Versatile Creative Professional for Freelance Projects Ariel LaCroix is an exceptional candidate for a wide range of freelance projects, bringing a decade of experience in 2D and 3D workflows and a proven track record of leadership and technical artistry. With an extensive skill set, Ariel is well-positioned to excel in roles spanning from Creative Director to Generalist Artist, Project Manager, and specialized positions like 3D Modeler or VFX Supervisor. Ariel's experience demonstrates the blend of creative vision, technical depth, and managerial expertise essential for freelance success: As a former Creative Director at Rooster Teeth, Ariel managed up to 11 artists, led over 40 unique pitch projects, and took creative responsibility for all art, ensuring high-quality standards. This experience, combined with freelance Creative Director and Consultant roles, shows an ability to establish a clear narrative and artistic blueprint. Ariel is proficient in industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, and Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator). Experience as a Lead Lighting Artist and Look Development Supervisor demonstrates expertise in enhancing mood and atmosphere, establishing lighting pipelines, and working with Physically Based Rendering (PBR) techniques. Work as a 3D Artist includes crafting captivating 3D scenes for hologram printing and modeling assets to specific parameters for 3D printing. Skills include Motion Graphics, VFX, and compositing, with work on global web series like "RWBY". Recognized as "Animation Employee of the Year" for leadership as CG Supervisor on the HBO Original series "gen:LOCK". Ariel has managed project-based teams, compiled milestones, created realistic requirements for staff and budget, and delivered multiple projects early and under budget. This includes streamlining the transition of a Max Original series to an outsourced studio. Ariel is a true generalist, with skills in animation, scripting (Python, MEL), color theory, UV mapping, and troubleshooting. The ability to debug technical issues between separate studio workflows (Maya Redshift to Katana Arnold) and re-engineer tools to cut down employee time by up to 50% highlights strong technical problem-solving. Ariel's portfolio includes high-profile series for Amazon Prime ("Invincible"), Paramount+ ("Ark: The Animated Series"), and feature-length films from Warner Home Video, demonstrating the ability to manage complex projects for top-tier brands. With a willingness to work remotely and a passion for mentoring and creative brainstorming, Ariel LaCroix is an adaptable, technically acute, and results-driven professional ready to deliver excellence on your next freelance project.

Ariel LaCroix

Versatile Creative Professional for Freelance Projects Ariel LaCroix is an exceptional candidate for a wide range of freelance projects, bringing a decade of experience in 2D and 3D workflows and a proven track record of leadership and technical artistry. With an extensive skill set, Ariel is well-positioned to excel in roles spanning from Creative Director to Generalist Artist, Project Manager, and specialized positions like 3D Modeler or VFX Supervisor. Ariel's experience demonstrates the blend of creative vision, technical depth, and managerial expertise essential for freelance success: As a former Creative Director at Rooster Teeth, Ariel managed up to 11 artists, led over 40 unique pitch projects, and took creative responsibility for all art, ensuring high-quality standards. This experience, combined with freelance Creative Director and Consultant roles, shows an ability to establish a clear narrative and artistic blueprint. Ariel is proficient in industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, and Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator). Experience as a Lead Lighting Artist and Look Development Supervisor demonstrates expertise in enhancing mood and atmosphere, establishing lighting pipelines, and working with Physically Based Rendering (PBR) techniques. Work as a 3D Artist includes crafting captivating 3D scenes for hologram printing and modeling assets to specific parameters for 3D printing. Skills include Motion Graphics, VFX, and compositing, with work on global web series like "RWBY". Recognized as "Animation Employee of the Year" for leadership as CG Supervisor on the HBO Original series "gen:LOCK". Ariel has managed project-based teams, compiled milestones, created realistic requirements for staff and budget, and delivered multiple projects early and under budget. This includes streamlining the transition of a Max Original series to an outsourced studio. Ariel is a true generalist, with skills in animation, scripting (Python, MEL), color theory, UV mapping, and troubleshooting. The ability to debug technical issues between separate studio workflows (Maya Redshift to Katana Arnold) and re-engineer tools to cut down employee time by up to 50% highlights strong technical problem-solving. Ariel's portfolio includes high-profile series for Amazon Prime ("Invincible"), Paramount+ ("Ark: The Animated Series"), and feature-length films from Warner Home Video, demonstrating the ability to manage complex projects for top-tier brands. With a willingness to work remotely and a passion for mentoring and creative brainstorming, Ariel LaCroix is an adaptable, technically acute, and results-driven professional ready to deliver excellence on your next freelance project.

Available to hire

Versatile Creative Professional for Freelance Projects

Ariel LaCroix is an exceptional candidate for a wide range of freelance projects, bringing a decade of experience in 2D and 3D workflows and a proven track record of leadership and technical artistry. With an extensive skill set, Ariel is well-positioned to excel in roles spanning from Creative Director to Generalist Artist, Project Manager, and specialized positions like 3D Modeler or VFX Supervisor.

Ariel’s experience demonstrates the blend of creative vision, technical depth, and managerial expertise essential for freelance success:

As a former Creative Director at Rooster Teeth, Ariel managed up to 11 artists, led over 40 unique pitch projects, and took creative responsibility for all art, ensuring high-quality standards. This experience, combined with freelance Creative Director and Consultant roles, shows an ability to establish a clear narrative and artistic blueprint.

Ariel is proficient in industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, and Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator). Experience as a Lead Lighting Artist and Look Development Supervisor demonstrates expertise in enhancing mood and atmosphere, establishing lighting pipelines, and working with Physically Based Rendering (PBR) techniques. Work as a 3D Artist includes crafting captivating 3D scenes for hologram printing and modeling assets to specific parameters for 3D printing. Skills include Motion Graphics, VFX, and compositing, with work on global web series like “RWBY”.

Recognized as “Animation Employee of the Year” for leadership as CG Supervisor on the HBO Original series “gen:LOCK”. Ariel has managed project-based teams, compiled milestones, created realistic requirements for staff and budget, and delivered multiple projects early and under budget. This includes streamlining the transition of a Max Original series to an outsourced studio.

Ariel is a true generalist, with skills in animation, scripting (Python, MEL), color theory, UV mapping, and troubleshooting. The ability to debug technical issues between separate studio workflows (Maya Redshift to Katana Arnold) and re-engineer tools to cut down employee time by up to 50% highlights strong technical problem-solving.

Ariel’s portfolio includes high-profile series for Amazon Prime (“Invincible”), Paramount+ (“Ark: The Animated Series”), and feature-length films from Warner Home Video, demonstrating the ability to manage complex projects for top-tier brands. With a willingness to work remotely and a passion for mentoring and creative brainstorming, Ariel LaCroix is an adaptable, technically acute, and results-driven professional ready to deliver excellence on your next freelance project.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance at SELF EMPLOYED
May 9, 2024 - Present
Mentor at WOMEN IN ANIMATION
March 1, 2025 - August 27, 2025
Led "Thriving as a Collaborative Creative Leader" virtual course
Creative Director at ROOSTER TEETH, A WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY COMPANY
September 6, 2021 - May 11, 2024
Took creative responsibility for all art through the development department ensuring high quality standards. Creatively led over 40 unique pitch projects while adapting to evolving deadlines and external partner requests. Delivered exceptionally detailed and beautiful pitch decks that painted a clear narrative conceptual blueprint.
CG Supervisor at ROOSTER TEETH, A WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY COMPANY
January 6, 2020 - September 3, 2021
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams across the globe on Max Original's animated series “gen:LOCK” season 2. Created comprehensive style guides for each department on season that were used during production.
Look Development Supervisor, Associate at ROOSTER TEETH, A WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY COMPANY
September 9, 2019 - January 3, 2020
Established a Look Development Department for the 7th season of an existing animation web series “RWBY”. Enhanced mood and atmosphere through environment lighting and render setup to be used by all artists.
Visual Post Supervisor, Assistant at ROOSTER TEETH, A WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY COMPANY
January 7, 2019 - September 6, 2019
Worked closely with Art Director and Department Supervisors to establish the look for new series “gen:LOCK”. Evaluated technical limitations, software, team size, and timelines for an extremely ambitious animation look.
Lead Lighting Artist at ROOSTER TEETH, A WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY COMPANY
October 3, 2016 - January 4, 2019
Promoted from Contract Lighting Artist to Lead Lighting Artist within two years due to exceptional leadership skills. Problem-solved during fast paced production with creative and efficient solutions on “RWBY” web series.
3D Artist at ZEBRA IMAGING
July 6, 2015 - September 30, 2016
Crafted immersive and visually captivating 3D scenes for hologram printing with Maya and OctaneRender. Modeled 3D assets and created final composition for holograms including LucasFilm droid BB8.
Technical Director at MIRAR
April 5, 2014 - June 24, 2015
Worked on an augmented reality mobile app for client GLASSES.COM working with brands like Ray Ban and Versace. Consistently deployed tools to accommodate artist requests that cut down required employee time up to 50%.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts at Art Institute of Austin
October 1, 2012 - May 9, 2014
Media Arts and Animation

Qualifications

Animation Employee of the Year
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Recognized as the “Animation Employee of the Year” at Rooster Teeth for leadership as CG Supervisor on HBO Original series "gen:LOCK" season 2.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Gaming