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Todd Heard
Animator and Illustrator
Professional Background
Todd Heard is a highly skilled Animator and Illustrator with over a decade of immersive experience in creating engaging animated shorts under the banner of Treefox Cartoons. Leveraging his extensive expertise in character animation and design, Todd single-handedly oversees all facets of his animation projects. This hands-on approach differentiates him from typical animation studios, which often rely on a sizable team for production tasks. The breadth of Todd's artistic capabilities allows him to maintain creative control and produce high-quality content that resonates with audiences.
In addition to his animation prowess, Todd excels in illustration for both digital and print mediums, showcasing his versatility as an artist. His proficiency with industry-standard software such as Toon Boom Harmony and Adobe Creative Suite enables him to bring to life captivating animations and illustrations. Furthermore, Todd employs Blender 3D for his 3D animations and boasts foundational experience in using Maya, Alias PowerAnimator, and SoftImage, which highlights his comprehensive understanding of various animation tools throughout his career.
Over the years, Todd has contributed his skills to numerous organizations, broadening his professional portfolio. From his initial role as an Assistant Animator and Background Artist at Stone Soup Animation Studio to his position as Director of Animation and Senior Designer at Bravo Zulu Interactive, Todd has consistently made a significant impact in the animation and design fields. His previous roles also include working as a Senior Designer and Comic Artist at Immersiv Media, and he has engaged in diverse capacities as a Multimedia Specialist and Branding Specialist at Immersiv Creative.
His experiences as a Game Designer and Animator at Paws, Inc. and as a Sponsored Game Level Designer at Poptropica further underscore his innovative approach within the gaming industry. Additionally, Todd has worked as an Exhibit Designer at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, where he blended technical skills with creative design to enhance visitor experiences.
Todd's dedication to animation and design is noteworthy; he thrives on exploring new concepts and pushing Creative limits. His journey also reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, constantly refining his skills and exploring new techniques to elevate his work in animation.
Education and Achievements
Todd's educational background establishes a strong foundation for his artistic career. He achieved an impressive GPA of 3.75 while studying Visual Communications and Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Houston and maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA at the Art Institute of Dallas, further reflecting his commitment to excellence in his craft. These accomplishments signify his dedication to understanding the principles of design and visual communication, which he effectively applies to his professional endeavors. Additionally, Todd pursued Art Studies at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, enriching his overall understanding of visual art in various contexts.
Throughout his career, Todd has consistently demonstrated a passion for creativity and innovation, making him a sought-after professional in the field. His unique style and expertise in character animation and design have earned him recognition and respect among industry peers and clients.
As he continues to evolve as an artist, Todd is at the forefront of creating animations that not only entertain but also tell compelling stories. His ability to connect with audiences through his artistry informs his dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of the art of animation.
Achievements
Todd Heard's illustrious career is decorated with various roles and responsibilities that highlight his expansive skill set and versatility across numerous artistic disciplines. Key milestones in Todd’s career include:
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Animator/Illustrator at Treefox Cartoons: As the driving force behind Treefox Cartoons, Todd has developed a portfolio of animated shorts that capture the imagination of both children and adults alike. His work here showcases his creativity, technical skills, and ability to convey engaging stories through animation.
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Game Designer and Animator at Paws, Inc.: In this role, Todd contributed to the development of games, marrying animation with interactive elements, which refined his understanding of character dynamics in gaming environments.
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Exhibit Designer at Museum of Science and Industry: Todd's creativity and technical abilities flourished in a unique environment, where he designed exhibits that not only educated but also entertained visitors, showcasing the power of visual communication in public spaces.
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Senior Designer at Immersiv Media: Todd's work in this capacity allowed him to explore the intersection of media, animation, and illustration, further diversifying his skill set and experience in the multimedia landscape.
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Comprehensive Background in Multimedia: With an extensive history that includes roles such as Multimedia Specialist and Print Designer at various organizations, Todd demonstrates a broad understanding of the various channels of visual storytelling, enhancing his effectiveness across all his projects.
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Continued Professional Development: Todd’s commitment to mastering new tools, software, and artistic techniques keeps him at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape of animation and digital media, ensuring that his work remains fresh and relevant.
These achievements illustrate Todd Heard’s passionate commitment to his craft as an Animator and Illustrator. His journey through the realms of animation, design, and creative storytelling defines him as a visionary artist poised for continued success and growth in the entertainment and creative industries.
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