I’m Michael Plueger, a 3D animation artist focused on bringing characters to life through strong physicality, timing, and emotion. I’m currently a Teaching Assistant for UTDallas, where I support and critique animation fundamentals, troubleshoot Maya issues, and help keep classroom workflows running smoothly for 40+ students. I also produce and illustrate professional creative work—most recently animating character performance in Maya for University projects and developing game-focused animations for stylized gameplay in EverBloom and Inked. Alongside animation, I’ve completed a full children’s book illustration from concept through final art, collaborating remotely with the author, and I bring both storytelling and technical craft into every piece I make.…

Michael Plueger Richardson

I’m Michael Plueger, a 3D animation artist focused on bringing characters to life through strong physicality, timing, and emotion. I’m currently a Teaching Assistant for UTDallas, where I support and critique animation fundamentals, troubleshoot Maya issues, and help keep classroom workflows running smoothly for 40+ students. I also produce and illustrate professional creative work—most recently animating character performance in Maya for University projects and developing game-focused animations for stylized gameplay in EverBloom and Inked. Alongside animation, I’ve completed a full children’s book illustration from concept through final art, collaborating remotely with the author, and I bring both storytelling and technical craft into every piece I make.…

Available to hire

I’m Michael Plueger, a 3D animation artist focused on bringing characters to life through strong physicality, timing, and emotion. I’m currently a Teaching Assistant for UTDallas, where I support and critique animation fundamentals, troubleshoot Maya issues, and help keep classroom workflows running smoothly for 40+ students.

I also produce and illustrate professional creative work—most recently animating character performance in Maya for University projects and developing game-focused animations for stylized gameplay in EverBloom and Inked. Alongside animation, I’ve completed a full children’s book illustration from concept through final art, collaborating remotely with the author, and I bring both storytelling and technical craft into every piece I make.

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Language

English
Fluent
Korean
Beginner
German
Intermediate

Work Experience

Film Creator (Student Film / Animation Project) at University Project (How to Open a Door)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Animated character performance in Maya with an emphasis on physicality and comedic timing.
Teaching Assistant at 8 employee venture-backed recruitment startup
August 1, 2024 - Present
Provide critique to strengthen student animation fundamentals. Support grading and classroom workflow for 40+ students. Assist with troubleshooting animation issues in Maya.
Teaching Assistant at University of Texas at Dallas
June 24, 2024 - May 7, 2027
Teaching assistant for professors at the University of Texas at Dallas
3D Animator (Film/Game Animation Project) at University Project (Inked)
May 1, 2024 - Present
Animated main character and quadruped cycles, refining emotional beats. Won Best Film at the San Antonio Film Festival 2025.
3D Animator (Game Animations) at University Project (EverBloom)
May 1, 2024 - Present
Produced player and NPC animations aligned with stylized gameplay mechanics.
Contracted Illustrator at Book Illustration (Legacy One Luxury)
May 1, 2022 - December 1, 2022
Illustrated a complete children’s book from concept to final art. Collaborated remotely with the author to maintain visual style and character consistency. Book was published and distributed through Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Animation and Game Design at University of the Incarnate Word
August 24, 2020 - August 23, 2024
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Major in 3D Animation at University of Texas at Dallas
January 1, 2025 - May 1, 2027

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Gaming, Computers & Electronics, Software & Internet, Education, Media & Entertainment
    Inked - 3D Animated Film

    Worked as a backup animator for some scenes in a student project named Inked.