Riley Nelson
Summary
Character/Creature Modeler with six years of film and episodic experience creating high-end organic models. At previous studios, earned a reputation as a go-to person for complex projects. Blends technical expertise, artistic quality, and a thorough understanding of animation. Continually keeps up to date with innovation in the 3D industry.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Character Modeler
Scanline VFX/Netflix
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Modeled digidouble for Aquaman and devised efficient method to shot final his 5,500 armor scales across dozens of shots
- Modeled complex characters from scans which met production deadlines and quality standards
- Addressed client notes on projects with production budgets over $100 million
- Improved animation quality with FACs based facial blendshapes and shot finals
3D Generalist
Crafty Apes VFX
04.2021 - 01.2022
- Modeled photorealistic creatures and digidoubles
- Concept modeled creatures, statues, and buildings
- Communicated effectively with CG Supervisors, Animation Team, and other departments in a fast-paced environment
- Developed shots through entire CG pipeline
Junior Asset Artist
Framestore
04.2019 - 04.2021
- Built characters for Emmy-nominated TV shows and major ad campaigns
- Optimized assets with deformation-friendly topology and PBR texturing
- Maintained asset library to speed up Asset department workflow
Freelance 3D Artist
Framestore, Vinci VR, Robotic Raptor
10.2017 - 02.2019
- Collaborated with other departments to deliver high quality VR training simulations, ad campaigns, and product demonstrations within budget constraints
- Created visually appealing pre-rendered real-time assets
- Worked closely with animators to ensure seamless integration of character models into game engines
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA05.2018
Skills
- Production-ready characters, creatures, and costume models for VFX
- Understanding of design principles, color, and form
- FACs based facial blendshape modeling
- Shot finaling
- Human and animal anatomy
- Basic Python scripting
- Traditional painting, drawing, sculpting
- Positive, morale-improving style
- Ability to collaborate in a fast-paced environment
- Quick to learn studio pipelines
Software Expertise
- Modeling: Maya, ZBrush, Marvelous Designer, Wrap, Speedtree
- Surfacing: Mari, Substance Painter, Substance Designer, Photoshop
- Lighting/Compositing: Arnold, V-Ray, Houdini, After Effects, Nuke
- Game Engines: Unreal, Unity
- General: Linux, Windows, Shotgrid, Microsoft Office
Continuing Education
- Scott Eaton Human Anatomy for Artists
- Scott Eaton Portraiture and Facial Anatomy
- Harvard CS50
- Houdini Insight Training Program
Awards
- Featured Artist in 3D World Magazine May 2022 Issue
- The Rookies 2018 Finalist
Credits
- Joker: Folie a Deux (2024)- Character Modeler
- Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)- Character Modeler
- Rebel Moon (2023)- Character Modeler
- Aquaman and the Last Kingdom (2023)- Character Modeler
- Meg 2: The Trench (2022)- Character Modeler
- Black Adam (2022)- Modeler
- For All Mankind S.3 (2022)- Modeler
- Orville: New Horizons (2022)- 3D Generalist
- Upload S.2 (2022)- 3D Generalist
- King Richard (2021)- Texture Artist
- Away S.1 (2020)- Modeler
- Marvelous Mrs. Maisel S.3 (2019)- Asset Artist
- Various commercial and immersive projects, including Geico 'Gecko', Dell 'Alienware', Oculus 'Defy Reality', U.S. Marines 'Outside Looking In' (2019-2021) - Asset Artist
Timeline
Character Modeler
Scanline VFX/Netflix
01.2022 - 12.2023
3D Generalist
Crafty Apes VFX
04.2021 - 01.2022
Junior Asset Artist
Framestore
04.2019 - 04.2021
Freelance 3D Artist
Framestore, Vinci VR, Robotic Raptor
10.2017 - 02.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art
University of Pennsylvania
Similar Profiles
Juliette LemaireJuliette Lemaire
Production Manager at Scanline VFX – Powered by NetflixProduction Manager at Scanline VFX – Powered by Netflix
Peichen WenPeichen Wen
VFX Production Coordinator at Scanline VFXVFX Production Coordinator at Scanline VFX
Philipe AlmontePhilipe Almonte
T1 Computer Support at Scanline VFXT1 Computer Support at Scanline VFX