Hey! I’m Al Caruso, a visual development artist specializing in character, background, and prop design for animation. I've been lucky to work with local animation studios on their independent projects, and I love bringing my director's ideas to life! During my education at the College for Creative Studies, I also collaborated on several student films and film competitions. I’m passionate about fast, iterative workflows, clear visual storytelling, and bringing playful energy to every project.

Al Caruso

Hey! I’m Al Caruso, a visual development artist specializing in character, background, and prop design for animation. I've been lucky to work with local animation studios on their independent projects, and I love bringing my director's ideas to life! During my education at the College for Creative Studies, I also collaborated on several student films and film competitions. I’m passionate about fast, iterative workflows, clear visual storytelling, and bringing playful energy to every project.

Available to hire

Hey! I’m Al Caruso, a visual development artist specializing in character, background, and prop design for animation. I’ve been lucky to work with local animation studios on their independent projects, and I love bringing my director’s ideas to life! During my education at the College for Creative Studies, I also collaborated on several student films and film competitions. I’m passionate about fast, iterative workflows, clear visual storytelling, and bringing playful energy to every project.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Character and Prop Designer at Cap Gun Studio
September 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025
Used storyboards to design on-model poses; Adapted to pre-established art style; Designed props that aligned with project’s humor
Visual Development Intern at Eat Rice Studio
April 1, 2025 - August 1, 2025
Worked with directors to establish film’s overall look; Designed main and background characters; Created keyframe paintings to guide animation team

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration/Animation at College for Creative Studies
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2026

Qualifications

Imre Molnar Artist Achievement Award (Senior Select)
January 1, 2026 - May 8, 2026
Torsten Schrank Partial Scholarship Award (Character Design)
January 1, 2025 - May 8, 2026
CCS President’s List
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2026
Alumni Scholarship Award
January 1, 2024 - May 8, 2026
Ford Completion Scholarship
January 1, 2023 - May 8, 2026
Foundations Chair Select Award
January 1, 2023 - May 8, 2026
Waranch Acquisition Fund Award
January 1, 2023 - May 8, 2026
Arts Academy in the Woods Class Valedictorian
January 1, 2021 - May 8, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education