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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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
    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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