Daniel Craven
SUPERVISING PRODUCER | COMPOSITING & VFX LEADERSHIP | ARTISTIC DIRECTION
Simi Valley,CA
Summary
Experienced professional with over 12 years in animation and VFX. Known for enhancing visual storytelling through precise technical execution and collaborative team efforts. Skilled at turning creative concepts into practical pipelines for 2D, 2.5D, and CG animation projects. Successful track record in team leadership, defining visual aesthetics, and coordinating cross-functional departments from concept to completion.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Animator – Journey
Wilo Productions / 20th TV
Los Angeles, California
03.2025 - 03.2025
- Created and composited 3D camera moves and environments for a development pitch using Blender and After Effects.
Freelance VFX & Compositing Artist
Green Glow Films & Independent Projects
Los Angeles, California
08.2013 - 02.2025
- 3D simulations, set extensions, stock integration, color grading, and custom VFX for music videos, commercials, and presentations.
- Served as on-set VFX supervisor ensuring footage compatibility with post-production needs.
Compositing Director
Nickelodeon Animation Studio
Burbank, California
06.2020 - 10.2024
- Defined the final look for a greenlit animated series, aligning with the Art Director’s vision through custom compositing templates and effect pipelines.
- Led both in-house and vendor studio teams (2–12 artists), conducting weekly reviews, tutorials, and style development.
- Authored the show’s official Compositing Guide and workflow documentation.
- Directed visual solutions for complex sequences (e.g., musical numbers) requiring elevated FX and compositing treatments.
Digital Compositor
Titmouse Animation Studios
Los Angeles, California
03.2020 - 06.2020
- Composited sequences for 'Arlo the Alligator Boy' using AE, Photoshop, and Animate.
- Created particle-driven 3D bug swarm effects in Blender and contributed to 3D simulations integrated into 2D animation.
- Participated in team-wide consistency checks and weekly reviews.
Lead VFX Artist / VFX Artist
Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
Burbank, California
11.2016 - 12.2019
- Composited animation and effects for Emmy-winning and Annie-nominated shows.
- Led overnight VFX team, overseeing delivery pipelines, artist direction, and creative problem solving.
- Collaborated with animation and puppet departments to preemptively solve issues before reaching post.
- Primary tools: AE, Blender, Harmony, Photoshop.
Education
B.S. - Media Arts & Animation
The Art Institute of California
Los Angeles, United States 08.2007 - 12.2011
Skills
Leadership & Direction
Cross-Studio Coordination
Compositing & VFX Supervision
Look Development
Pipeline Design
Training & Tutorials
2D/3D Integration
Storytelling Through Effects
After Effects
Blender
Photoshop
Animate
Harmony
Nuke
Premiere
Illustrator
EmberGen
SyncSketch
Awards
- Primetime Emmy Award Winner, Outstanding Short Form Animated Program, Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
- Annie Award Nominee, Outstanding Achievement for Animated Effects in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production
Selected Skills And Tools
Leadership & Direction, Cross-Studio Coordination, Compositing & VFX Supervision, Look Development, Pipeline Design, Training & Tutorials, 2D/3D Integration, Storytelling Through Effects, After Effects, Blender, Photoshop, Animate, Harmony, Nuke (basic), Premiere, Illustrator, EmberGen
Timeline
Animator – Journey
Wilo Productions / 20th TV
03.2025 - 03.2025
Compositing Director
Nickelodeon Animation Studio
06.2020 - 10.2024
Digital Compositor
Titmouse Animation Studios
03.2020 - 06.2020
Lead VFX Artist / VFX Artist
Stoopid Buddy Stoodios
11.2016 - 12.2019
Freelance VFX & Compositing Artist
Green Glow Films & Independent Projects
08.2013 - 02.2025
B.S. - Media Arts & Animation
The Art Institute of California
08.2007 - 12.2011