2D animator and director with experience in Toon Boom Harmony, storyboarding, and production-ready hand-drawn animation. I enjoy iterating character performance, improving acting and composition through animation tests, and collaborating closely with creative leads to meet client and director feedback.…

Justin Ni

2D animator and director with experience in Toon Boom Harmony, storyboarding, and production-ready hand-drawn animation. I enjoy iterating character performance, improving acting and composition through animation tests, and collaborating closely with creative leads to meet client and director feedback.…

Available to hire

2D animator and director with experience in Toon Boom Harmony, storyboarding, and production-ready hand-drawn animation. I enjoy iterating character performance, improving acting and composition through animation tests, and collaborating closely with creative leads to meet client and director feedback.

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Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Advanced

Work Experience

Volunteer Animator at “Little Persimmon” Short Film
June 1, 2024 - Present
Animated dynamic action shots for a 9-day production of a 2D hand-drawn animated short as part of Asians in Animation’s inaugural Animation Industry Immersive Lab. Submitted dailies through Syncsketch for feedback from team leads and mentors. Communicated consistently with the production team via Google Meet and Discord.
Rough Animator at Essence Cartoon
June 1, 2024 - Present
Animate traditionally for commercials and short films, punching up acting, composition, and appeal while aligning with the project’s style. Work with Creative Leads, asking necessary questions to satisfy client needs. Implement revisions based on client/director feedback. Track progress through Syncsketch and archive files on Box to ensure deadlines are met.
2D Animator at T’sarE Games
February 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025
Iterate 2D animation tests of character movements to provide reference for 3D animators. Design character turnarounds based on detailed spec sheets while adhering to the project style guide. Upload work for review and discussion through Discord and track progress via ClickUp, updating tasks and files in Google Drive.
2D Animator and Concept Artist at Tsar'E Media
January 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025
Animated iterations of character movements to use as reference for 3D animators. Designed turnarounds for characters based on detailed spec sheet and adhering to style guide.
2D Animator and Concept Artist at Tsar'E Media
January 1, 2024 - Present
Director at “MeiHouWang” Short Film
September 1, 2019 - June 1, 2022
Directed and created a 2D animated action/fantasy short exploring Asian-Americans’ relationship with their heritage through the lens of cultural folklore and car-toons. Storyboarded and animated 100+ separate shots. Designed 6 primary characters and 5 incidentals. Set incremental deadlines for a 7-person team and delivered timely feedback to artists to support on-time production.
Art Intern at Treasure Tree Studios
June 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019
Designed and iterated Chinese fantasy characters and creatures for an animated feature film. Collaborated with the Art Director to develop the film look within the established style. Animated a 15-second production logo for DINO film studio. Provided Chinese/English translation and technical input during storyboard meetings.
Key Animator at Essence Cartoon
June 1, 2001 - Present
Animate and direct for a variety of projects including commercials and series pitches.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at University of Michigan
September 5, 2016 - April 25, 2020
B.A. in Art & Design at University of Michigan (Stamps School of Art & Design)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Computer Science Minor at University of Michigan (Stamps School of Art & Design)
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Stamps Creative Work Scholarship at Stamps School of Art & Design
June 1, 2023 - July 20, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Gaming, Media & Entertainment, Education
    MeiHouWang Short Film

    An award winning short film about how culture is spread through play. Wrote, storyboarded, animated, and directed the story from the ground up.

    MeiHouWang Short Film

    An award winning short film about how culture is spread through play. Wrote, storyboarded, animated, and directed the story from the ground up.

    Trust the Process Music Video

    Animated and supervised on a minute long animation segment for a rap music video. Created with the studio, Essence Cartoon

    Techie Tots - Kids Animation Episode

    Key Animated for Techie Tots, an educational episode for kids.

    MeiHouWang

    • Directed and created a 2D animated short that explored Asian-Americans’ close relationship with their heritage through the lens of cultural folklore and cartoons.
    • Animated and storyboarded over 100 separate shots.
    • Designed 6 primary characers and 5 incidental characters.
    • Lead a 7 person team, setting incremental deadlines and delivering timely notes for revisions.

    STOMP Opioid Misuse Prevention

    • Lead the animation of a series of videos educating post-op patients about responsible opioid usage, in collaboration with the University of Michigan Hospital.
    • Created storyboards and 2D assets while consulting with the hospital for scientific accuracy and communicative clarity.

    Golden Apple Awards

    Conceptualized and animated short animations for Lorenzo García-Amaya’s acceptance speech at the 2020 Golden Apple Awards for teaching.