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I am a dedicated, hardworking, and self-motivated artist with a major in Animation and a minor in Graphics Design from DePaul University. I thrive in team settings where I can adapt, collaborate, communicate, lead, and contribute to the overall success of the team. Currently, I work as a trainer at Nando’s and as a substitute teacher for Chicago Public Schools. I have experience directing and producing short films, as well as collaborating closely with directors to refine and color animations. I am passionate about animation and illustration and excited to bring creativity and teamwork to new projects.…I am a dedicated, hardworking, and self-motivated artist with a major in Animation and a minor in Graphics Design from DePaul University. I thrive in team settings where I can adapt, collaborate, communicate, lead, and contribute to the overall success of the team. Currently, I work as a trainer at Nando’s and as a substitute teacher for Chicago Public Schools. I have experience directing and producing short films, as well as collaborating closely with directors to refine and color animations. I am passionate about animation and illustration and excited to bring creativity and teamwork to new projects.

Zeke Empaces

Animator, Illustrator, Film Director, +2

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I am a dedicated, hardworking, and self-motivated artist with a major in Animation and a minor in Graphics Design from DePaul University. I thrive in team settings where I can adapt, collaborate, communicate, lead, and contribute to the overall success of the team. Currently, I work as a trainer at Nando’s and as a substitute teacher for Chicago Public Schools. I have experience directing and producing short films, as well as collaborating closely with directors to refine and color animations. I am passionate about animation and illustration and excited to bring creativity and teamwork to new projects.…I am a dedicated, hardworking, and self-motivated artist with a major in Animation and a minor in Graphics Design from DePaul University. I thrive in team settings where I can adapt, collaborate, communicate, lead, and contribute to the overall success of the team. Currently, I work as a trainer at Nando’s and as a substitute teacher for Chicago Public Schools. I have experience directing and producing short films, as well as collaborating closely with directors to refine and color animations. I am passionate about animation and illustration and excited to bring creativity and teamwork to new projects.

Available to hire

I am a dedicated, hardworking, and self-motivated artist with a major in Animation and a minor in Graphics Design from DePaul University. I thrive in team settings where I can adapt, collaborate, communicate, lead, and contribute to the overall success of the team.

Currently, I work as a trainer at Nando’s and as a substitute teacher for Chicago Public Schools. I have experience directing and producing short films, as well as collaborating closely with directors to refine and color animations. I am passionate about animation and illustration and excited to bring creativity and teamwork to new projects.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Trainer at Nando’s at Lakeview

September 1, 2021 - Present

Oversaw cashier, food runner, host, and expeditor roles. Ensured orders were correct and delivered timely, improved customer experience, and trained new employees on job responsibilities.

Substitute Teacher at Chicago Public School

November 1, 2024 - Present

Facilitated student learning and maintained a positive environment to achieve learning goals when teachers were absent.

Intern at DePaul University’s Project Bluelight

June 30, 2022 - August 2, 2025

Collaborated to produce a live-action clip with virtual 3D backgrounds and served as the Director for the production.

Director & Producer at Phantom Shells

March 31, 2023 - August 2, 2025

Directed and produced a final year short film, created all assets and animations, and led the sound team.

Colorist at Rusty Pete (Unreleased Short Film)

April 1, 2023 - Present

Collaborated closely with the director to refine, edit, and color the animation for the short film.

Trainer at Nando’s at Lakeview

September 1, 2021 - Present

Worked as a trainer well versed in the roles of Cashier, Food Runner, Host, and Expeditor. Responsibilities included ensuring orders were correct and timely, delivering food to customers, maintaining positive customer experience, and training new employees on their roles and responsibilities.

Substitute Teacher at Chicago Public School Substitute Teacher

November 1, 2024 - Present

Provided substitute teaching for Chicago Public Schools ensuring students met learning goals set by their teachers and helped create a supportive and fun learning environment.

Intern at DePaul University’s Project Bluelight

June 30, 2022 - August 2, 2025

Collaborated with film and animation students to produce a live-action clip incorporating virtual 3D backgrounds. Served as director for the entire production.

Director and Producer at Phantom Shells

March 31, 2023 - August 2, 2025

Directed and produced a short film for final year of college. Produced all assets and animation while directing a sound team to create the final product.

Colorist at Rusty Pete (Unreleased Short Film)

April 1, 2023 - Present

Collaborated closely with the director to refine, edit, and color the animation for the short film.