I still remember how mind blown I was when I first saw the original Toy Story in theaters. I grew up during the dawn of the digital age, and was always enthralled with computers as a medium for art.
It was a dream come true that had my head spinning, starting off my career as a Lighting Intern at Pixar straight out of school. Following that with moving to LA and getting the opportunity to work on several Marvel films. I then relocated to Reel FX in Texas where I spent over 6 years working as a Senior Lighter developing clean and efficient Key Shots that defined the look of a sequence, and the characters within, for junior artists to follow.
I love all VFX work, but my heart is really in Animated Features. Juggling so many assets, realizing a vision from a piece of artwork, playing with so many composition tricks to guide viewer's eyes. It's all a thrill. I'm excited every time that I jump into a new sequence and I hope I never stop doing so.
Work History
Lighter
id Software
July 2017 - Present
Senior Lighting and Compositing Artist
Reel FX
January 2012 - April 2017
Dallas, TX
Currently a staff employee working as a Keyshot Lighting and Compositing artist on the feature animation films, "Book of Life", "Free Birds", and "Rock Dog". As a Keyshot artist my role is to establish the look of a sequence and the characters within, while creating clean and effective lighting setups to be passed on to Junior artists.
Other work including, VES and Annie Award winning theme park ride, "Minion Mayhem," Chuck E Cheese, Chevy and P'tit Louie television commercials and live action VFX on "Chasing Shakespeare."
Lighting and Compositing Artist
Reel FX
May 2011 - August 2011
Dallas/Fort Worth Area
Worked as a Lighter and Compositor on the animated short "Ice Age, a Mammoth Christmas."
Lighting TD
Luma Pictures
November 2010 - April 2011
Greater Los Angeles Area
Worked as a Lighting TD on the feature films "Thor," "Xmen: First Class," and "Fright Night."
Lighting Intern
Pixar
June 2010 - August 2010
A truly amazing experience studying under the Director of Photography for Toy Story 3, Kim White. Was extraordinary to be in such a creatively inspiring environment, learning the tools of Pixar and being privileged enough to work on actual shots from Toy Story 3 and Cars 2.
Technical Support
Britex Fabrics
December 2008 - June 2010
San Francisco Bay Area
On call Technical Support.
Sea Kayak Tour Guide/Instructor
City Kayak
May 2008 - May 2010
San Francisco Bay Area
Provided safety, and basic kayaking instruction.
Guided Kayak tours throughout the San Francisco Bay.
Recreation Attendant
Lake Merritt Boating Center
June 2006 - June 2008
San Francisco Bay Area
Provided Pontoon boat tours.
Responsible for the safety of all boaters on the Lake.
Maintained boats and premises.
Operations Specialist 2nd Class
United States Navy
October 2000 - July 2004
US Military Posts in the Pacific
Supervised a watch section responsible for ensuring safe navigation and communications while operating in the Pacific Ocean.
Assistant Harbormaster
Edgartown Harbormaster Department
June 1997 - October 2000
Cape Cod Area, MA
Enforced boating safety compliance throughout the harbor.
Was responsible for the management of over 80 moorings and docks.