Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Exhibitions
Awards
References
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Kristina Drespling

Lake Alfred,FL

Summary

Proactive and dedicated worker that is willing to do what's right for the team. Always looking to learn new skills through the act of listening, observing, and asking. I love creating magic through themed environments and enjoy maintaining show quality standards that WDW is known for.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Painter Show Finisher

Walt Disney Company
01.2022 - Current
  • As a Show Finisher I did a variety of work such as themed painting, mold making, themed prop work, mural restorations, Animatronic Skin restoration and painting, basic sewing skills.
  • I used my knowledge of a variety of materials of fiberglass, urethanes, silicones, paint, and epoxies to complete projects in a timely manner, and to quality standards.
  • Excelled under tight deadlines without sacrificing quality
  • I learned and processed specific applications and methods used by the theme park industry in Scenic Painting, and Show Finishing
  • I also used me knowledge to assist with festival Topiaries and assistance in refurbishing props across property upon request.

Scenic Painter

Icarus Exhibitions Inc.
01.2021 - 03.2021
  • 1of 3 painters working closely with Walt Disney Imagineering to paint props and show pieces for a new attraction at one of their International Parks.
  • Reduced material waste by accurately mixing custom paint colors and finishes according to project specifications.
  • Contributed to successful productions by working closely with other scenic artists and set construction teams.
  • Ensured consistency in designs by diligently referencing concept sketches during the painting process.
  • Developed strong communication skills with directors, producers, and designers to ensure alignment on design objectives.
  • Expanded skillset through continuous education in new techniques or materials relevant to the Scenic Painting industry.
  • Painted surfaces using brushes, spray guns, and paint rollers.
  • Prepared surfaces and surrounding areas for painting using sandpaper, tape, and other materials.
  • Evaluated completed work for quality and adherence to standards and client requirements.

Scenic Artist

Walt Disney Company
01.2019 - 03.2020
  • In the Artist Prep department I did a variety of work such as themed painting, mold making, themed prop work, mural restorations, Animatronic Skin restoration
  • I used my knowledge of a variety of materials of fiberglass, urethanes, silicones, paint, and epoxies to complete projects
  • I learned and processed specific applications and methods used by the theme park industry in Scenic Painting, and Show Finishing.
  • Increased efficiency by implementing painting techniques that reduced production time without sacrificing quality.
  • Maximized available resources by repurposing existing materials whenever possible without compromising creative vision.
  • Showcased versatility as an artist by adapting personal style to accommodate various project requirements

Internship: Placemaking Character Plaster and Paint

Walt Disney Imagineering
01.2018 - 01.2019
  • I have worked on a variety of projects with a focus on themed painting, mold making, and themed prop work
  • I learned how to use a variety of new materials including but not limited to fiberglass, urethanes, silicones, paint, and epoxies
  • Along with specific application and process methods used by the theme park industry in paint and prop work.
  • This internship consisted of creating faux rock work, faux foliage, and various props for Hollywood Studios Galexys Edge.

Internship: Placemaking Character Plaster and Paint

Walt Disney Imagineering
06.2016 - 09.2016
  • Working within a large team, I assisted with multiple projects with a focus on themed painting, themed sculpting, and themed prop work
  • Using a variety of materials including cement, paint, and epoxy
  • Along with specific application and process methods used by the theme park industry.
  • This interneship was creating faux plants, faux rock work, and over all learning scenic paint treatments for Animal Kingdoms Pandora, the world of Avatar.


Store Manager/Education Lead/Intern Trainer

621 Art Gallery
06.2015 - 04.2016
  • Was responsible for opening and closing of the art gallery
  • Maintained inventory within the gallery store, ensured transactions were properly completed, prepared monthly sales reports, determined price points for incoming artwork, labeled work and assisted customers
  • Curated artwork for monthly exhibitions
  • Helped to facilitate special events including but not limited to Artist Talks, First Fridays, Art Auctions and Silent Auctions
  • Held monthly community educational events based on that month’s exhibition
  • Trained incoming interns on sales transactions, processing of artist paperwork, receive artwork and maintain inventory.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Sculpture and Screen Print

Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
12.2017

Associate of Arts -

Valencia Community College
Orlando, FL
01.2013

Skills

  • Sculpture: clay, plaster, epoxy, concrete
  • Silicone: Audio Animatronic silicone skin painting and repairs
  • Mold making: fiberglass, various smooth on products
  • Screen printing mediums and processes
  • Basic sewing skills: buttons, hems, zippers and can read basic patterns
  • Printmaking techniques
  • Painting: Oil, Acrylics (themed painting/Scenic Painting techniques)
  • UV/Black Light Basics
  • Air Brush and Paint Gun proficient
  • Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop Basics
  • Autodesk, Inc: Tinkercad and 123d Catch Basics
  • Sketchup Basics

Accomplishments

Quarterly Award Hollywood Studio's 2023

Walt Disney World

March 2023

Given in recognition of outstanding job performance. quality, and dedication to the philosophy of Walt Disney World Resort.

Art Department Award in Printmaking
Florida State University
April 2017
Given to one art student for work exemplifying exceptional artistic achievement within the printmaking department.

Andy McLaughlin Memorial
Florida State University
March 2016
Given to art students for work exemplifying exceptional artistic achievement.

President’s List

Florida State University
Spring Term 2015 and Fall Term 2015

Exhibitions

  • Dwellings - Soup Experimental, Tallahassee, FL, 06/03/2016 - 06/25/2016, Soft sculpture couch, armchair, and screenprinted “memory window”
  • Tallahassee Art Invitational - Working Method Contemporary Gallery, Tallahassee, FL, 04/30/2015, 16x20 hand cut paper illustration
  • Art Showing - GymRat Boxing and Fitness, Open House, Orlando, FL, 2013

Awards

  • Quarterly Award, Hollywood Studio's, 2023
  • Art Department Award in Printmaking, Florida State University, 04/2017, Given to one art student for work exemplifying exceptional artistic achievement within the printmaking department.
  • Andy McLaughlin Memorial, Florida State University, 03/2016, Given to art students for work exemplifying exceptional artistic achievement.
  • President’s List, Florida State University, Spring Term 2015 and Fall Term 2015

References

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Certification

  • Communication Skills: Persuasion and Motivation

Institution : Allison

Completion: September 2023

Credential ID 1577-34275442


  • Colour Theory for Artist and Designers

Instatution: Allison

Completion: January 2017

Credential ID 338-6426736

Affiliations

  • Reading, Pollinators, Gardening, Cats

Timeline

Painter Show Finisher

Walt Disney Company
01.2022 - Current

Scenic Painter

Icarus Exhibitions Inc.
01.2021 - 03.2021

Scenic Artist

Walt Disney Company
01.2019 - 03.2020

Internship: Placemaking Character Plaster and Paint

Walt Disney Imagineering
01.2018 - 01.2019

Internship: Placemaking Character Plaster and Paint

Walt Disney Imagineering
06.2016 - 09.2016

Store Manager/Education Lead/Intern Trainer

621 Art Gallery
06.2015 - 04.2016

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Sculpture and Screen Print

Florida State University

Associate of Arts -

Valencia Community College
Kristina Drespling