Resumè

Highlights

· Product Designer for a Fortune 500 Company on one of the world’s most complex software packages
· Deliver cutting-edge pipeline technology and creative tools for high-end digital content creators
· Document and develop Python production tools, including a complete asset management system
· Solicit user requirements and transform them into compelling software experiences
· Experienced team lead with a track record of managing multiple people and projects
· Prepare and deliver mutlimedia presentations to internal and external audiences
· Well versed in Agile methodologies as the Product Owner on multiple development
· Skills include:
       Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, Maya 3D, Balsamiq, Axure, Python, HTML, Agile,
       Tutorial Authoring, Wire Frames, Paper Prototypes, UI Design, Storyboards, Contextual Inquiry

Experience

Autodesk Incorporated, Toronto, ON
Principal User Experience Designer, January 2011-February 2015

·  Craft user experiences for Maya, the leading solution for Animation, Games and Visual Effects
·  Democratize the innovative technology of leading studios to small and medium-sized customers
·  Validate proposed features through customer feedback, user interviews and domain expertise
·  Deliver mockups, prototypes and workflow diagrams to Development and Product Management
·  Mentor and supervise interns and inexperienced designers on remote teams
·  Work with QA to prioritize defects for stability and performance to meet division goals
·  Consult with industry leading animation and game studios regarding proposed technical solutions
·  Steer the development of pipeline solutions for small and large production houses
·  Collaborate with Product Management to determine acceptance criteria and product goals
·  Author and maintain Agile user stories as the Product Owner of several teams

Plumber 3D, Portland, OR
UX Designer and Developer, April 2009-December 2010

·  Designed and developed a completely GUI-based CG production pipeline for Maya using Python
·  Created documentation, video reference guides, sample projects files and user tutorials
·  Devised a simple turnkey implementation with hooks for customized client solutions
·  Authored and maintained the product website with Dreamweaver

Sony Picture Imageworks, Culver City, CA
Layout Artist, June 2010-December 2010

·  Developed and documented production tools bridging the editorial and layout departments
·  Inventor: “Asset Management During Production of Media,” US Patent/Application No. 20130232398
·  Rough Layout artist for the Aardman film “Arthur Christmas”

LAIKA Animation, Portland, OR
Lead Layout Artist/Animator, September 2006 – February 2009

·  Designed and developed artist-facing production tools, including a complete previsualization pipeline
·  Standardized layout and pre-visualization workflows for in-house projects and production sequences
·  Department liaison to the Research and Development team

 

Highlights

· Veteran CG layout artist with feature film and television credits
· Character animator with film, television and game credits
· Self-starter with the ability to take direction and work collaboratively
· Comfortable in both large studio environments and small shops
· Developer of user-friendly production tools and scripts
· Ability to simplify complex workflows, improve procedures, and anticipate future needs
· Supervisory, Lead and Mentor experience in Animation and Layout
· Skills include: Layout, Animation, Rigging, Effects, Surfacing, Tool Development
· Software includes :Maya, Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere, MEL, Python, Windows, Linux

Experience

Sony Picture Imageworks, Culver City, CA
Layout Artist, June 2010-December 2010

·  Rough Layout artist for the Aardman film "Arthur Christmas"
·  Performed sequence staging, character blocking and camera animation
·  Furnished animation, lighting, and effects blocking via layout
·  Developed animation systems and rigs
·  Authored departmental production tools 

Reel FX, Dallas, TX
Remote Layout Artist, December 2009-March 2010

·  Rough Layout artist for "Looney Tunes" theatrical stereoscopic shorts
·  Performed sequence staging, character blocking and camera animation
·  Furnished animation, lighting, and effects blocking via layout

LAIKA Animation, Portland, OR
Lead Layout Artist/Animator, September 2006 – February 2009

·  Layout artist for in-house projects and production sequences
·  Character animator for LAIKA House and Feature Film departments
·  Performed shot staging and set planning for complete sequences
·  Furnished animation, lighting, and effects blocking via layout
·  Authored and supported production tools, including complete previsualization pipeline
·  Liaison between Layout and Research and Development departments
·  Devised production workflows and refined departmental procedures
·  Created stereoscopic test sequence including layout, assets, tools and workflow

Dreamworks Feature Animation, Glendale, CA
Layout Artist, August 2003 – December 2005

·  Performed shot staging, character blocking and set planning in Rough Layout
·  Created custom animation and production tools using MEL script
·  Rigged RLO characters and devised tools for consistent animation controls
·  Worked closely with episode directors and Layout Supervisor
·  Provided set dressing and final cameras with proprietary software
·  Projects included Over the Hedge and Father of the Pride

T.J. and E. Productions, San Rafael, CA
Animator/Artist, February 2000 – December 2002

·  Performed layout, animation, lighting and editing for in-game movie sequences
·  Animated, rigged and modeled real-time characters for released X-Box title
·  Solved technical issues and created production tools in MEL

Tippett Studio, Berkeley, CA
Animator, December 1998 - November 1999

·  Animated creatures and effects for the feature film The Haunting
·  Rigged control systems as needed for assigned shots
·  Performed layout for in-house development projects

Dream Quest Images, Simi Valley, CA
Character Animator, June 1997 - December 1998

·  Animated lead character of Mighty Joe Young
· Created previsualization animatics for Mighty Joe Young and Inspector Gadget

Mainframe Entertainment, Vancouver, BC
Senior Animator, Supervising Animator, January 1996 -May 1997

·  Supervised suite of eight animators, and animated assigned shots
·  Ensured timely delivery of completed episodes of Beastwars 
·  Performed modeling, rigging, surfacing, effects and lighting for assigned shots
·  Weekly quota of 30 seconds of finished footage per week  

Vancouver Film School, Vancouver, BC
3D Animation and Visual Effects Program

·  Recipient of Director's Letter of Recommendation
·  Student project awarded Second Place at BC Student Film Festival 

University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Bachelor of Arts in English

·  Received Random House Award for Oustanding Achievement in Literature
·  Counselor in English for the Dyslexic Center

Rob Skiena



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