Available to hire
Hi, I’m Ricardo Sdoya, a Sydney-based 3D artist and rigging technical director with extensive experience in film, VFX, and gaming. I’ve led rigging teams and built scalable pipelines, delivering animator-friendly rigs and robust tools at studios including Animal Logic, Iloura, Luma Pictures, Rotor, and Pixel Zoo. My work spans feature films, Netflix/YouTube projects, and game-ready assets, always focused on flexibility, quality, and collaboration.
I’m passionate about mentoring teammates, improving workflows, and continuously learning new technologies. In my spare time I explore forex trading and tinkering with tech, always looking for ways to apply fresh ideas to production pipelines and team processes.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Advanced
Work Experience
Senior Rigger at Ultimate Studio
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025Focused on creating lightweight character rigs for two potential video game projects, while identifying technical differences between film and game rigging pipelines and refining rigging workflows for efficiency and animator usability.
Rigging Lead at Pixel Zoo
December 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023Led a rigging team across multiple shows, maintained and improved rigging tools, mentored Riggers, and developed tools to transfer animation data from Maya to Unreal Engine. Oversaw rigging for notable YouTube projects including The Secrets of Sunflower Valley, LOL, Mermaid High and Rainbow High.
Rigging TD at Slazo Media / Lightboat Entertainment
December 1, 2021 - December 1, 2021Character and rigging pipeline TD for Micky Moo (nursery rhymes) on YouTube. Implemented a data-centric rigging workflow using Advanced Skeleton and mGear, and authored post-rigging scripts to streamline the pipeline.
Financial Trader at Self-employed
December 1, 2019 - November 21, 2025Trained as a Forex trader, developed personal trading strategies, and used MT5 with various technical indicators to trade between jobs in the film industry.
Rigging TD at Plastic Wax
December 31, 2019 - December 31, 2019Worked on Netflix show Battle Kitty (Unreal Engine rendering). Focused on rigging with Advanced Skeleton and tool scripting to support rigid and reusable character rigs.
Senior Rigging TD at Rotor Studios
March 1, 2019 - March 1, 2019Developed a scalable, adjustable car rig with Python tools to automate animation workflows for automotive CG; created an engine that can drive along a path with minimal rigging knowledge required by animators.
Senior Rigging TD at Iloura / Method Studios
April 1, 2018 - April 1, 2018Worked on mechanical rigs (cranes, cabling) and digital doubles for Skyscraper, plus rigs for Outlaw King; gained exposure to large-scale TD pipelines and collaboration with other studios.
Rigging TD at Animal Logic
December 31, 2017 - December 31, 2017Character TD working with a large pipeline, focusing on object-oriented rigging concepts, auto-riggers enhancement, and supporting feature film production.
Set Construction at Fox Studios
December 31, 2016 - December 31, 2016Construction of spaceship interiors and set pieces for Alien Covenant, contributing to on-set production work and practical integration with CG assets.
Rigging TD at Plastic Wax
December 31, 2016 - December 31, 2016Rigging for Lego Dimensions and Homefront II cinematic trailers; developed flexible character rigs and pipelines, communicating with leads to align rigging priorities.
Rigging TD at Luma Pictures
December 31, 2015 - December 31, 2015Character TD for Figaro Pho season two, developing skeletal rigs for humanoids and creatures; provided general rigging support for film and TD tasks.
Designer / Printer at Budget Branding
December 31, 2008 - December 31, 2008Design and production of branding artwork, managing digital printers and production workflows from concept to finished product.
Graphics/Web Design at Oneitem.com (Australia)
December 31, 2007 - December 31, 2007Web design, web animations, product artwork enhancement, and promotional material for an online children’s store.
Technician/Designer at GEN
December 31, 2005 - December 31, 2005Part-time role during studies handling various design projects, computer maintenance, and website work.
Education
Matric at Trinity House High School, Johannesburg, South Africa
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003Diploma in 3D Animation at Touch-Vision Learn3D DTC, Johannesburg
January 11, 2030 - December 1, 20053D Modelling & Animation in Maya Fundamentals at Design Centre, Enmore
January 1, 2009 - December 1, 2009Cert IV, 3D Art & Animation at Design Centre, Enmore
January 1, 2010 - December 1, 2010Diploma, 3D Art & Animation (With distinction) at Design Centre, Enmore
January 1, 2011 - December 1, 2011Bachelor of 3D Art & Animation (With distinction) at Design Centre, Enmore
January 1, 2013 - December 1, 2013Qualifications
A+ Certification
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002N+ Certification
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 20023DS Max Fundamentals (Autodesk)
December 1, 2005 - December 1, 20053DS Max Advanced Visual Effects (Autodesk)
December 1, 2005 - December 1, 20053DS Max Advanced Character Animation (Autodesk)
December 1, 2005 - December 1, 2005Combustion Fundamentals
December 1, 2005 - December 1, 2005Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Software & Internet, Professional Services
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
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