Jonathan R. Nelson
713-628-2926
jonathan *at* jonathanrnelson.com
www.jonathanrnelson.com

CAREER RELATED EXPERIENCE

The Art Institute of Houston, Houston, TX - July 2005 – Present - Instructor of Animation

Responsibilities include teaching courses in 3D computer animation such as: Maya, ZBrush, animation, team production, acting, scriptwriting and storytelling. Topics include: the fundamental principles of animation, the animation production pipeline, character animation, character rigging, hard surface and organic modeling, rigid and soft body dynamics, MEL Scripting, lighting, textures and shaders.

NASA, Houston, TX - October 2005 – September 2006 - Producer/Director of Animation

In conjunction with the Art Institute of Houston, developing 3D animations and conceptual designs for Project Constellation, NASA’s vision for the return to the Moon and to Mars. Key responsibilities include team management, animation supervision, coordinating with NASA and AIH, setting goals and deadlines and general leadership duties.

The Dante Project, Savannah, GA - September 2003 – November 2004 - Co-Director

Responsibilities include overseeing and directing the production of a 5 minute CGI movie based upon the work of Dante Alighieri’s The Inferno, managing a team of over 30 members, assigning specific animation related production tasks, setting goals and deadlines, editing the material together, directing the acting of the animation, coaching team members and general leadership duties.

Last Summer Project, Savannah, GA - March 2003 – May 2003 - 3D Character Animator

Responsibilities include animating various human characters such as the elderly and children in a 10 minute CGI movie. Responsible for animating dynamic body poses and facial expressions, including lip-sync.

GameStop, Savannah, GA - October 2004 – March 2005 - Game Advisor

Responsibilities include working with a team of individuals selling and recommending video games, identifying the needs of the customer and maximizing sales.

EDUCATION

Master of Fine Arts – Computer Art
The Savannah College of Art and Design – 2004

Bachelor of Arts – Integrative Arts
Minors:  Architectural Studies; Italian
Pennsylvania State University - 2001

SKILLS

•           Maya, ZBrush, 3dsmax, Endorphin, Unreal Editor
•           Photoshop, Encore, After Effects, Premiere
•           Microsoft Office