Curious about the inner workings of an animation mastermind? Well, today’s your lucky day. Recent SCAD graduate, Taylor Read, has built quite the impressive portfolio. Gifted in all things animated, Read’s skills range from graphic design, to creating 3D animated films, to designing a mobile app. In between all of this digital artistry, Read was able to fill us in on what exactly he’s been up to and what opportunities he’s looking for post grad. Hire him before someone else does!
What was your major?
Animation.
What are you currently working on outside of class?
I’m making final adjustments to a 3D Animated short film that I spent the past year creating. I’m also designing a mobile game for the Android platform with a coding friend of mine.
What past projects have you worked on?
I’ve collaborated on a variety of different 3D animated short films in the past year, as well as a point-and-click game which also features 3D animation.
- “The Consequatch,” is a CG animated film about a fearsome monster who turns out to be more bark than bite. The film consists of stylized 3D assets with a cell-shaded appearance, as well as a segment making use of 2D illustrated motion graphics. The comedic tone is coupled with moments of mock-horror to help set the scene. I created this film, contributing included character design, storyboarding, modeling, rigging, animation, shading, lighting, compositing, voice talent, and sound effects.
- “Nor: A Cloud Story,” is a CG animated film about the rivalry between two young cloud creatures in their pursuit to capture stray balloons. The film consists of a stylized 3D environment, assets, and character animation integrated with 2D effects animation and illustrative texture mapping. The tone of the film is lighthearted and supported by a whimsical and uplifting musical score with environmental sound effects. My contributions included 3D character animation and concept art.
- “Lift,” is a stylized, steampunk aesthetic, 3D animated film that follows the perspective of a young, adventurous boy on a visit to the library with his mother. Waiting at the reception desk, the young boy’s interest is peaked when the motorized restocking lift, piloted by the librarian, comes to a stop in front of him. The boy then runs to the machine and takes the lift for a joy ride, full of mechanical whirling, swooshes and falling books. My contribution included 3D character animation.
- “Games,” is a film/interactive 3D game about a boy who dreads the outside and would rather play video games all day. After being forced outside by his mother, he has to try to find a way to entertain himself in a dark and scary world. However, things aren’t as they seem, and, in fact, it’s a really nice day outside. My contributions included 3D character modeling.
What are your best technical or creative skills?
I can successfully create 3D assets and animations. I have experience with every step of the process, from start to finish. Graphic design and motion graphics are additional interests. I’m very comfortable with the entire Adobe Creative Suite. Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere and InDesign are the ones with which I have the most experience.
I also do some illustration. Digital Painting, life drawing, and 2D animation are all skills with which I have received a formal education. I continue to develop my illustration skills in my spare time.
What’s next on your list to learn?
Given the opportunity, I am eager to further develop my capabilities in web design, as well as advance my abilities with mobile app development.
Why the interest in startups?
I had a graphic design internship with Hypepotamus in the summer of 2013. It was a great experience, and I really enjoyed getting introduced to a community that I had never fully appreciated. I saw creative people with a lot of energy and passion. It was wonderful to see how much everyone enjoyed both their work and their lifestyles. All of the innovators involved were very inspiring, and I’d love to continue to work in that community.
What’s your ideal first job?
I’d like to work for a startup or small company that’s established enough to afford a full time artist. I’m not as concerned about the content or product, but I’d love to have the opportunity to make use of all of my skills.
