Summary
James S. Gage
Animator & Illustrator
Alexandria, VA | (440) 850-7472 | Jgage0963@gmail.com | www.artstation.com/artistjg
EXPERIENCE
IMA Studios, LLC 2007 – Present
• Lead Animator, Storyboard Artist, Background Designer, Character Development, & Prop FX Design.
OVFX Outlook Company | Kulipari "A King Rises" Netflix series | Jan 2021 - Present
• Liaising with writers, animators and directors regarding the look, style and level of detail required for the storyboard of each production
• Reading and interpreting scripts
• Breaking down the script with the director to identify key scenes and plan them visually
• Sequencing the scenes from a script into storyboard format using panels of images
• Including special effects in the storyboard frames
• Identifying lighting requirements and articulating circles of tension within each scene
• Including key dialogue or scene directions within each frame
• Briefing animators on key scenes within the storyboard
• Amending storyboard scenes during the course of production
• Key achievement: using anmation skills to create animatics to further build upon storyboards from script using Toon Boom Storyboard Pro
Client - Toonbinge, LLC | Racing Rabbits Animated Trailer | July 2020 – Present
2D/3D Animator
• Created final, fully posed, colored, and in-between character animation based on provided storyboards from the client.
• Embellished animated trailer with character action and emotion
• Implemented strong character acting ability, solid sense of comedic timing, high quality draftsmanship and drawing abilities
• Met all deadlines outlined in the production schedule set by the client.
• Conducted all testing, texturing, modifying of collision reactors, and rendering of scenes
• Character Designer - Illustrated characters for the animated trailer
• Prop FX Designer - Led the development of 2D prop and scene production
• Visual Development Lead; lead a team to produce backgrounds and style of the film
• Collaborated with internal team and client to produce backgrounds and visual development assets.
• Key achievement: developed a unique animation workflow that effectively sped up the process by 40%
Client - Verse Comics, LLC | Undisclosed Pitch Trailer | June 2020 – October 2020
2D/3D Animator/Illustrator
• Implemented strong character acting ability, solid sense of comedic timing, high quality draftsmanship and drawing abilities
• Character Design – Developed concept art & designed characters for trailer
• Prepared keyframe animation assets and mocap materials
• Improved 2D and stop motion shots
• Worked with motion capture technology including set-up, acting and animation cleanup
• Created high quality animation assets with low turnover time
• Key achievement: Animated 50 + characters and objects for undisclosed trailer
Verse Comics, LLC | Beyond Me Animated Trailer & Comic Book | January – June 2020
2D/3D Animator
• Developed performance and movement for creatures, objects, and characters in animated trailer
• Gained experience with technical aspects of rigging and skinning characters for animation
• Collaborated with client, directors, and production staff
• Key Achievement: Developed guidance on 2D animation tools and techniques
Client - SFS Clothing Brand | Animated Commercial | November 2019 – January 2020
2D/3D Animator
• Developed and designed character animations, environments, particle effects, and performed other graphics/animation tasks as assigned
• Demonstrated expertise and extensive experience in various software and tools such as Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop
• Provided weekly drafts to the client to ensure all standards and deadlines were met
• Led post production efforts
• Key Achievement: Managed and motivated a team of two other animators to maximize productivity and efficiency in compliance with company high standards
EDUCATION
ITT Technical Institute Strongsville, OH; 2007
Associate of Applied Science in Multimedia
Columbus College of Art & Design
Animation/Illustration Major Columbus, OH; 2002
SKILLS
Technical: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Maya, Toonboom, Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, After Effects, Premiere, SketchUp, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite
Artistic: Character Design, Prop & FX Design, Painting, Color Design, Comics
RECOGNITION & ACTIVITIES
• Spotlighted and Recognized by Chocolate City Comics | 2020
• Designed Posters and Flyers for Chris Brown Indigo Tour | 2019
• Spotlighted and Recognized by Dope Black Art | 2019
• Featured Artist in Afropunk Publication | 2017
• Featured & Interviewed as a Featured Artist on the Rise in Drip Magazine | 2017
• Miami Dade College Pitch to the Industry | 2016
• Commission Work | 2015 – present
Skills
Software proficiency
