Hi there, I’m Tristan Dean, a 3D character animator and filmmaker blending live-action and animation with a strong sense of performance, timing, and storytelling. I love shaping characters from the ground up and collaborating across departments to bring ideas to life. I’m currently pursuing 3D character animation at Animation Mentor and taking on freelance film projects, expanding my toolkit with Maya, pre-rigged characters, and related software.…

Tristan Dean

Hi there, I’m Tristan Dean, a 3D character animator and filmmaker blending live-action and animation with a strong sense of performance, timing, and storytelling. I love shaping characters from the ground up and collaborating across departments to bring ideas to life. I’m currently pursuing 3D character animation at Animation Mentor and taking on freelance film projects, expanding my toolkit with Maya, pre-rigged characters, and related software.…

Available to hire

Hi there, I’m Tristan Dean, a 3D character animator and filmmaker blending live-action and animation with a strong sense of performance, timing, and storytelling. I love shaping characters from the ground up and collaborating across departments to bring ideas to life.

I’m currently pursuing 3D character animation at Animation Mentor and taking on freelance film projects, expanding my toolkit with Maya, pre-rigged characters, and related software.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Film Maker at Self-Employed
March 1, 2024 - Present
Contributed to 20+ live-action productions across directing, writing, cinematography, lighting, set design, and sound design.
3D Character Animator at Animation Mentor (Education Program)
March 1, 2025 - Present
Developed character animation projects focusing on body mechanics, performance, and timing; created high-quality animations using Autodesk Maya and pre-rigged characters; applying principles learned at Animation Mentor to real-world projects.
3D Character Animator at Animation Mentor
March 1, 2025 - Present
Developed character animation projects with focus on body mechanics, performance and timing. Created high quality animations using Autodesk Maya and pre-rigged characters. Applied principles learned at Animation Mentor to real-world projects.
Freelance 3D Character Animator at Self-employed
March 1, 2025 - Present
Developed character animation projects with a focus on body mechanics, performance and timing. Created high quality animations using Autodesk Maya and pre-rigged characters. Applied principles learned at Animation Mentor (expected graduation 2027) to real-world projects
Freelance Film Maker at Independent / Freelance
March 1, 2024 - Present
Contributed to 20+ live-action productions, bringing multi-disciplinary experience in directing, writing, cinematography, lighting, set design, and sound design.
3D Character Animator at Freelance
March 1, 2025 - Present
Developed character animation projects with a focus on body mechanics, performance and timing. Created high quality animations using Autodesk Maya and pre-rigged characters. Applied principles learned at Animation Mentor (expected graduation 2027) to real-world projects
Autodesk Maya Body Mechanics at Self-Directed Learning
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Walk cycles, weight shifts, object interaction; Performance animation (acting, emotion, posing); Working with pre-rigged characters; Understanding timing, spacing, and animation principles.
Freelance Filmmaker at Self-Employed
March 1, 2024 - Present
Contributed to 20+ live-action productions, bringing multi-disciplinary experience in directing, writing, cinematography, lighting, set design, and sound design.
3D Character Animator at Self-Employed / Freelance
March 1, 2025 - Present
Developed character animation projects with a focus on body mechanics, performance and timing. Created high quality animations using Autodesk Maya and pre-rigged characters. Applied principles learned at Animation Mentor (expected graduation 2027) to real-world projects
Park Ranger / Bartender / Assistant Store Lead / Swim Coach / Gymnastics Coach at Various Employers
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Held diverse roles, building skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and adaptability in dynamic work environments.
Freelance Film Maker at Self-Employed / Freelance
March 1, 2024 - Present
Contributed to 20+ live-action productions, bringing multi-disciplinary experience in directing, writing, cinematography, lighting, set design, and sound design.
Freelance 3D Character Animator at Self-Employed / Freelance
March 1, 2025 - Present
Developed character animation projects with a focus on body mechanics, performance and timing. Created high quality animations using Autodesk Maya and pre-rigged characters. Applied principles learned at Animation Mentor (expected graduation 2027) to real-world projects
Park Ranger at Various
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Diverse roles including park ranger, barista, swim coach, and gymnastics coach; developed leadership, communication, teamwork, and adaptability in dynamic environments.

Education

High School Diploma at Oxford High School
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2023
Film Production at Motion Picture Institute
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2025
Certificate in 3D Character Animation at Motion Picture Institute
January 11, 2030 - March 27, 2026
High School Diploma at Oxford High School
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
Animation Mentor Program in 3D Character Animation at Animation Mentor
March 1, 2025 - March 27, 2026
High School Diploma at Oxford High School
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
Autodesk Maya Body Mechanics - Certificate at Autodesk Maya Training
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
3D Character Animation Program at Animation Mentor
March 1, 2025 - March 27, 2026
Character Animation Program at Animation Mentor
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2027
High School Diploma at Oxford High School
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
High School Diploma at Oxford High School
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
3D Character Animator at Motion Picture Institute
January 11, 2030 - March 27, 2026
Character Animation Program at Animation Mentor
January 11, 2030 - March 27, 2026
High School at Oxford High School
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
3D Character Animation Program at Animation Mentor
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2027
High School Diploma at Oxford High School
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
3D Character Animation Program at Motion Picture Institute
January 11, 2030 - March 27, 2026
3D Character Animation Program at Animation Mentor
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2027

Qualifications

3D Character Animation
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2027
Part 107 Drone Operator License
January 11, 2030 - July 8, 2025
Animation Mentor Program Certificate (3D Character Animation)
March 1, 2025 - March 27, 2026
Autodesk Maya Training Certificate
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Animation Mentor Coursework Enrollment
March 1, 2025 - March 27, 2026
Animation Mentor - Character Animation Program
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2027
Oxford High School Diploma
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
Animation Mentor - Character Animation Program
January 11, 2030 - March 27, 2026
Autodesk Maya Mastery (Body Mechanics)
November 30, 0002 - March 27, 2026
High School Diploma
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
3D Character Animation Program
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2027

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Professional Services, Education, Software & Internet