Hi, I'm Garrett Appleton, a passionate and experienced 3D Generalist and Animator based in Detroit. With over 20 years in the creative industry, I enjoy developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between technical tools and creative storytelling. I take pride in creating engaging environment levels, characters, and props that bring ideas to life and exceed client expectations. I love working with teams and clients to streamline workflows and deliver high-quality visual assets. From leading 3D teams to programming plugins and crafting marketing campaigns, I combine my technical skills and artistic vision to push creative boundaries. Outside work, I'm a fan of video games, hip hop, basketball, and film noir, always looking to learn and share knowledge.

Garrett Appleton

Hi, I'm Garrett Appleton, a passionate and experienced 3D Generalist and Animator based in Detroit. With over 20 years in the creative industry, I enjoy developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between technical tools and creative storytelling. I take pride in creating engaging environment levels, characters, and props that bring ideas to life and exceed client expectations. I love working with teams and clients to streamline workflows and deliver high-quality visual assets. From leading 3D teams to programming plugins and crafting marketing campaigns, I combine my technical skills and artistic vision to push creative boundaries. Outside work, I'm a fan of video games, hip hop, basketball, and film noir, always looking to learn and share knowledge.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Garrett Appleton, a passionate and experienced 3D Generalist and Animator based in Detroit. With over 20 years in the creative industry, I enjoy developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between technical tools and creative storytelling. I take pride in creating engaging environment levels, characters, and props that bring ideas to life and exceed client expectations.

I love working with teams and clients to streamline workflows and deliver high-quality visual assets. From leading 3D teams to programming plugins and crafting marketing campaigns, I combine my technical skills and artistic vision to push creative boundaries. Outside work, I’m a fan of video games, hip hop, basketball, and film noir, always looking to learn and share knowledge.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance 3D Generalist at APETOWN ART
June 5, 2023 - June 5, 2024
Developed plugins in Unreal and Cinema 4D, enhancing non-technical directors' capabilities and improving workflow efficiency by 50%. Built pipeline solutions for rigging artists and animators, streamlining processes and reducing production time by 90%. Created environment levels, characters, and props for games and media, delivering high-quality assets that increased client satisfaction by 45%. Engaged with notable clients locally in Detroit such as Lunar North and Ford, as well as global clients including Mattel.
Senior 3D Animator at ICON / IN CAR
January 1, 2022 - June 5, 2023
Led the production and design of 3D UIs, welcome animations, VDBs, particle simulations, and FUIs, improving brand aesthetics for clients like Ford and Volkswagen while managing a team to ensure precision and timely delivery. Utilized Unreal Engine, Unity, and sprite plates for Kanzi to create immersive visual experiences and enhance production processes. Leveraged 20 years of experience with Photoshop, After Effects scripting, modeling vehicles, and UV mapping CAD assets to effectively push client narratives.
Senior VFX / 3D Generalist at LAMARK MEDIA
November 3, 2015 - January 1, 2022
Developed programmatic 3D solutions using Python and Xpresso to boost productivity and accelerate workflows. Led marketing campaigns end-to-end, delivering high-quality results within tight deadlines and increasing client satisfaction. Created large-scale environmental designs for Hilton, Disney Vacation Club, and luxury private cruises using Octane, Redshift, Substance Designer, and ACES.
Senior VFX / 3D Motion designer at INSIDER MEDIA MANAGEMENT
February 1, 2013 - October 15, 2015
Led fresh branding and design initiatives for clients such as Comcast and the Marlins. Established and grew the internal art department, enabling full integration of client web projects in-house.
Web & 3D/2D Motion Designer at FREELANCE
May 3, 2010 - October 15, 2015
Founded and managed a freelance media and design agency delivering comprehensive branding solutions.
Screen Printing Manager, CEO at SHIBUYA STATION
February 2, 2005 - April 3, 2010
Managed a full-service print shop and digital media company servicing both B2C and B2B printing needs.
Freelance 3D Generalist at Apetown Art
June 5, 2023 - June 11, 2024
Developed plugins in Unreal and Cinema 4D, improving workflow efficiency by 50%. Built pipeline solutions for rigging artists and animators, reducing production time by 90%. Created high-quality environment levels, characters, and props for games and media, increasing client satisfaction by 45%. Whitelisted notable local and global clients including Lunar North, Ford, and Mattel.
Senior 3D Animator at Icon / In Car
January 1, 2022 - June 5, 2023
Led production and design of 3D UIs, animations, particle simulations, and FUIs for clients like Ford and Volkswagen, enhancing brand aesthetics. Directed a 3D team, improving workflow efficiency and ensuring precision. Utilized Unreal Engine, Unity, and Kanzi to create immersive visual experiences. Applied 20 years of Photoshop, AfterEffects scripting, vehicle modeling, and CAD asset UV mapping expertise to drive client storytelling.
Senior VFX / 3D Generalist at Lamark Media
November 3, 2015 - January 1, 2022
Developed programmatic 3D solutions using Python and Xpresso to enhance productivity. Led marketing campaigns from concept to delivery, improving client satisfaction. Created large-scale environmental designs for Hilton, Disney Vacation Club, and luxury private cruises using Octane, Redshift, Substance Designer, and ACES.
Senior VFX / 3D Motion designer at Insider Media Management
February 1, 2013 - October 15, 2015
Created innovative branding and designs for major clients such as Comcast and Marlins. Established and grew the internal art department, enabling all client web projects to be integrated in-house successfully.
Web & 3D/2D Motion Designer at Freelance
May 3, 2010 - October 15, 2015
Founded and managed a freelance media and design agency providing comprehensive branding solutions and end-to-end service offerings.
Screen Printing Manager, CEO at SHIBUYA STATION
February 2, 2005 - April 3, 2010
Operated a full-service print shop and digital media company catering to B2B and B2C clients covering all aspects of printing and media services.

Education

Master of Fine Arts at Digital Media Arts College
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Lynn University
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2008
Master of Fine Arts at Digital Media Arts College
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Lynn University
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2008

Qualifications

Certified Motion Graphic & VFX Artist (Adobe 2018)
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
After Effects CC (Adobe 2018)
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Certified Motion Graphic & VFX Artist (Adobe 2018)
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
After Effects CC (Adobe 2018)
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Consumer Goods, Software & Internet, Travel & Hospitality