Available to hire
I’m Jason A. Bates, a 3D modeler and animator with a strong focus on character design, visual development, and storytelling. I’ve trained across traditional art foundations and production workflows—building characters and accessories to script requirements, creating both physical and digital sculptures, and developing 2D visual narratives that stay on schedule and within budget.
Beyond my art practice, I bring a disciplined, detail-oriented background from technical and leadership roles in the U.S. Navy and security/technology support positions. That combination helps me move from concept to finished assets efficiently—whether I’m sculpting, modeling and preparing assets, or developing visual directions for clients using tools such as Maya, Zbrush, Subtance 3D painter. I’m currently earning my MFA in 3D animation and looking for opportunities where strong design, craft, and clear communication are valued.
Experience Level
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Intermediate
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Intermediate
Language
Work Experience
Visual Development at Ringling College of Art and Design
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024Developed original characters, their clothing, and related accessories, including variations in accordance with script descriptions. Focused on consistent character design and visual storytelling through concept iterations.
3D Modeler at Ringling College of Art and Design
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2024Created models and sculptures in both physical and digital formats per course requirements. Trained in ZBrush, mold making, casting, woodworking, and welding, practicing production workflows for sculptural and model-based art.
Visual Development at Ringling College
January 1, 2022 - December 12, 2024Developed original characters, their clothing, and associated accessories, including variations that align with script descriptions. Focused on character design consistency, clear visual storytelling, and communicating design ideas effectively through concept art and related visual development deliverables.
3D Modeler at Ringling College
January 1, 2022 - December 12, 2024Created models and sculptures in both physical and digital formats per project requirements. Worked across multiple techniques including ZBrush modeling, mold making, casting, woodworking, and welding. Developed a strong understanding of production-ready modeling and sculpting workflows from concept through finished pieces.
Freelance Illustrator and Visual Development artist at Art of Jason Bates
November 30, 2020 - January 1, 2021Collaborate with clients to develop compelling 2D visual narratives within deadline and budget requirements. Create visually dynamic characters and environments based on project guidelines. Provide original visual development assets and variations aligned to story and script needs, supporting art direction through concept-to-final illustration workflows.
Radio Service Technician at Insight Global
October 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Installed radio upgrades for in-home and business systems. Tested and validated system signals/communications with central monitoring, ensuring proper service establishment. Explained proper operation to customers and supported security and site automation enhancements by identifying improvement areas and recommending solution alternatives to improve customer satisfaction.
Security Officer (Custom Protection Officer) at G4S
August 1, 2020 - October 31, 2020Provided conflict resolution, safety monitoring, and customer service across multiple locations. Enforced transit regulations, monitored for illegal activity, and responded to emergencies while supporting a safe environment through observation and intervention when needed.
Security Officer at G4S
August 1, 2020 - October 31, 2020Provided custom protection as a Class D and G licensed custom protection officer. Performed conflict resolution, safety monitoring, and customer service across locations in Sarasota and Manatee County. Enforced transit regulations, monitored for illegal activity, provided assistance during emergencies, and supported safe operations.
Instructor and Anti-Terrorism Officer at CIWT Detachment GAFB (US Navy)
December 1, 2016 - December 31, 2020Instructed a Navy Analysis and Reporting course awarding job code C16A, maintaining a 95% student grade average. Taught critical thinking, story interpretation, report structuring, and graphic incorporation. Managed the Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection program for the Navy detachment, including multiple rewrites of checklists and manuals to align with policy changes. Coordinated with local authorities and first responders during training and live emergency events.
Assistant Section Chief at Navy detachment Alice Springs (US Navy)
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2016Managed a team of seven personnel over two shifts responsible for technical monitoring and produced multimedia reports. Created PowerPoint briefings for mission tasks, timelines, and progress. Partnered with system engineers to create and test programs to increase technical capabilities.
Field analyst and Training Facilitator at Naval Special Warfare Support Activity 2Fort Story
November 1, 2010 - December 31, 2013Coordinated and conducted training for forward deploying technicians to ensure qualification in patrolling, field reporting, evidence collection, and technical monitoring. Conducted investigations supporting arrest warrants. Provided tactical support via radio communications, supported interviews with technical direction, and served as Range Safety Officer managing live-fire exercises safely for 120 personnel.
Site Project Manager / Training Program Manager (secondary Auxiliary Security Forces) at NIOC Sugar Grove (US Navy)
January 1, 2008 - October 31, 2010Managed site projects ensuring customer support and personnel training. Re-organized the division along regional lines to improve efficiency for 200 projects, managed training for 90 personnel, and provided daily PowerPoint updates to the site director. Secondary duties included auxiliary security forces such as surveillance monitoring, access control, crowd control, visitor/security screening, regulation enforcement, training in non-lethal and conflict de-escalation techniques.
Shift Supervisor Duties at NIOC Misawa Detachment Kadena AB
November 1, 2004 - December 31, 2007Led a six-person team supporting quality control for over 400 US airborne missions producing time-sensitive and product reports. As Security Manager, maintained accountability for computer systems, classified manuals, and magnetic media with zero discrepancies.
Analyst Duties at USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)
June 1, 2001 - September 30, 2004Served as an analyst with secondary duties as security patrol and ship’s Quick Reaction Force. Identified suspicious activity and guarded against violence, threats, theft, criminal behavior, and security regulation breaches. Coordinated with police and fire departments and responded to emergencies as directed.
Signal analyst at US Navy
August 27, 2000 - August 30, 2020Preform communication and data analysis in support of mission objectives.
Education
Bachelor Visual Studies; Minors: Visual Development & Creative Writing at Ringling College of Art and Design
January 1, 2022 - December 12, 2024MFA 3D Animation at Academy of Art University
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2028Qualifications
Class D and G custom protection licenses (G4S)
August 1, 2020 - August 31, 2021Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Government, Professional Services, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Computers & Electronics
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