Connor Smith

Available to hire

Connor Smith is a Senior Animator, Game Artist, and Creative Director with 8+ years of experience producing high-impact animation and visual content for games, brands, and digital media.

About

Connor Smith is a Senior Animator, Game Artist, and Creative Director with 8+ years of experience producing high-impact animation and visual content for games, brands, and digital media. Co-Founder of Ritual Studios and Lead Artist on a shipped indie game titled “Fretless: The Wrath of Riffson” on Steam, responsible for art direction, animation, and asset production from concept through launch. Proven track record collaborating with publishers, creative teams, and major brands including Giphy, Honda, Monster Energy, ESPN/X Games, and Bones Wheels. Skilled in 2D animation, effects, motion graphics, rotoscoping, and visual storytelling across games, social media, and video platforms, with work generating billions of views. Holds a B.A. in Game Art with international study and award recognition for innovation in game design.

  • 10 years' experience
  • Joined February 2026

Industry experience

  • Gaming
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Software & Internet

Work experience· 7 roles

Animator / Contractor · Giphy, IncJan 2020 – Present · 6 yrs 11 mos

Recruited and commissioned to create 15 original animations for use in campaigns.

Animator · Cartuna Video ProductionJan 2019 – Dec 2019 · 1 yr

Constructed 10 rotoscoped skateboarding animations.

Illustrator / Graphic Designer · Shred.CoJan 2018 – Dec 2018 · 1 yr

Illustrated and produced original graphics to be reproduced in bulk fabrication of skateboard decks.

Founder · Ritual StudiosJan 2017 – Present · 9 yrs 11 mos
Animator · Spirit Juice StudiosMay 2016 – Dec 2016 · 8 mos
Animator / Graphic Designer · X Games / ESPNJan 2016 – Dec 2016 · 1 yr
Designer / Animator · Skate.NowJan 2016 – Dec 2016 · 1 yr

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Game Art · Columbia College2030 – 2016
Game and Interactive Media Design · Victoria University of Wellington2013

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