My path to 3D animation

My transition from the world of metal sculpture and fine jewelry into 3D animation was driven by an obsession with how light, texture, and physics interact. That maker’s eye for physical materials is the foundation of my digital craft. Today, I am a Senior Motion Designer specializing in building 3D worlds where technical precision meets visual storytelling.

I have taken deep dives into the entire 3D ecosystem, mastering modeling, lighting, and complex simulations in Cinema 4D and X-Particles (with some dabbling in Houdini) before bringing them to life in After Effects. I handle everything from initial storyboarding and 2D motion elements to color grading, editing, and transitions. With extensive experience in marketing and business strategy, I don’t just create images; I create visual solutions. I understand how to connect the dots between a brand's strategic goals and the visual content that drives them. This founder’s mindset has allowed me to successfully deliver high-stakes projects for a range of global clients, including Skechers, Intel, and large-format live visuals for Shakira.

I am self-taught and a lifelong student of my craft, dedicated to seeing the images in my imagination come to life in ways that delight, inform, and move the viewer.

Skills

3D: Cinema 4D, Redshift, Zbrush, Substance Suite
2D: AfterEffects, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro
General: Modeling, Materials, Lighting, Animation, Simulations, Rendering Optimization, Compositing, Tracking, Color Grading, Editing, Illustration, Typograpy, Art Direction

My Training and Experience

  • BS in Art from University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Fulbright Scholar in Sculpture-Nepal
  • Cinema 4D Ascent-School of Motion
  • Animation Bootcamp-School of Motion
  • Freelance Illustrator and UI Designer for companies in software, tech/legal advisory, construction and non-profit since 2018

Before I was a motion designer...

Jewelry
For many years, I designed, fabricated and marketed my collection of fine jewelry, reaching clients across the US and abroad.
Some of the work I produced over the years: can be seen here.

From this experience, I learned about crafting a marketing message and how to work with clients directly to fulfill their vision.

Nepal
After the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, founding a non-profit to help rebuild rural areas.

Our team succeeded in completely rebuilding the village of Rainaskot, seen here, and completed projects in 3 other villages while the organization was active. Read more here.

Leading this project helped me become proficient in teamwork, project management and collaboration.

For availability, please reach out to me athello@natashawozniak.com