 - March 2020
• Designed brand consistent products across many different properties for shows including Disney on Ice, Marvel Universe Live, Jurassic World Live, DreamWorks Trolls the Experience, Sesame Street Live, Monster Jam, Monster Energy Supercross, Peanuts, Ringling Brother's Barnum & Bailey Circus, etc.
• Responsible for designing and producing hundreds of products including plush, figurines and other novelty toys, apparel, merchandise environments, signage, packaging, food containers, etc.
• Worked with each product from initial design through final production to ensure that product stays true to brand and within budget so that clients receive a product they are happy with.
• Utilized skills of design, time management, and knowledge of manufacturing process to make sure that each product is sent to the production factories with all necessary information.
Digital Illustrator
MRichards Designs - February 2020 - Present
• Worked with clients to create digital illustrations of their pets. Developed rough sketches for client approval and then produced final illustrations.
• Created a business plan and commenced operations of a digital illustration start-up
• Negotiated contracts and created a project timeline to meet client’s expectations.
Visual Development Intern
Four Directions Productions - Summer 2012
• Developed unique character, prop and environment designs for an upcoming animated film
• Portrayed key story moments from various scripts through visuals
• Designed packaging and DVD booklet for a documentary
• Worked with clients to achieve a specific style that was cohesive with the film.
Freelance Artist
Idexx Laboratories - Fall 2012
• Created character designs for an internal e-mail training program
• Developed unique character poses that enhanced the training program's effectiveness
• Worked effectively long-distance, communicating with the client through e-mails and phone calls
Software
Adobe Creative Suite including: Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, InDesign, XD, Premiere, After Effects, Media Encoder, & Bridge. InVision, Autodesk Maya, Fusion 360, Pixar Renderman Plugin, ZBrush, Keyshot 6, Nuke, Corel Painter, Corel Draw, Microsoft Office Suite including: PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, & Teams.