Senior animator, motion graphics digital artist and video editor with over 25 years of experience across advertising, broadcast, corporate communications and digital media creation. Currently a Manager for Capco London, delivering high-end video, 3D animation and motion graphic design projects for global corporate clients and internal teams. Strong technical expertise combined with a background rooted in fine arts and animation training via an Animation Mentor program in the USA. Known for translating complex financial and technical concepts into engaging, relatable visual media and leading creative work with consistent work ethic and ethical standards.

John Reardon

Senior animator, motion graphics digital artist and video editor with over 25 years of experience across advertising, broadcast, corporate communications and digital media creation. Currently a Manager for Capco London, delivering high-end video, 3D animation and motion graphic design projects for global corporate clients and internal teams. Strong technical expertise combined with a background rooted in fine arts and animation training via an Animation Mentor program in the USA. Known for translating complex financial and technical concepts into engaging, relatable visual media and leading creative work with consistent work ethic and ethical standards.

Available to hire

Senior animator, motion graphics digital artist and video editor with over 25 years of experience across advertising, broadcast, corporate communications and digital media creation. Currently a Manager for Capco London, delivering high-end video, 3D animation and motion graphic design projects for global corporate clients and internal teams.

Strong technical expertise combined with a background rooted in fine arts and animation training via an Animation Mentor program in the USA. Known for translating complex financial and technical concepts into engaging, relatable visual media and leading creative work with consistent work ethic and ethical standards.

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Language

Afrikaans
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Manager – Digital Specialist at Capco
January 1, 2019 - Present
Produced animated graphic content, 3D animation and motion graphics for internal departmental communications, brand campaigns, and corporate outreach. Managed delivery across filming, editing, VFX, voiceover, and final digital handover. Created visual concepts with senior stakeholders to translate complex financial and technical business concepts into relatable, engaging visual media. Promoted to Manager in recognition of creative leadership and consistent work ethic.
Freelance Studio (Boutique Animation / Motion Graphics) at Mesh Studios (Boutique Animation Studios)
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Provided 3D animation, motion graphics, video editing and VFX solutions for corporate and agency clients, including ongoing project work for Capco prior to relocating to a full-time opportunity within Capco’s London offices.
Freelance studio (Digital specialist) at Mesh Studios
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Provided 3D animation, motion graphics, video editing & VFX solutions for corporate and agency clients, including ongoing project work for Capco that later led to a full-time employment opportunity in their London offices.
Senior Video Editor & Animator at The Hardy Boys, Advertising Agency
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2018
Managed the agency’s in-house post-production and animation facility following a successful freelance relationship. Created and produced all commercial video campaigns including filming, editing, motion graphics and 3D animation. Worked closely with the Creative Director, illustrators, design team and in-house producers to deliver quality, high-end advertising across a variety of industry-specific company needs.
Senior Video Editor & Animator at The Hardy Boys
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2018
Managed the agency’s in-house post-production and animation facility following a successful freelance relationship. Created and produced all commercial video campaigns including filming, editing, motion graphics and 3D animation. Worked closely with the Creative Director, illustrators, design team, and in-house producers to deliver quality, high-end advertising work across a variety of industry-specific companies.
Founder / Creative Director at Blink Studios
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2014
Founded a small boutique post-production studio serving the advertising sector as well as small business start-ups and corporate clients. Managed delivery of all creative assets and client relationships across many commercial accounts until permanent employment within The Hardy Boys in Durban in 2014.
Founder / Creative Director (post-production) at Blink Studios
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2014
Founded a small boutique post-production studio providing services for the advertising sector as well as small business start-ups and corporate clients. Managed delivery of all creative assets and client relationships across multiple commercial accounts until permanent employment at The Hardy Boys in Durban.
Middle Weight Animator & Video Editor at A Light Productions
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
Produced 3D modelling, lighting and texturing, animation and editing for commercial campaigns and in-store promotional materials. Created broadcast and digital content for major FMCG brands including Pick’n Pay and Tropika.
Co-Founder & Post Production Lead (Kloof-South Africa) at Floodlight Studios
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009
Co-founded an initial design and video production studio which later evolved into a digital prototyping and app development studio. Oversaw overall corporate filming, editing and any technical post-production work.
Co-Founder & Post Production Lead (and earlier design/video production) at Floodlight Studios
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2009
Co-founded initially as a design and video production studio, later evolving into a digital prototyping and app development studio. Oversaw overall corporate filming, editing and technical post-production.
Founder at Absolute Graphics
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2008
Launched and managed a commercial printing and signage company, providing commercial printing and signage services.
Head of Lithography at Creative Printworld
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 2001
Managed the lithography department within a busy print shop.

Education

National Diploma in Fine Art at Centec College
February 1, 1992 - December 1, 1994
Animation & Body Mechanics at Animation Mentor (USA)
March 1, 2014 - February 28, 2015
Advanced Animation credentials (AGrade across all core disciplines) at Animation Mentor
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
National Diploma in Fine Arts at Centec – National Diploma in Fine Arts (KwaZulu-Natal)
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1997
Senior Certificate with matriculation at Hillcrest High School
January 1, 1993 - January 1, 1993
Advanced Animation credentials (A Grade across core disciplines) at Animation Mentor (Online)
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
National Diploma in Fine Arts at Centec – National Diploma in Fine Arts, KwaZulu-Natal
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1997
Senior Certificate with Matriculation at Hillcrest High School
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1993

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other, Consumer Goods, Financial Services, Computers & Electronics
    Pablo the Penguin
    For my freelance business, Mesh Studios, I developed Pablo the Penguin—an end-of-year festive season themed animation. This project served as a showcase to demonstrate my individual capabilities in producing a short-form animation entirely on my own.
    Lucozade 2018
    In 2018, I was tasked with rendering three different bottle variations as part of the Lucozade rebranding project.
    Angry Birds Can Renders
    I was asked by Lentas Beverages to create 3D models and render their lineup of soda drinks for the launch of the Angry Birds 2 movie campaign.
    Varsity College
    I received a request to craft a 3D rendition of a book cover specifically for Varsity College in South Africa. branding animator
    Showreel 2023
    Presented here is a brief showreel showcasing a selection of projects I was commissioned to undertake in 2023 under the name of my freelance business Mesh Studios. This compilation includes a diverse range of work, such as 3D animation, motion graphics, and expertly edited footage, catering primarily to various industry sectors within the realm of branding. explainervideo videoeditor animator video motion graphics
    Unilever Sunlight Range
    I was entrusted with the task of creating 3D models, setting up lighting, and applying textures to the complete Sunlight product line for Unilever South Africa. branding product renders animation
    Yum Yum Chocolate Peanut Butter
    I had the privilege of embarking on a challenging endeavour: creating a comprehensive 30-second animated commercial for the launch of Yum Yum Peanut Butter's delightful new chocolate variant called Chocolate Dreams. This involved overseeing every aspect of the project, from initial concept to final rendering. I took charge of the animation, typography, and even developed accompanying social media animations to ensure a cohesive and engaging visual experience. branding animation characteranimation
    Can Render SP Lager
    I received a project brief to produce a 3D rendering of an SP Lager can placed in a tropical environment resembling the lush vegetation and surroundings of Papua New Guinea.
    Bottle Render Gin Co.
    I was assigned the task of creating 3D visual representations of bottles for Gin Co's latest product launch. This involved designing the model, adding textures, and setting up lighting. Additionally, I incorporated liquid simulation and water droplets to enhance the overall effect. branding