Experienced 3D Generalist with dual EU-US citizenship, skilled in designing and adapting assets based on major IP. Proven track record in EdTech innovation and XR implementation, with contributions to Emmy and Peabody award-winning productions.
Hi, I’m
Julian Chelo
New York,NY
Summary
Overview
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Macy's Branded Entertainment
Studio Design Specialist
02.2024 - 02.2025
Job overview
- Designed and developed 3D production models of parade floats, balloons, and character costumes for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Universal Orlando Holiday Parade, adapting iconic children's media properties from 2D concept art
- Collaborated with creative directors, engineering teams, and third-party vendors to ensure manufacturing specifications while maintaining brand integrity and scale requirements
- Conducted quality assurance through off-site surveys and maintained comprehensive asset libraries
- Implemented highly optimized interactive XR visualizations by converting complex parade element models into lightweight glTF files under 5MB for seamless web display, now featured on Macy's official website alongside complementary Mobile AR experiences
- Successfully demonstrated Substance 3D Painter capabilities to Dreamworks and Paramount partners, leading to enterprise-wide adoption as the studio's primary texturing solution
GeniusX
3D Modeler
01.2021 - 01.2024
Job overview
- Developed optimized 3D environments and interactive props for partnered course providers delivering both live instruction and pre-recorded content specializing in physical rehabilitation, trauma therapy, and addiction recovery, while maintaining consistent performance across Quest and PC VR platforms
- The company's technical innovations in VR development attracted Meta as a strategic investor, resulting in their direct participation through several consecutive funding rounds
Dirt Empire
Environment Artist
04.2019 - 09.2023
Job overview
- Ensured immersive experiences delivered consistent visual quality whether viewed through VR headsets or projected in live venues, balancing artistic vision with technical constraints
- As part of the team behind Reeducated, I created environment models based on survivors' accounts, contributing to this groundbreaking documentary that earned The New Yorker its first Emmy and Peabody Award for documenting systematic human rights violations
Prisms VR
Environment Artist
05.2020 - 12.2020
Job overview
- Created Unity-optimized 3D assets at a pioneering education technology company, whose VR platform transformed K-12 mathematics instruction during the remote learning challenges of 2020, making complex concepts accessible through immersive technology.
- The San Francisco-based startup went on to reach 65 school districts across 15 states and secured $12.5M in Series A funding, demonstrating the growing need for optimized 3D content that could perform effectively across various technical environments while making education more accessible
ALL World
CG Generalist
08.2018 - 12.2020
Job overview
- Created and optimized 3D assets for an AR platform, enabling virtual gallery experiences in collaboration with renowned architects and designers including Daniel Libeskind and Stefan Sagmeister
- Developed original 3D models and converted complex parametric files into AR-ready assets for Apple's ARKit framework, maintaining visual accuracy while meeting mobile performance requirements for real-time product visualization
- Established specialized workflows for translating product catalogs from Bang & Olufsen, Herman Miller, and Restoration Hardware into PBR-compliant models
Pomp&Clout
CG Generalist
06.2017 - 05.2019
Job overview
- Under directors Reed + Rader, early adopters of Unreal Engine in production, I transformed concept art into optimized 3D assets for dynamic ad campaigns and music videos.
- My responsibilities included high-poly sculpting, retopology, texture creation and animation
- Successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver animations for high-profile projects, including the Cartoon Network x Fyodor Golan campaign and the Herve Pagez & Diplo 'Spicy' music video featuring Charli XCX
Planeta
Texture Artist
10.2018 - 03.2019
Job overview
- Reconstructed complex photogrammetry data into optimized 3D assets for XR applications
- Enhanced scan fidelity through ZBrush refinement, while utilizing Mari and Substance to reconstruct missing texture information and improve existing material maps for Unity integration
- Developed assets for the 'David Bowie is' AR application across iOS and Android platforms, processing archival photogrammetry scans
Superbright
Junior Character TD
05.2018 - 12.2018
Job overview
- Developed and rigged 3D assets for immersive exhibitions presented at galleries, cultural institutions, and music venues
- This involved translating character concept art from our in-house fashion designer into 3D models using ZBrush and Maya, and then skillfully rigging these assets for seamless integration within the Unity environment to create engaging interactive installations
- I collaborated with esteemed dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to capture foundational motion capture data prior to the 2018 Panorama Music Festival
- This data was subsequently implemented by my supervisor in Unity for HP's 'The Lab' installation at the festival
Brand New School
3D Visualizer
03.2018 - 04.2018
Job overview
- Created high-fidelity Keyshot renders of products and accessories, with meticulous attention to lighting and composition
- These approved visualization libraries served as marketing guidelines to ensure consistent representation across all client deliverables
Education
Fashion Institute of TechnologyNew York, NY
Bachelor of Arts from Animation, Interactive Media, & Game Design
05-2017
University Overview
Skills
- 3D Modeling
- Texturing
- UV Mapping
- Rigging
- Animation
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- ZBrush
- Retopology
- Substance 3D Painter
- Maya
- Marmoset Toolbag
Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-Curricular Activities
Hetrick-Martin Institute, 740 Broadway, 2 Astor Pl, New York, NY, 10003, 06/01/24, Supported community outreach programs through event planning and coordination. Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to create inclusive and accessible spaces while managing technical and logistical requirements for youth-focused programs.Timeline
Studio Design Specialist
Macy's Branded Entertainment
02.2024 - 02.2025
3D Modeler
GeniusX
01.2021 - 01.2024
Environment Artist
Prisms VR
05.2020 - 12.2020
Environment Artist
Dirt Empire
04.2019 - 09.2023
Texture Artist
Planeta
10.2018 - 03.2019
CG Generalist
ALL World
08.2018 - 12.2020
Junior Character TD
Superbright
05.2018 - 12.2018
3D Visualizer
Brand New School
03.2018 - 04.2018
CG Generalist
Pomp&Clout
06.2017 - 05.2019
Fashion Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Arts from Animation, Interactive Media, & Game Design
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