Jeffrey Smith

Jeffrey Smith

3D Artist | 3D Rigging | 3D Modeling

Senior 3D Rigger / Mid-level 3D Modeler / 19 yrs

Dallas, TX

Hire Me

Senior 3D Artist

Bluejeans Spaces

Rigging

Ask the StoryBots (2016)

Character Rigger

Falling Skies (2011)

Senior Rigger

The Book of Life (2014)

Character TD

The Croods (2013)

Character TD

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

Character TD

Shrek Forever After (2010)

Character TD

Monsters vs Aliens (2009)

Character TD

Bee Movie (2007)

Character TD Trainee; Asst. Character FX Animator

Over The Hedge (2006)
Modeling Demo Reel
Character Rigging Showreel
Modeler
Alpine Village Train Engine
Modeler
VR Citywalk Avatar Outlet
Modeler
Western Revolver
Jeff Smith is a digital artist with experience working on several major feature animation productions, as well as projects in areas such as visual effects, video games and XR apps.

With an interest in art, animation and computers stemming from his youth, Jeff earned a master's degree in visualization from Texas A&M University. There he studied and gained skill in various fundamental aspects of computer animation. For his thesis, he combined principles of art and technology in creating an interactive 3-D graphics tool for cubist-style rendering. This work was published in the proceedings of Bridges: Mathematical Connections in Art, Music, and Science. In addition to his studies, he created cartoons and illustrations for the school newspaper and taught an undergraduate drawing class.

Shortly after graduating, Jeff relocated to California and began working in computer animation and visual effects. He started out at ESC Entertainment in the lighting department during the production of Catwoman. After wrapping production, he moved into feature animation work by joining the Character T.D. Department at Dreamworks Animation. While there he rigged characters and other assets for several productions, including The Croods, Shrek Forever After, Monsters vs. Aliens, and Bee Movie. In addition to rigging, he contributed in the areas of cloth simulation, character effects animation, and Python scripting.

Jeff has contributed to computer animation and rigging work for television commercials and video game projects, including the use of motion capture technology. He has also revisited the teaching arena, having taught classes in computer animation and visual effects at the Art Institute of Houston.

More Recently, Jeff has worked in the XR Labs/Bluejeans/Metaverse 3D Content team with Verizon, where he contributed with his skills to many exciting projects - primarily with virtual and augmented reality apps, as well as virtual 3D spaces.

In his spare time, Jeff is a sports fan, history buff, and road trip enthusiast. Inspired by the rapid advancements in digital art, as well as the traditional work of the classical artists, he is dedicated to continuing to learn and hone his skills in the craft of digital art and animation. Jeff currently resides in North Texas.
Work History

  • 3D Content Artist

    Verizon

    April 2016 - December 2022
    Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex · Remote

    Created 3D content for cutting-edge XR applications, including AR, VR, and desktop platforms. Performed quality checks on modeling/texturing work of four artists while collaborating to develop proprietary technology. Orchestrated quality assurance processes including documenting workflow solutions, tracking progress in JIRA, and maintaining high standards across 3D assets.
    •Created 3D models, textures, rigs, and animations for real-time virtual environments, ensuring optimal performance within tight project timelines, delivering content in FBX format for proprietary asset management and engine software.
    •Liaised between artistic and engineering teams, translating technical requirements into visually compelling content for XR applications.
    •Contributed to R&D initiatives in the VR/AR space, leveraging expertise in 3D animation techniques to push the boundaries of XR technology.
    •Developed Python scripts to streamline production workflows, improving team efficiency and output quality.

  • Freelance CG Rigger

    Freelance CG Rigger

    November 2012 - December 2015

    Provided specialized character rigging services for video game, VFX, and animation industries, collaborating with studios to create high-quality motion and deformation systems using Maya. Adaptable across projects from mobile games to TV series and films, delivering custom solutions for each.

    Key contributions include:

    Developing rigs for in-game cinematics at House of Moves and for TV shows like "Falling Skies" and the film "If I Stay" at Artifex Studios.
    Engineering complex body, facial, and accessory rigs with modular techniques for flexibility.
    Contributing to AnimationRigs.com's asset library.
    Troubleshooting deformation issues for JibJab Bros.' "Ask the Storybots" (TV).

  • Senior Rigger

    Reel FX

    September 2013 - March 2014
    Dallas, TX

    Hired to set up character animation control systems for animated feature film, “Book of Life”.
    • Used modular rigging for various characters’ body, facial, and accessory rigs in Maya and MEL.
    • Programmed MEL scripts to add controls to character rigs used in production.

  • Instructor

    The Art Institute of Houston

    May 2011 - April 2012
    Houston, Texas

    Faculty Member in Media Arts & Animation and Visual Effects & Motion Graphics programs. Leveraged industry experience to teach practical skills and cutting-edge techniques.
    • Planned curricula and delivered lectures on digital art and animation using industry-standard software.
    • Delivered individualized guidance and constructive critiques during studio sessions.

  • Character TD | Assistant Character Effects Animator

    DreamWorks Animation

    August 2004 - March 2011
    Glendale, California

    Developed and maintained complex character animation rigs for major animated films, collaborating with cross-studio teams and using proprietary scripting languages and software. Briefly worked in the Character Effects department, gaining broader production experience and troubleshooting live production issues.

    Key contributions include:
    • Creating intricate rigs for films like "Over the Hedge," "Bee Movie," "Shrek Forever After," "Monsters vs. Aliens," "Rise of the Guardians," and "The Croods."
    •Rig testing with animators to enhance performance.
    • Contributed to pipeline development by converting scripts from Perl to Python and managing files in a Linux system.
    • Executing cloth simulations and finalizing animations during Character Effects role.

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Education

  • M.S., Visualization Sciences

    Texas A&M University

    September 2000 - December 2003

  • B.E.D. in Environmental Design

    Texas A&M University

    September 1995 - August 2000