Dana Klaren

Dana Klaren

3D Modeler & Environment Artist

Mid-level Environment Artist / Mid-level Modeler / 10 yrs

Los Angeles, CA

Hire Me

Animatronics Technician

Stargate SG-1 (1997)

Environment Artist

Gears of War 4 (2016)

Animatronics Designer

Willard (2003)

Animatronics

That's My Bush

Animatronics & Themed Lighting

Tokyo Disney Sea

Animatronics & Themed Lighting

Disney California Adventures

Mold-maker

Armageddon (1998)

Puppeteer, Animatronics Tech.

Kull the Conqueror (1997)

Mold-maker

Godzilla (1998)

Puppeteer

Mimic (1997)

I specialize in 3D MODELING, GAME ENVIRONMENT ART, and ARCHITECTURAL VISUALIZATION.

Experience with Maya, Headus UV Layout, XNormal, Mari, Substance, ZBrush, Mudbox, Mental Ray, Unreal Engine 4, World Machine, AutoCAD, the Adobe software suite, and Shader Forge (for Unity).

ONLINE (3D) PORTFOLIO:
www.artstation.com/artist/danaklaren
Work History
  • Environment Artist

    Skydance Interactive

    January 2016 - Present
    Remote
  • Environment Artist

    Skydance Interactive

    January 2016 - December 2021
  • Environment Artist

    The Workshop Entertainment

    January 2016 - April 2016
  • 3D Modeler & Environment Artist

    freelance 3D Modeler & Environment Artist

    July 2015 - January 2016

    I designed, modeled and (PBR) textured low-poly assets for several VR / AR projects.
    Projects include an architectural presentation, a Security Drone for an Oculus / Gear VR demo, as well as a Virtual BMX Bike-Park.
    Software used: Maya, Headus UV Layout, Mari, Substance B2M, Photoshop, UE4, Shader Forge (for Unity).

  • student

    Gnomon: School of Visual Effects, Games & Animation

    2012 - December 2015

    Studies focusing on hard-surface modeling and environment creation using Maya, Mudbox, ZBrush, Mari, Headus UV Layout, Mental Ray, AutoCAD, and Adobe products.

    ONLINE PORTFOLIO:
    https://www.behance.net/DanaKlaren

  • Design Department Coordinator

    Applied Minds LLC

    April 2010 - March 2012

    I seek out talented individuals to join our creative staff. Coordinate the creative staff across multiple disciplines and design-projects focused on graphics, architecture, interiors, vehicles, user interface, and robotics. Conduct on-site surveys. Research and specify FF&E (Furniture, Finishes and Equipment) for our architectural projects. Supply and manage the physical and digital resources for the department. Coordinate information between the Design Department, our engineers and our shops. Do presentation and documentation photography for the company.

    ONLINE PORTFOLIO (all work):
    www.bahance.net/DanaKlaren

  • Director: Modelshop / Project Manager

    Applied Minds Inc.

    May 2002 - June 2010

    Working directly under Bran Ferren, I supervise the design process and fabrication of numerous architectural, product and custom automotive projects. I work closely with a large team of designers and engineers from various disciplines.

  • Animatronics Designer / Supervisor

    various companies / freelance

    March 2001 - May 2002

    Worked as a freelance artist, and animatronics (robotics) designer & supervisor. Companies worked for during this time-period included: "Chiodo Bros. Productions", "Versatile Media One", "The Character Shop", & "Attraction Services/Applied Minds Inc.". Worked on multiple films, tv shows, commercials, and theme park/casino attractions.

  • Mechanical Technician (Animatronics)

    Walt Disney Imagineering

    August 1998 - February 2001

    Worked as a machinist, and animatronics (robotics) designer on over 50 animated figures for Tokyo Disney Sea, & Disney California Adventures. Helped design & build the most articulated animatronic figure Imagineering has ever produced: "Hopper" for the "Bug's Life" show at DCA, having over 80 pneumatic & hydraulic points of articulation.

  • Animatronics Designer / Supervisor

    various companies / freelance

    March 1995 - August 1998

    Worked as a freelance artist, and animatronics (robotics) designer & supervisor. Companies worked for during this time-period included: "Animated Engineering", "Chiodo Bros. Productions", "Atlantic West Effects", "Stan Winston Studio", "Todd Master's Co.", "XFX", "The Character Shop", "Warner Bros.", "Miramax", "Cannum Creations", "Cinema Production Services", "The Jim Henson Creature Shop", & "Optic Nerve". Worked on multiple films, tv shows, and commercials.

Education
  • Gnomon School of Visual Effects

    March 2012 - December 2015
  • San Jose State University

    1990 - 1995