Hi, I’m Jenya Nikolaev, a digital artist and animator focused on original 2D, 3D, and motion design. I work with Blender, Maya, After Effects, Photoshop, and Procreate to create vibrant characters, environments, and stories for a variety of media, from personal projects to collaborations across the USA and Europe. Mentored by leading digital artists like Jonathan Monaghan, Viliam Vala, and Paula Kazak, I bring studio-style critique and workflow practices to every project. I’m also an entrepreneur with an Etsy shop (200+ sales), a former workshop leader, and I’ve studied abroad with FAMO in Prague, building cross-cultural, multilingual collaboration skills.…

Jenya Nikolaev

Hi, I’m Jenya Nikolaev, a digital artist and animator focused on original 2D, 3D, and motion design. I work with Blender, Maya, After Effects, Photoshop, and Procreate to create vibrant characters, environments, and stories for a variety of media, from personal projects to collaborations across the USA and Europe. Mentored by leading digital artists like Jonathan Monaghan, Viliam Vala, and Paula Kazak, I bring studio-style critique and workflow practices to every project. I’m also an entrepreneur with an Etsy shop (200+ sales), a former workshop leader, and I’ve studied abroad with FAMO in Prague, building cross-cultural, multilingual collaboration skills.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Jenya Nikolaev, a digital artist and animator focused on original 2D, 3D, and motion design. I work with Blender, Maya, After Effects, Photoshop, and Procreate to create vibrant characters, environments, and stories for a variety of media, from personal projects to collaborations across the USA and Europe.

Mentored by leading digital artists like Jonathan Monaghan, Viliam Vala, and Paula Kazak, I bring studio-style critique and workflow practices to every project. I’m also an entrepreneur with an Etsy shop (200+ sales), a former workshop leader, and I’ve studied abroad with FAMO in Prague, building cross-cultural, multilingual collaboration skills.

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Language

French
Advanced
Russian
Fluent
Belarusian
Advanced
Ukrainian
Intermediate

Work Experience

Marketing Consultant at Ceal (Consulting)
June 1, 2025 - Present
Delivered client engagement and strategy recommendations; collaborated across teams to refine value narratives and creative assets.
Marketing Consultant at Ceal
June 1, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Delivered client engagement and strategy recommendations; collaborated across teams to refine value narratives and creative assets.
Workshop Leader & Instructor at We Art Fun Studio
July 1, 2023 - Present
Led group painting/drawing/sculpting sessions; created demos for diverse age/skill levels; coordinated logistics and materials; maintained high participant satisfaction with feedback and testimonials.
Art Workshop Leader & Instructor at We Art Fun Studio
July 1, 2023 - Present
Led group painting/drawing/sculpting sessions; created demos for diverse age/skill levels; coordinated logistics and materials; maintained high participant satisfaction.
Digital Artist / Animator (Freelance) at Jonathan Monaghan Studio
September 1, 2022 - Present
Apprentice with world-renowned digital artist Jonathan Monaghan; produced original 3D/motion works through professional studio critiques and workflows; portfolio pieces showcased in class and online; created art pieces using Blender/Maya/AE.
Digital Artist | Animation & Digital Projects at Independent / Freelance
September 1, 2022 - Present
Produce original 2D/3D animation, motion graphics, and character design for client projects; work through Blender, Maya, and After Effects; portfolio of art pieces showcased in class and online.
Digital Artist | Animation & Digital Projects at Independent / Apprenticeship with Jonathan Monaghan
September 1, 2022 - Present
Apprenticed with renowned digital artist Jonathan Monaghan; produced original 3D/motion works using Blender, Maya, and After Effects; showcased pieces in class and online; engaged in studio critiques and workflows.
Owner & Artist at Etsy Shop (self-employed)
June 1, 2019 - Present
Designed and sold multidisciplinary art/craft pieces with consistently high reviews. Ran end-to-end operations: product design, branding, marketing, customer service, and fulfillment.
Owner & Artist at Etsy Shop
June 1, 2019 - Present
Designed and sold multi-disciplinary art and craft pieces; ran end-to-end operations including product design, branding, marketing, customer service, and fulfillment.

Education

BA in Art & Design (Animation Concentration) at Catholic University of America (CUA)
January 1, 2022 - February 9, 2026
Minor: Media Studies & Communication at Catholic University of America (CUA)
January 1, 2022 - February 9, 2026
Study Abroad: Collaborative Animation Project at Film Academy of Miroslav Ondříček (FAMO), Prague
June 1, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art & Design (Digital Concentration), Cum Laude; Minor: Media & Communication at Catholic University of America (CUA)
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2026
Study Abroad: Collaboration Animation Project at Oscar Recognized Film Academy of MiroSlav Ondříček (FAMO), Prague
June 1, 2025 - August 31, 2025
BA in Studio Art & Design (Digital Concentration); Minor: Media & Communication at Catholic University of America (CUA)
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2026
Study Abroad: Collaborative Animation Project at FAMO Prague (Film Academy program)
June 1, 2025 - August 1, 2025

Qualifications

Dean's List (Fall 2025)
September 1, 2025 - February 9, 2026
Distinguished AP Scholar (2022)
September 1, 2022 - February 9, 2026
Laureate of the Year (2014)
January 1, 2014 - February 9, 2026
Dean's List
January 1, 2026 - May 20, 2026
Distinguished AP Scholar
January 1, 2022 - May 20, 2026
Immigrant Artist Feature
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Quince Orchard Virtual Art Show
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Dean's List
January 1, 2026 - May 20, 2026
Distinguished AP Scholar
January 1, 2022 - May 20, 2026
Featured Immigrant Artist
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
Quince Orchid Virtual Art Show
January 1, 2020 - May 20, 2026
Laureate of the Year
January 1, 2014 - May 20, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Retail