Available to hire
Hi there! I’m Michael Wiesmeier, a versatile animator with a passion for storytelling in 2D media. I’ve had the privilege to work with world-class teams at Walt Disney Animation, Toon Boom, and a variety of studios around the globe, shaping characters and visuals for film and interactive experiences.
I love teaching and leading teams, and I’m great at both 2D traditional animation, as well as cutout technique. I’m excited to find a new project where I can use my skills and passion for animation to make something amazing.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Language
Italian
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
English
Fluent
French
Advanced
Work Experience
Owner, Instructor at The Sketch Experience (On-site and Online)
January 1, 2020 - PresentConducted on-site and online sketching courses focused on building sketching confidence while exploring the artistic wealth of Florence, Italy, and Europe.
Concept Art Program Figure Drawing Instructor at Syn Studio
March 1, 2017 - June 1, 2019Facilitated learning in Dynamic Human and Animal Figure Drawing and Human Anatomy for students enrolled in the Concept Art Diploma program.
Faculty Instructor at Syn Studio
June 1, 2018 - PresentDelivered classes in Dynamic Figure Sketching, Dynamic Animal Sketching, Introduction to Hand-Drawn Animation, and Intermediate Hand-Drawn Animation. Conceptualized and co-developed a new animation track for the institution.
2D Animation Instructor at CG Spectrum College of Digital Art and Animation
March 1, 2019 - July 1, 2021Co-developed the 2D traditional animation curriculum and designed the 2D cutout animation program.
Training Consultant at Toon DNA
June 1, 2019 - June 30, 2019Devised a comprehensive training program for Toon DNA's Assistant Animation team aimed at enhancing both the quality and quantity of their work.
Animation Supervisor at Oasis Animation
March 1, 2018 - November 1, 2018Oversaw animation production for Netflix series 'F is For Family' as well as the long-standing children's animated series 'Arthur'.
Senior Character Animator at Toon Boom Animation
July 1, 2013 - June 1, 2016Engaged with the Professional Services department, trained animation professionals on Toon Boom software, and oversaw client projects including a test series for Nickelodeon at Huevo Cartoon in Mexico City and a project for Play Entertainment in Barbados.
Senior Key Assistant Animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios
January 1, 1999 - December 1, 2000Contributed animation for feature films including Pocahontas, Hercules, Tarzan, and others as a senior key assistant animator.
Drawing Instructor at Walt Disney Animation Studios Los Angeles
January 1, 2005 - December 1, 2007Laid out and taught courses in figure drawing and animation principles.
Faculty Animation Instructor at The Art Institutes of California, San Bernardino
September 1, 2003 - June 1, 2007Teaching figure drawing for animation, advanced animation, sculpture for animation, and 3D demo reel production.
Assistant Animator (credited as Breakdown Artist) at Walt Disney Animation Studios
November 1, 1994 - February 1, 1999Contributed to notable features including Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Tarzan, Fantasia 2000.
Animation Supervisor at Oasis Animation Inc.
March 1, 2018 - November 2, 2018Oversaw animation production for Netflix series 'F Is For Family' and the long-running children's series 'Arthur'.
Instructor / Concept Artist Program at Syn Studio
March 1, 2017 - Present03/2017 – 06/2019: Concept Art Program Figure Drawing Instructor; 06/2018 – Present: Faculty Instructor for Dynamic Figure Drawing, Dynamic Animal Sketching, Hand-Drawn Animation courses.
Software & Animation Trainer at Toon Boom Animation Inc.
February 1, 2013 - February 1, 2016Trained animation professionals on Toon Boom software; led client projects and provided expert technique training for professional services.
Faculty Animation Instructor at Nemo Academy
September 1, 2010 - November 1, 2011Instructed students in 3D and traditional animation, as well as drawing for animation.
Guest Lecturer / Instructor at Centre NAD
May 1, 2013 - May 31, 2013Guest lecturer providing insights to animation students regarding professional life in the animation industry.
Faculty Animation Instructor at The Art Institutes of California – San Bernardino
September 1, 2003 - June 1, 2007Instructed courses in figure drawing for animation, advanced animation, sculpture for animation, and 3D demo-reel production.
Owner, Instructor at Self-employed (Florence Sketching Courses)
January 1, 2020 - PresentOn-site and online sketching courses focusing on building confidence, exploring Florence/European artistic heritage; program designed around traditional animation background.
Faculty Instructor at CG Spectrum College of Digital Art and Animation
March 1, 2022 - PresentInstructing courses in Dynamic Figure Sketching, Dynamic Animal Sketching, and Dynamic Figure Anatomy.
Animation Director at Square Enix / Eidos Montreal
January 1, 2012 - July 1, 2012Co-developed 2D traditional animation curriculum and design for a major AAA game project; led animation concept, storyboarding, and pre-visualization; core member of director team.
Senior Character Animator at Triotech Amusement Inc.
May 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018Senior character animator specialized for 3D immersive experiences and VR installations; led animation creation.
Senior Key Animator at Walt Disney Animation Studios
January 1, 1999 - December 1, 2000Contributed to feature films and animated sequences, including high-profile projects; roles included senior key animation responsibilities.
Assistant Animator at Walt Disney Feature Animation
November 1, 1994 - February 1, 1999Contributed animation for feature films; credited as Breakdown Artist; worked on multiple projects.
Instructor at Gnomon School of Visual Effects
September 1, 2006 - December 1, 2006Drawing instruction in 3D animation prerequisites; taught figure drawing.
Supervisor at Morgan Interactive
November 1, 1993 - December 1, 1994Supervising animation production for educational interactive titles; concept development, character design, storyboard, and supervision of animation.
Assistant Animator at Colossal Pictures
February 1, 1993 - November 1, 1993Assistant animator for television projects; contributed to notable works.
Education
Walt Disney Feature Animation Artist Development Program at Walt Disney Feature Animation
November 1, 1994 - February 1, 1999CG Spectrum College of Digital Art and Animation – 2D Animation at CG Spectrum College of Digital Art and Animation
March 1, 2019 - July 1, 2021Artist Development Program at Walt Disney Feature Animation
November 1, 1994 - February 1, 1999Academic Drawing - Realistic Drawing & Painting at Florence Academy of Art
September 1, 2007 - June 1, 2009Certificate in Drafting for Film, Art Direction & Set Design at London (England)
June 1, 2009 - August 1, 2009Drawing Instructor at Gnomon School of Visual Effects
September 1, 2006 - December 1, 2006Faculty Animation Instructor at The Art Institutes of California – San Bernardino
September 1, 2003 - June 1, 2007Instructor at CG Spectrum College of Digital Art and Animation
March 1, 2019 - July 1, 2021Instructor at New York University Florence
October 1, 2009 - June 1, 2010Instructor at Gnomon School of Visual Effects
September 1, 2006 - December 1, 2006Faculty Animation Instructor at The Art Institutes of California – San Bernardino
September 1, 2003 - June 1, 2007Animation Artist Development Program at Walt Disney Feature Animation Artist Development Program
November 1, 1994 - February 1, 1999Qualifications
Toon Boom Harmony Professional Certification
April 1, 2020 - January 29, 2026Certificate in Drafting for Film, Art Direction, Set Design
July 1, 2009 - January 29, 2026Toon Boom Harmony Professional Certification
April 1, 2020 - February 20, 2026Certificate in Drafting for Film, Art Direction & Set Design
June 1, 2009 - August 1, 2009Toon Boom Harmony – Professional Certification
April 1, 2020 - February 25, 2026Certificate in Color and Composition for Entertainment
April 1, 2006 - June 1, 2006Certificate in Drawing for Film, Art Direction and Set Design
September 1, 2007 - June 1, 2009Walt Disney Feature Animation Artist Development Program
November 1, 1994 - February 1, 1999Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Other
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Hire a 2D Animator
We have the best 2d animator experts on Twine. Hire a 2d animator in Florence today.