Available to hire
Hi, I’m Juan Valdez, a passionate animator and artist with extensive experience in computer animation, motion graphics, and graphic arts. I enjoy creating immersive and engaging learning experiences through cutting-edge technologies like VR and AR, as well as nurturing creative and technical skills in students across various levels and disciplines.
With over two decades of freelance and academic work, I take pride in guiding students towards professional success, designing industry-relevant projects, and continuously evolving my teaching methods to stay aligned with industry trends. I’m excited to bring my expertise in animation, digital media, and instructional design to new challenges and collaborations.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent
Portuguese
Fluent
Work Experience
Instructional Design Specialist | XR & Digital Learning at Adtalem Global Education
March 1, 2024 - PresentLed the design, development, and implementation of immersive learning experiences using VR, AR, and interactive video to enhance curriculum delivery across multiple colleges and universities. Created 3D models, virtual environments, animations, and UX/UI designs for digital learning platforms and VR apps. Developed interactive lesson plans leveraging XR technologies to improve engagement and comprehension. Provided leadership on XR education best practices, conducted faculty training, and managed project timelines and budgets to meet institutional goals.
Professor of Animation & Digital Media (Online Education) at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
October 1, 2023 - PresentProvided comprehensive online instruction in Computer Animation, Graphic Design, Art, and Film. Designed engaging project-based coursework aligned with industry standards. Taught students at varying skill levels, using software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Mentored students in portfolio development, career planning, and industry networking. Collaborated with faculty to enhance online learning experiences and stayed abreast of emerging digital media technologies.
Animation Professor (Online) at University of North Carolina at Greensboro
September 1, 2023 - PresentDelivered online instruction in Animation, Graphic Design, Art, and Film to a diverse student population in China via Zoom. Developed industry-relevant projects and multimedia-rich lesson plans. Provided feedback and coaching to improve students' artistic and technical skills. Integrated professional software tools into curriculum and mentored students for career success in animation and digital media.
Associate Course Director | Professor of Animation & Art (In-Person & Online) at Full Sail University
June 1, 2023 - PresentTaught both in-person and online courses in Computer Animation, Character Design, Graphic Design, Art, and Film. Developed and implemented curricula covering fundamental art principles and animation techniques using Autodesk Maya, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Delivered specialized courses in character design and visual storytelling. Provided mentorship, critiques, and supervised student projects encouraging professional studio workflow and collaboration.
Professor of Animation, Graphic Design, and Digital Media at DAVE SCHOOL
January 1, 2023 - PresentProvided instruction across Computer Animation, Graphic Design, Art, and Film disciplines. Developed industry-relevant projects reinforcing fundamentals and storytelling. Guided students through personalized critiques and skills development using industry software. Fostered problem-solving and prepared students for careers in creative industries.
Freelance Artist & Animator at Freelance
August 1, 2003 - PresentProduced high-quality 3D animations and motion graphics for commercials and clients. Designed branding materials including business cards, websites, logos, and apparel artwork. Created storyboards and conceptual designs for multiple clients. Developed 2D animated shorts for sports teams and 3D commercial assets. Illustrated children’s books and contributed to original animated content development.
Professor of Animation, Graphic Design, and Digital Media at Palm Beach State College
June 30, 2023 - July 23, 2025Taught online courses in Animation, Graphic Design, Art, and Film, developing project-based curricula and using industry-standard software. Provided feedback and mentorship to foster artistic growth, and collaborated with faculty to update the curriculum according to industry trends.
Owner | School Director | Principal | Lead Administrator at Wellington Collegiate Academy
June 30, 2023 - July 23, 2025Owned and directed all aspects of Wellington Collegiate Academy including administration, faculty management, and student development. Designed and implemented curricula, ensured academic standards, managed budgeting and policies, taught science and arts, and maintained community relations.
Professor of Animation, Graphic Design, and Digital Media at Miami International University of Art & Design
May 31, 2022 - July 23, 2025Delivered comprehensive instruction in Animation, Graphic Design, Art, and Filmmaking through project-based coursework. Monitored student progress and provided critiques. Prepared students with proficiency in industry-standard software and guided portfolio development for career readiness.
Professor of Animation, Graphic Design, and Digital Media at Miami Dade College
March 31, 2018 - July 23, 2025Provided instruction in Computer Animation, Graphic Design, Art, and Filmmaking. Designed coursework and monitored student progress with detailed feedback. Taught industry software and facilitated portfolio and career development.
Professor & Assistant Department Chair – Animation, Graphic Design, and Digital Media at Digital Media Arts College
August 31, 2016 - July 23, 2025Educated and mentored students in Animation, Graphic Design, Art, and Filmmaking. Developed curriculum and assigned projects. Provided individualized guidance and feedback. Assisted with departmental leadership, accreditation, and faculty mentoring to maintain academic standards.
Graphic Artist | Video Production Studio at Accord Productions
July 31, 2008 - July 23, 2025Led graphic design and animation initiatives, producing visual assets for marketing and video. Created 3D animations and special effects using Autodesk Maya and other software. Managed video editing and compositing across formats and maintained client relationships to align visuals with project goals.
Fine Art & Art History Teacher at South Dade High School
June 30, 2007 - July 23, 2025Taught traditional and digital art techniques to high school students, including drawing, painting, and AP Art History. Developed project-based curriculum linking art history with creation. Provided individual feedback and prepared students for higher education and art careers.
Computer Animation & Media Production Intern at WFOR
August 31, 2004 - July 23, 2025Gained hands-on experience in graphic design and media production for news broadcasts. Created graphics for multiple news segments and promotional materials. Contributed to website redesign and collaborated with production teams to meet deadlines and uphold broadcast standards.
Instructional Design Specialist | XR & Digital Learning at Adtalem Global Education
March 1, 2024 - PresentLed the design, development, and implementation of immersive learning experiences using VR, AR, and interactive video content to enhance curriculum delivery across multiple colleges and universities. Created high-quality 3D models, virtual environments, animations, and UX/UI designs, ensuring seamless integration into digital learning platforms and VR applications. Engineered engaging, interactive lesson plans leveraging VR and AR technologies to improve student engagement, retention, and comprehension. Spearheaded adoption and integration of emerging technologies, collaborating with faculty and administrators to align digital content with academic standards and industry trends. Provided strategic leadership and consultation on best practices for XR-based education and conducted faculty training workshops. Managed project timelines, budgets, and cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of immersive content meeting institutional goals. Researched and implemented cutting-edge edu
Professor of Animation & Digital Media (Online Education) at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
October 1, 2023 - PresentProvided comprehensive online instruction in computer animation, graphic design, art, and film, fostering both creative and technical skill development in a diverse student population. Designed and delivered engaging, project-based coursework aligned with industry standards. Adapted teaching methodologies to varied skill levels, developed industry-relevant projects, and monitored student progress through detailed feedback and coaching. Integrated industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects into the curriculum. Created interactive, multimedia-rich lesson plans optimized for online learning and mentored students in portfolio development and career planning. Collaborated with faculty to enhance online learning experiences and stayed current with emerging technologies in digital media.
Animation Professor (Online) at University of North Carolina at Greensboro
September 1, 2023 - PresentProvided online instruction in computer animation, graphic design, art, and film, fostering creative and technical skill development. Delivered project-based coursework aligned with industry standards, supported learners from novice to advanced, assigned industry-relevant projects, and monitored progress through feedback and coaching. Utilized industry-standard software including Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Developed interactive lesson plans for online learning incorporating videos, discussion forums, and case studies. Mentored students in portfolio and career development, collaborated with faculty to enhance online education, and taught students in China via Zoom.
Associate Course Director | Professor of Animation & Art (In-Person & Online) at Full Sail University
June 1, 2023 - PresentDelivered in-person and online instruction in computer animation, character design, graphic design, art, and film. Designed comprehensive curricula covering fundamental art principles and taught 2D/3D animation techniques integrating Autodesk Maya and Adobe software. Led specialized courses in character design and visual storytelling. Created hands-on projects emphasizing skills such as storyboarding, rigging, texturing, lighting, and rendering. Provided individualized mentorship and critiques. Supervised student projects from concept to production, encouraged professional workflow and collaborative studio practices, and taught traditional art techniques fostering artistic growth.
Professor of Animation, Graphic Design, and Digital Media at DAVE SCHOOL
January 1, 2023 - PresentProvided comprehensive instruction in computer animation, graphic design, art, and film across multiple disciplines. Designed industry-relevant projects reinforcing fundamentals, storytelling, and workflows. Taught varied skill levels, monitored student progress, and provided personalized feedback and demonstrations. Instructed in Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects, encouraging problem-solving and preparing students for creative industries and careers.
Freelance Artist & Animator at Freelance
August 1, 2003 - PresentCreated 3D animations and motion graphics for commercials, designed branding materials including business cards, logos, and websites, developed T-shirt artwork for retail, produced storyboards and concept art for clients, created 2D animated shorts for NBA teams enhancing live game entertainment, designed 3D commercial assets including characters and objects, and contributed to children’s book illustration projects. Collaborated with various clients and studios, supporting original animated content development and coherent branding strategies.
Professor of Animation, Graphic Design, and Digital Media at Palm Beach State College
June 30, 2023 - July 23, 2025Provided online instruction and mentorship in computer animation, graphic design, art, and film. Developed project-based coursework for diverse skill levels, monitored progress with critiques and feedback, and taught Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects preparing students for professional careers. Designed interactive lessons integrating video, live demos, and discussion. Encouraged portfolio development and collaborated on curriculum refinement.
Owner | School Director | Principal | Lead Administrator at Wellington Collegiate Academy
June 30, 2023 - July 23, 2025Owned and directed Wellington Collegiate Academy, overseeing all administrative, faculty, and student development operations. Led faculty management and professional development, designed curricula integrating interdisciplinary and innovative teaching methodologies, ensured student safety and academic growth, managed budgeting, enrollment, compliance, and policy development. Taught science, art, and elective courses, promoted interactive project-based learning, and maintained strong community and parent relations fostering academic excellence and leadership.
Professor of Animation, Graphic Design, and Digital Media at Miami International University of Art & Design
May 31, 2022 - July 23, 2025Instructed in computer animation, graphic design, art, and filmmaking, fostering industry skills and creative problem solving. Designed project-based coursework, monitored student progress with critiques and demonstrations, assessed performance, and taught Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Delivered interactive lessons with tutorials and discussions, guided portfolio development and industry readiness, and collaborated on curriculum alignment with emerging trends.
Professor of Animation, Graphic Design, and Digital Media at Miami Dade College
March 31, 2018 - July 23, 2025Provided comprehensive instruction in animation, graphic design, art, and filmmaking. Designed and assigned engaging projects, monitored progress with feedback and critiques, assessed student performance, and taught Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Created multimedia-rich lessons, encouraged portfolio building, and collaborated on curriculum enhancement aligned with industry trends.
Professor & Assistant Department Chair – Animation, Graphic Design, and Digital Media at Digital Media Arts College
August 31, 2016 - July 23, 2025Educated and mentored students in animation, graphic design, art, and film. Developed curriculum for diverse skill levels, delivered industry-relevant projects, provided feedback and progress assessment. Integrated software training including Autodesk Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Led department initiatives as Assistant Department Chair including curriculum development, faculty mentoring, student retention, accreditation processes, and resource acquisition to align coursework with industry trends. Advised students on career and internship opportunities.
Graphic Artist | Video Production Studio at Accord Productions
July 31, 2008 - July 23, 2025Led graphic design and animation initiatives producing assets for CD/DVD labels, brochures, catalogs, and video graphics. Created 3D animations and special effects utilizing tools like Autodesk Maya, After Effects, and Toon Boom. Collaborated with clients on creative concepts ensuring project alignment. Managed video editing and compositing integrating live action, animation, and graphics for commercials and advertisements. Contributed to branding and marketing through promotional materials and website visuals. Collaborated with creative teams ensuring on-brand design output.
Fine Art & Art History Teacher at South Dade High School
June 30, 2007 - July 23, 2025Taught traditional and advanced art techniques including drawing, painting, and mixed media. Delivered AP Art History lessons covering historical art movements. Developed project-based coursework integrating history and art creation, provided feedback and assistance, and evaluated student growth. Taught digital art techniques using Photoshop for projects including photo restoration and web design. Fostered independent artistic development and created supportive classroom environment encouraging creative experimentation.
Computer Animation & Media Production Intern at WFOR
August 31, 2004 - July 23, 2025Gained hands-on experience in graphic design and media production in a news environment. Created graphics for news broadcasts, assisted in website redesign to improve UX and aesthetics, produced promotional materials including animated 3D logos, collaborated with production teams to meet deadlines, and contributed creatively to graphic and animation strategies for multimedia projects.
Education
BFA Computer Animation at Miami International University of Art and Design
September 3, 2001 - May 3, 2004MFA Computer Animation at Miami International University of Art and Design
September 4, 2006 - May 7, 2007Master's at Miami International University of Art and Design
January 1, 2007 - March 1, 2008Bachelor's at Miami International University of Art and Design
January 1, 2000 - May 31, 2004Master's at Miami International University of Art and Design
January 1, 2007 - March 1, 2008Bachelor's at Miami International University of Art and Design
January 1, 2000 - May 1, 2004Qualifications
Industry Experience
Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail, Other
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
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