Hi, I’m Sophia Ni, a visual development artist and illustrator based in Pasadena, CA. I specialize in environment design, product design, character design, storytelling, and concept development for animation and entertainment. I trained at ArtCenter College of Design and completed a Summer Program in Visual Storytelling in Paris. I have mentored and interned at ArtCenter’s Career and Professional Development and NBCUniversal, and I enjoy collaborating to bring ideas to life through illustration, design, and storytelling.…

Sophia Ni

Hi, I’m Sophia Ni, a visual development artist and illustrator based in Pasadena, CA. I specialize in environment design, product design, character design, storytelling, and concept development for animation and entertainment. I trained at ArtCenter College of Design and completed a Summer Program in Visual Storytelling in Paris. I have mentored and interned at ArtCenter’s Career and Professional Development and NBCUniversal, and I enjoy collaborating to bring ideas to life through illustration, design, and storytelling.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Sophia Ni, a visual development artist and illustrator based in Pasadena, CA. I specialize in environment design, product design, character design, storytelling, and concept development for animation and entertainment.

I trained at ArtCenter College of Design and completed a Summer Program in Visual Storytelling in Paris. I have mentored and interned at ArtCenter’s Career and Professional Development and NBCUniversal, and I enjoy collaborating to bring ideas to life through illustration, design, and storytelling.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Chinese
Fluent

Work Experience

Visual Development Mentor at ArtCenter Career and Professional Development
September 1, 2023 - December 1, 2025
Mentor with Tom Eichacker; worked with a Visual Development mentor to develop senior thesis projects including exploration, environmental design, color/lighting, character design, and storytelling.
Teaching Assistant at ArtCenter College of Design
September 1, 2023 - December 1, 2025
TA for Graphic Design for Entertainment, Creative Perspective, and Inventive Drawing. Worked with students to develop storytelling, graphic design, perspective, environment, layout, and character skills. Provided critique and resources for student work. Created a dedicated space outside of class for collaboration and Q&A.
Design Intern at NBCUniversal
June 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024
Intern, Toys & Hardlines. Worked closely with the team to ideate, design, and render various products for Universal and DreamWorks IP. Communicated with vendors and industry professionals on development of products. Contributed to pitch materials and retail concepts.

Education

B.F.A. with Distinction and Honors in Illustration; GPA 3.90 at ArtCenter College of Design
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2025
Summer Program in Visual Storytelling at Gobelin's, l'école de l'image
June 1, 2025 - August 1, 2025

Qualifications

GPA: 3.90
January 11, 2030 - December 9, 2025
Dean's List
January 1, 2021 - December 9, 2025
Provost List
January 1, 2021 - December 9, 2025
Endowed Scholarship Merit
January 1, 2021 - December 9, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment
    paper DogWood Bay

    This is my senior visual development project. Inspired by a short story I wrote, DogWood Bay follows the coming-of-age journey twins Elio and Poppy. This project features explorations, character designs, work exploration, prop/building design, key scene painting, and more! To view the full project click here : https://www.twine.net/signin