Hi, I’m Maria Yao, a 3D Generalist, specializing in 3D Animation. I am passionate about crafting expressive characters and cohesive visuals. I enjoy collaborating with teams to bring ideas to life and continuously learning new tools and techniques. I thrive on challenging projects and strive to exceed expectations in every piece of work.…

Maria Yao

Hi, I’m Maria Yao, a 3D Generalist, specializing in 3D Animation. I am passionate about crafting expressive characters and cohesive visuals. I enjoy collaborating with teams to bring ideas to life and continuously learning new tools and techniques. I thrive on challenging projects and strive to exceed expectations in every piece of work.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Maria Yao, a 3D Generalist, specializing in 3D Animation. I am passionate about crafting expressive characters and cohesive visuals. I enjoy collaborating with teams to bring ideas to life and continuously learning new tools and techniques.

I thrive on challenging projects and strive to exceed expectations in every piece of work.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate
Chinese
Advanced

Work Experience

Caricature Artist at Canada's Wonderland
July 1, 2025 - Present
Create exaggerated caricatures live in front of customers; provide pleasant experiences to guests with demonstrations and drawings; promote products and maintain booth appearance; collaborate with colleagues to solve customer issues.
3D VFX / 3D Modeler / 3D Surfacing at Seneca Polytechnic
September 1, 2023 - April 1, 2026
Contributed to 3D modeling, surfacing, and VFX for thesis films; collaborated with Director to achieve visuals.
3D Artist (Next Friday - modeling, surfacing, rigging, animation, compositing) at TAAFI
September 1, 2025 - April 1, 2026
Contributed 3D assets across modeling, surfacing, rigging, animation and compositing for Next Friday project streamed at TAAFI.
Animation Lead at Seneca Polytechnic - 3D Thesis Films
September 1, 2025 - April 1, 2026
Created Animation Bible(s); helped oversee student work for film to ensure visual appeal and consistency; collaborated with Directors to achieve desired visuals; worked with Rigging Lead for required rig functions.
Compositing Lead at Seneca Polytechnic - 3D Thesis Films
September 1, 2025 - April 1, 2026
Researched methods to achieve Director’s desired visuals; helped oversee student work for film for visual appeal and consistency; collaborated with Directors to realize visuals.
Character and Prop Rigging at Seneca Polytechnic - 3D Thesis Films
August 31, 2025 - March 31, 2026
Worked with leads and director(s) to achieve desired visuals.

Education

Animation Diploma - 3D Stream at Seneca Polytechnic
September 1, 2023 - April 1, 2026
Animation BA (Hons) at University of Gloucestershire
September 1, 2026 - May 1, 2027

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Software & Internet
    paper Demo Reel

    See here:

    Here is a quick reel of shots I did from student films I’ve recently worked on that mainly showcases 3D Animation with characters that I’ve rigged and modeled and textured.

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