I’m Daniel, a post-production artist based in Auckland, New Zealand, collaborating with global brands, photographers, and leading creative agencies to create 3D visuals and composites, with polished creative retouching. In my studio, I combine technical precision with a strong creative eye to make engaging still and motion work, always chasing pixel-perfect results -> sometimes cleaning up images, sometimes deliberately adding imperfections to make the CGI feel natural. Each project is developed in close collaboration with artists, creatives, and clients to push the boundaries of post-production and deliver distinctive, high-end visuals. My background in CGI, retouching, and art direction, built through years of collaboration with talented teams, allows me to offer solutions that help brands communicate their ideas clearly and with impact.

Daniel Sian

I’m Daniel, a post-production artist based in Auckland, New Zealand, collaborating with global brands, photographers, and leading creative agencies to create 3D visuals and composites, with polished creative retouching. In my studio, I combine technical precision with a strong creative eye to make engaging still and motion work, always chasing pixel-perfect results -> sometimes cleaning up images, sometimes deliberately adding imperfections to make the CGI feel natural. Each project is developed in close collaboration with artists, creatives, and clients to push the boundaries of post-production and deliver distinctive, high-end visuals. My background in CGI, retouching, and art direction, built through years of collaboration with talented teams, allows me to offer solutions that help brands communicate their ideas clearly and with impact.

Available to hire

I’m Daniel, a post-production artist based in Auckland, New Zealand, collaborating with global brands, photographers, and leading creative agencies to create 3D visuals and composites, with polished creative retouching.

In my studio, I combine technical precision with a strong creative eye to make engaging still and motion work, always chasing pixel-perfect results -> sometimes cleaning up images, sometimes deliberately adding imperfections to make the CGI feel natural.

Each project is developed in close collaboration with artists, creatives, and clients to push the boundaries of post-production and deliver distinctive, high-end visuals.

My background in CGI, retouching, and art direction, built through years of collaboration with talented teams, allows me to offer solutions that help brands communicate their ideas clearly and with impact.

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Language

Portuguese
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance CGI Artist & Creative Retoucher at danielsian
January 1, 2007 - Present
• Execute high-end projects for premier agencies and production houses worldwide • Specialise in photo-realistic CGI, retouching, and animation • Develop custom tools and automation solutions using Python and JavaScript • Create efficient workflows for complex digital production pipelines
Lead 3D Artist & Retoucher at Sixty Four Studio - Auckland
August 1, 2016 - March 1, 2021
• Led CGI production for advertising and animation projects • Created custom scripts and tools for production automation • Collaborated with art directors to achieve creative vision through technical solutions • Mentored team members in advanced technical procedures
3D Generalist at Roof Studio - NYC
August 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014
• Produced 3D modeling, animation, and compositing for NYC-based projects • Implemented efficient workflows for fast-paced production environments
3D Generalist & Compositor at Zombie Studio - Sao Paulo
January 1, 2014 - December 1, 2014
• Developed look-dev and rendering solutions for commercial projects • Integrated multiple software platforms for enhanced production quality
3D Generalist & Retoucher at Vetor Zero - Sao Paulo
January 1, 2010 - January 6, 2012
• Created photo-realistic 3D visuals for major advertising campaigns • Developed integrated workflows for CGI and photo-retouching

Education

Anatomy Sculpting with ZBrush at Melies 3D, Cinema and Animation School
January 1, 2010 - December 1, 2010
Maxon Cinema 4D at CAD Technology (2007)
January 1, 2007 - December 1, 2007

Qualifications

Cannes Lions
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
1 Silver, 4 Bronze
Clio Awards Winner
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Axis Awards NZ
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
2 Silver, 11 Bronze, 32-time finalist

Industry Experience

Other, Computers & Electronics, Media & Entertainment
    uniE621 Kohler Poseidon
    Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea, was photographed by Ross Brown and brought to life through a meticulously crafted composite built from multiple shots. The character was seamlessly integrated into an ocean scene featuring a towering wave and CGI sea creatures, resulting in an epic visual composition. The octopus and hippocampus were sculpted and rendered in 3D, while the ocean and massive wave were constructed from several plates of flat water, then carefully distorted and manipulated to create the final environment. Once the still image was complete, a parallax animation was developed to immerse the audience even further into this dramatic scene, where Poseidon commands the ocean and its mythical creatures.
    uniE621 The Pool House
    The PoolHouse Brand Campaign Created to position The PoolHouse as the top choice for pool lovers across New Zealand, this campaign celebrates the country’s pool culture and the nostalgic joy of childhood summers. Photographed by Fraser Clement, the hero image is a large-scale composite built from multiple plates, with every element placed and adjusted individually. Originally shot in daylight, the entire scene was transformed into night during post-production as the concept evolved. A behind-the-scenes video reveals the depth of the compositing and layering work involved. The campaign received multiple accolades, including Gold at the 2024 Effie Aotearoa Awards for Consumer Durables, along with recognition across several categories in both the Effie and New Zealand Marketing Awards.
    uniE608 The Pool House Making-of
    A behind-the-scenes video reveals the depth of the compositing and layering work involved.
    uniE621 Villamaria Hydrangeas
    Villa Maria’s largest global brand campaign to date, Live in the Delicious, was launched to expand the brand’s presence in key markets including the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand. The campaign embraces a vibrant, lifestyle driven aesthetic designed to connect with modern wine lovers in search of indulgent, effortless moments. Photographed by Ross Brown, the image is the result of extensive compositing. The hydrangea field was built from multiple in-studio shots and blended seamlessly with the talent and surrounding interior elements. Retouching and grading focused on enhancing colour, light and depth in a dense atmosphere to support the warm and aspirational tone of the concept, capturing the feeling of truly living in the delicious. Visuals were adapted for a wide range of media including out of home, digital, social and in store environments.