17+ years of experience in 3D character animation involving keyframing, motion capture, rigging, vfx, layout, previz, animatics, and real-time content for projection/live productions, and immersive interactive experiences. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with directors, artists, programmers, designers, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality content on schedule.…

Nick Mendoza

17+ years of experience in 3D character animation involving keyframing, motion capture, rigging, vfx, layout, previz, animatics, and real-time content for projection/live productions, and immersive interactive experiences. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with directors, artists, programmers, designers, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality content on schedule.…

Available to hire

17+ years of experience in 3D character animation involving keyframing, motion capture, rigging, vfx, layout, previz, animatics, and real-time content for projection/live productions, and immersive interactive experiences. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with directors, artists, programmers, designers, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality content on schedule.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

3D Character Animator, Layout Artist at 3D Bob Productions
March 1, 2024 - April 1, 2026
Lead 3D character animation and layout for live-action and immersive experiences, collaborating with directors, artists, and programmers to deliver high-quality animations, shot composition, and motion-capture integration across multiple platforms. Developed animation pipelines, performed MoCap data cleanup, and contributed to cinematic storytelling.
3D Character Animator at 3D Bob Productions
March 1, 2024 - April 1, 2026
Created character-driven animations, maintained animation quality, prepared and refined mocap-derived data, while ensuring seamless integration with live-action plates, camera work, and visual effects for live productions and large-scale projects.
3D Character Animator/Layout Artist at 3D Bob Productions
March 1, 2024 - April 1, 2026
Character Animator/Layout Artist for Season 2 (Star Spangled Adventures and Star Spangled Adventures The Movie). Collaborated with the director to refine visual layout and scene pacing; after layout approval, animated characters and props; ensured seamless integration with motion capture data and incorporated feedback to enhance the final product.
3D Character Animator, 3D Generalist at Layout Applied Minds
September 1, 2017 - July 1, 2023
Produced 3D character animation and generalist work, led layout and camera staging, and contributed to visual storytelling for projects in Burbank, CA and Irvine, CA, collaborating with directors and programmers to deliver immersive experiences.
3D Generalist at 3D Bob Productions
September 1, 2017 - July 1, 2023
Implemented end-to-end 3D pipelines including modeling, rigging, shading, lighting, animation, and VFX; collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality content on schedule; integrated mocap data and created cinematic visuals.
Character Animator/3D Generalist at Applied Minds
September 1, 2017 - July 1, 2023
Collaborated with programmers to supply models and animated graphics for rapid prototype immersive experiences; built animations to visualize functionality and stories; assisted with geometry cleanup, texturing, rigging, lighting and rendering; contributed to architectural renders using Unreal Engine and Twinmotion; experimented with Unreal Engine’s Niagara system, Metahuman creator, and facial capture tools.
Character Animator at Martin Brinkerhoff Associates, Inc.
May 1, 2017 - May 31, 2017
Assisted with final notes from the client to smooth and modify established animation to meet deadlines.
Layout Artist at 3D Bob Productions
February 1, 2013 - November 1, 2016
Responsible for layout planning and shot composition for animated sequences; collaborated with directors and animators to map out scenes, camera blocking, and staging; ensured consistency with live-action integrations and visual storytelling.
3D Character Animator at 3D Bob Productions
January 31, 2013 - October 31, 2016
Owned and operated 3D Bob Productions; developed and produced large-scale themed entertainment content and motion-captured sequences for live shows and exhibits; managed end-to-end production from concept to final animation and live show integration.
Lead Character Animator at Martin Brinkerhoff and Associates
January 31, 2013 - November 29, 2016
Involved with the 3D character animation, rigging and animating graphical/vfx elements for multiple castle projection, water projection, and live shows in various Disneyland/World parks across the world. Anaheim - Haunted Mansion Ride, Mickey and the Magical Map, multiple castle and water projection shows. Florida - Rivers of Light Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong - Castle projection Tokyo - King Triton's Concert
Lead Animator / Motion Capture at 3D Bob Productions
June 1, 2010 - November 1, 2012
Developed and supervised a character animation pipeline integrating keyframe animation with motion capture for 60+ animated webisodes. Supervised Mocap sessions, performed animation, and reviewed shots for episode completion.
Lead Animator / Motion Capture at 3D Bob Productions
May 31, 2010 - November 29, 2012
Contributed to the development, implementation, and supervision of a character animation pipeline that integrated keyframe animation and motion capture workflows to produce more than 60 animated webisodes ranging from 30 seconds to 3 minutes in length. Involved in motion capture acting, supervising Mocap recording sessions for guest performances, character animation, reviewing/critiquing other animators shots, aid in character design, storyboarding, and lighting/rendering when needed.
Character Animator at 3D Bob Productions
May 1, 2010 - May 31, 2010
Animated two 3D squirrels in two sequences for a short movie trailer.
Character Animator at Andy Signore/Disney
November 1, 2009 - November 1, 2009
Designed, modeled, rigged, and animated 2D characters for Fred Figglehorn’s Christmas music video Christmas is Creepy.
Character Animatior at Andy Signore/Disney
November 1, 2009 - November 30, 2009
Designed, modeled, rigged, and animated 2D characters for Fred Figglehorn’s Christmas music video 'Christmas is Creepy'.
Video Technician at Deluxe Entertainment Services Group
October 1, 2008 - March 31, 2010
Converted captured video files to appropriate formats for clients (NBC Universal, Fox Screeners, MGM/Lionsgate, Hulu, etc.); worked with Mac and PC; subtitling, watermarks, trimming trailers, and QC fixes.
Freelance 3D Animator at 3D Bob Productions
August 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008
Animated CG legs to be composited over incomplete footage to produce a seamless shot for a commercial.
Character Animator, Motion Graphics, VFX at The Good Boys/ James Gunn
August 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008
Designed and animated 2D character, motion graphics, visual effects; performed compositing and rotoscoping.
2D Character Animator, Character Designer, Storyboard Artist at Pretty Picture Movement
June 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008
Designed, modeled, rigged, and animated characters for live action science show 'Lab X' using Anime Studio Pro; storyboarded all live action and animation scenes.
Character Animator, Motion Graphics at 3D Bob Productions
May 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008
Modeled, rigged, and animated characters for a pilot called 'Messianic Kids' using Flash and Anime Studio Pro; performed motion graphics and minor editing.
Freelance 3D Animator at Freelance
February 1, 2008 - February 1, 2008
Animated CG elements for a 15-second commercial.
Freelance Animator at Freelance
February 1, 2008 - February 29, 2008
Animated CG tires for a fifteen second commercial spot for Big-O Tires.
Animation Intern at Shadow Machine Films
March 1, 2007 - August 31, 2007
Helped gather tools, sets, puppets, props and lights; broke down shots; ran errands; maintained animation studio cleanliness.
Lead 2D Animator at 168 Film Project
January 31, 2007 - February 27, 2007
Led a team to produce a five-minute animated short within 168 hours; modeled, rigged, and animated characters; intro; team won Best Score.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, New Media at Texas A&M Commerce
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
Bachelor of Fine Arts, New Media at Texas A&M Commerce
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
Bachelor of Fine Arts at New Media
January 11, 2030 - June 5, 2026

Qualifications

Unreal Engine 5: Blueprint Scripting 101
January 11, 2030 - May 26, 2026
Unreal Engine 5 - Blueprints Game Developer Masterclass
January 11, 2030 - May 26, 2026
Unreal Engine 5: Blueprint Scripting 101
January 11, 2030 - June 5, 2026
Unreal Engine 5 - Blueprints Game Developer Masterclass
January 11, 2030 - June 5, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts, New Media
January 11, 2030 - June 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Other
    Character Animation Show Reel (Star Spangled Adventures: The Movie) Part 2

    Character animation show reel of the shots I worked on from Star Spangled Adventures The Movie. It’s an 80-minute animated musical family film that follows Liberty the Eagle on a journey through time as she stops Tyrannus the Crow from undermining the Declaration of Independence.

    Character Animation Show Reel (Star Spangled Adventures: The Movie) Part 1

    Character animation show reel of the shots I worked on from Star Spangled Adventures The Movie. It’s an 80-minute animated musical family film that follows Liberty the Eagle on a journey through time as she stops Tyrannus the Crow from undermining the Declaration of Independence.

    Character Animation Show Reel (Star Spangled Adventures: Season 2) Part 2

    Character animation show reel of the shots I worked on from Star Spangled Adventures Season 2. An animated cartoon series starring Liberty, an American bald eagle, who takes children on a journey through time to discover the remarkable moments in American history.

    Character Animation Show Reel (Star Spangled Adventures: Season 2) Part 1

    Character animation show reel of the shots I worked on from Star Spangled Adventures Season 2. An animated cartoon series starring Liberty, an American bald eagle, who takes children on a journey through time to discover the remarkable moments in American history.

    Disneyland Live Show Demo Reel Short Edit

    Projects I did character animation and some visual effects for various Disneyland live/projection shows around the world.

    Disneyland Live Show Clips Long Edit

    Longer edit of clips of the character animation I did for the Disneyland live show projects.

    Nick Mendoza Sizzle Reel 2026

    A compilation of various projects I worked on throughtout my career.
    -Star Spangled Adventures Season 2
    -Star Spangled Adventures: The Movie
    -Mickey and the Magical Map (Disneyland Anaheim)
    -Haunted Mansion (Disneyland Anaheim)
    -King Triton’s Concert (Tokyo Disney Sea)
    -Malificent (Disneyland Anaheim)