Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Passionate about modern animation and CGI cinema. Enjoy analyzing animated films and 3D productions
Timeline
Generic
Nathan Villalobos

Nathan Villalobos

3D Animator, 3D Modeler
San Jose

Summary

Dynamic 3D Modeler and Animator with a strong foundation from Universidad Latina De Costa Rica. Expert in creating optimized 3D assets and textures, enhancing project quality under tight deadlines. Proficient in Blender, Maya and Substance, with exceptional problem-solving skills and a collaborative spirit, driving successful team projects and delivering compelling visual narratives.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Language

Work History

3D Modeler / Digital Animation Student

Universidad Latina De Costa Rica
01.2022 - Current
  • Used Blender and Maya to model and create appealing, animation-ready characters optimized for rigging.
  • Improved project quality by delivering realistic and well-structured 3D assets within tight academic deadlines.
  • Utilized Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint to create storyboards and character sheets for design presentations and proposals.
  • Used Substance 3D Painter to create high-quality textures for 3D models.
  • Created detailed UV maps to ensure efficient texture application, improving asset consistency and workflow.
  • Developed customized textures and shaders to enhance the realism of 3D models under various lighting conditions.
  • Built base models and concept sketches to visualize final product and environment designs.
  • Presented progress updates during group meetings, showcasing completed assets and discussing potential improvements or refinements.
  • Resolved common modeling challenges such as n-gons, non-manifold geometry, and edge flow issues to ensure models were clean and animation-ready.
  • Gathered photo references to guide modeling and texture creation processes.
  • Collaborated on team projects to deliver high-quality final assets in academic production settings.

3D Character Animator (Student)

Universidad Latina De Costa Rica
01.2022 - Current
  • Used Blender and Maya to animate expressive, functional 3D characters for academic short films and interactive scenes.
  • Created smooth and believable animations by applying principles of motion, timing, and weight.
  • Designed appealing, animation-ready characters optimized for rigging and movement.
  • Collaborated with classmates to develop animated sequences, handling both modeling and animation tasks.
  • Presented animation progress during team reviews, accepting feedback and iterating accordingly.
  • Began exploring environmental animation techniques, aiming to specialize in background animation and 3D scene dynamics in future projects.

Visual Design & Preproduction

Universidad Latina De Costa Rica
01.2022 - Current
  • Used Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint, and InDesign to create storyboards, character sheets, and graphic layouts.
  • Produced materials for design proposals and animation pitches, maintaining a professional and cohesive visual language.
  • Designed logos, graphic compositions, and presentation boards as part of visual development tasks.

Education

Digital Animator - 3D Animation

Universidad Latina De Costa Rica
San José
05.2001 -

Skills

3D Modeling

Topology & Edge Flow

UV Mapping & Unwrapping

Texturing & Shading

Knowledge of N-gons, Non-Manifold Geometry & Troubleshooting

Retopology & Optimization

Problem-solving abilities

Animation

Multitasking

Passionate about modern animation and CGI cinema. Enjoy analyzing animated films and 3D productions

I'm really passionate about modern animation and CGI films. I love breaking down how scenes are built, how characters move, and how the visuals help tell the story. That inspires me to draw concept art and come up with my own ideas for unique characters and environments. Watching animated movies isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s how I learn, get inspired, and stay connected to the kind of work I want to create.

Timeline

3D Modeler / Digital Animation Student

Universidad Latina De Costa Rica
01.2022 - Current

3D Character Animator (Student)

Universidad Latina De Costa Rica
01.2022 - Current

Visual Design & Preproduction

Universidad Latina De Costa Rica
01.2022 - Current

Digital Animator - 3D Animation

Universidad Latina De Costa Rica
05.2001 -
Nathan Villalobos3D Animator, 3D Modeler