Zyra Taz
Detroit,MI
Summary
Senior Animation Generalist with over 6 years of experience specializing in 3D and 2D animation and 3D rendering, with a strong emphasis on photo-realism. Expertise in crafting engaging narratives through innovative motion design, significantly enhancing audience engagement and satisfaction. Proven ability to produce photorealistic product renders and simulations that captivate viewers and fulfill diverse client requirements, including collaborations with Duolingo, Active, and Sesame Workshop. A unique blend of creativity and technical proficiency ensures the delivery of polished visuals and dynamic motion graphics while consistently meeting project deadlines and maintaining exceptional quality standards.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Motion Designer & 3d animation generalist
Zyra Taz
01.2019 - Current
- A highly creative and versatile motion designer with 7 years of experience delivering exceptional 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, and visualization.
- Skilled in the full animation pipeline, from concept to final delivery, with expertise in storyboarding, rigging, animation, rendering, compositing, and editing.
- Proficient in industry-standard tools like Cinema 4D, Octane Render, After Effects, and JangaFX, with a strong ability to quickly learn and adapt to new tech.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with clients, creative directors, and cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives and exceed expectations.
- Www.Zyra.us
3d Rig content creator
Duolingo
04.2025 - 06.2025
- Worked with social media team at Duolingo. Created and presented ideas for global managers and producers.
- Developed engaging content strategies to enhance user engagement and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistency in brand messaging across platforms.
- Created previsual, comping and sound design.
- Collaborated with creative director to complete assigned projects in 2.5 days, managing 10 total finished animations or content videos in 5 weeks.
- Utilized game engine unity to create playable simulation character and created maps for simulation video.
- Created vehicles for BeamNG video creation.
- Demonstrated the ability to take ideas from trends and created branded character animations or video game videos that were widely approved internally.
- Social media team
Senior Motion Designer - 3d Rendering Artist
Active
09.2023 - 11.2024
- Developed high-quality 3D photorealistic product renders and motion graphics, incorporating advanced techniques such as liquid and smoke simulations (JangaFX).
- Designed engaging motion graphics for marketing campaigns, enhancing brand visibility.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to conceptualize and execute creative projects.
- Contributed significantly to product rendering, cannabis marketing campaigns, and the successful rebranding of AVD to Active.
- Assisted in coordinating designs and renders implemented on the company's rebranded website using Figma and Photoshop.
- Played a key role in the launch of multiple product lines, including LEAF, AXIL, and XL Line, by producing impactful visuals, video and animations.
- Collaborated closely with the lead graphic designer and creative director to ensure brand consistency and achieve project objectives.
- Active710.com
Forensic Animator
Trial Template
11.2021 - 09.2023
- Analyzed police reports, forensic evidence, medical records, and witness testimonies to reconstruct incidents and surgical procedures accurately.
- Created engaging character animations using industry-standard software and techniques.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop animation styles that align with project vision.
- Collaborated with surgeons, doctors, biomechanical engineers, and legal teams to ensure scientific accuracy and compelling visual storytelling.
- Developed detailed storyboards and timings, securing client approvals before proceeding with 3D visualizations.
- Employed camera mapping techniques and lidar data to create realistic environments and accurately position objects within the scene.
- Specialized in rigging and animating vehicles for crash simulations, and characters for accident reconstructions and surgical procedures.
- Utilized advanced simulation software to create realistic smoke, water, and fire effects, enhancing the visual impact and accuracy of reconstructions.
- Managed projects from concept to completion, acting as both director and project manager to ensure timely delivery and client satisfaction.
- Successfully delivered numerous forensic animations for trial use, including complex multi-car crash reconstructions and biomechanically accurate simulations.
- Trialtemplate.com
Motion Designer - 3d Animator
Hiatus
08.2021 - 09.2021
- Developed compelling 3D animations and visual assets for CC's heart surgery campaign, contributing to successful patient engagement and brand awareness.
- Created impactful 3D animations for a groundbreaking face transplant program, effectively communicating complex medical procedures to a wider audience.
- Produced a variety of stylized 3D assets and animations for medical marketing and educational purposes, ensuring visual clarity and audience appeal.
- Designed engaging motion graphics for digital marketing campaigns, enhancing brand visibility.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop creative concepts and storyboards.
Motion Designer - 2d Animator
Sesame Workshop
04.2021 - 04.2021
- Produced character animation for two 10-second TV spots aired on Sesame Street for Progressive, utilizing After Effects and advanced rigging techniques.
- Created engaging animations for educational content using Adobe After Effects and Animate.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align design concepts with project goals.
- Employed a variety of animation techniques, including joysticks and sliders, Limber, and rubberhose, to create expressive and engaging character movements.
- Rigged characters in After Effects using custom expressions and scripts to achieve fluid and dynamic animation.
- Successfully delivered high-quality animations that met the technical specifications and creative vision of the Sesame Street production team.
- Sesameworkshop.org
Motion Designer - 3d Animator
The Mars Agency
09.2020 - 01.2021
- Collaborated with The Mars Agency to produce engaging 3D character animations for Walmart television commercials, utilizing Cinema 4D and After Effects.
- Utilized Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro to produce high-quality animations and videos.
- Streamlined workflow processes by implementing efficient asset management techniques.
- Played a key role in the entire animation pipeline, from concepting and storyboarding to rigging, animation, dynamics, texturing, and lighting.
- Developed creative character designs and animations that aligned with Walmart's brand identity and marketing objectives.
- Successfully delivered high-quality 3D character animations that effectively communicated brand messaging and resonated with target audiences.
- Www.marsunited.com
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Motion Design
Macomb Community College
Warren, MI01.2017
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (B.A.S.) - Game and Interactive Media Design
International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT)
Troy, Michigan01.2015
Skills
- Motion design
- 3d Animation and Modeling
- 3d Rendering
- Compositing
- Marketing
- Editing
- Storyboards
- Visual design
Timeline
3d Rig content creator
Duolingo
04.2025 - 06.2025
Senior Motion Designer - 3d Rendering Artist
Active
09.2023 - 11.2024
Forensic Animator
Trial Template
11.2021 - 09.2023
Motion Designer - 3d Animator
Hiatus
08.2021 - 09.2021
Motion Designer - 2d Animator
Sesame Workshop
04.2021 - 04.2021
Motion Designer - 3d Animator
The Mars Agency
09.2020 - 01.2021
Freelance Motion Designer & 3d animation generalist
Zyra Taz
01.2019 - Current
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (B.A.S.) - Game and Interactive Media Design
International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT)
Associate of Applied Science - Motion Design
Macomb Community College