Stephen van Wyk
CG Animation
Character animator, previz artist and CG generalist based in Nashville, TN
Work Experience
Some projects that I've worked on
Valorant Game Changers trailer. For this one I was responsible for providing 3D previs for the cel animators to work off of on a couple of shots
A rather meaningful piece I worked on. I was was responsible for animating the 3D plant and flower which was used as a reference for the various media styles
A spot for Fruitloops Jumbo Snax. I did animation work on a couple of the shots.
A trailer for the game Ara for Xbox. I was responsible for previs and as well as character animation blocking on a couple of shots. https://www.behance.net/gallery/146536761/Xbox-Ara-History-Untold
A teaser for a tv show concept currently being shopped around by IV Studio. I did a few things on this from shot layout to modelling and a touch of rigging (a very small touch). Also, it’s rendered in Unity and looks rather dope.
One of a series of ads I was involved in at IV Studio for Nike and House of Hoops. My role consisted of scene and initial camera layout as well as initial key poses on the characters.
A trailer for a book currently being written by Micheal Cribbs that was produced and made at IV. My role on this was fairly broad, I animated and tweaked existing animation on the airplanes in Element 3D, I did camera animation as well as background animation and some of the effects. This project was a total blast to work on.
A Christmas greeting video I worked on for Medhost. After receiving the storyboards I gathered various rigs and assets from previous projects and modelled additional ones as needed. I was also responsible for all the shot setups and animation and well as rendering and compositing. It was fun being able to take a smaller scale project and run with it, stressful at times sure, but the fun kind of stress.
League of Legends music video that I did character animation on.
One of 7 episodes I did previz work on over at Sunrise Productions. This included camera placement and animation as well as key poses on the characters and props. I also got to have a brief taste of what it was like in writers room which was really fun!
Character Animation
Some personal animation pieces and WIPs. I am always working on something!
A tiny little film I made for submission to Catsuka. Responsible for all elements using Maya and Blender.
Another animation test in Blender "Puffighter Pfish" design was by my friend Nayt - http://cartoonographer.com/
Responsible for modelling, rigging and animation.
A test and also my first deep dive into character animation in Blender. The character design was by my friend Nayt - check out his stuff here: http://cartoonographer.com/Responsible for modelling, rigging and animation
WIP I’ve been chipping away wait when time allows. It’s the first time I’ve done a truly deep dive into stepped blocking (straight ahead), it’s been challenging but rewarding. I’m also incredibly fortunate enough to be getting some guidance from a Disney animator!
Little piece for fun and practice. I cannot take credit for idea at all (although I did embellish it and try to push the appeal), this is referenced from an SNL skit starring Christina Applegate as a dance instructor schooled in the style of Bob Fosse.
My first piece of lipsync animation in a long long time. So many rookie mistakes were made while shaking off the rust, but I think growth is happening. Next I’d like to experiment more with animating in stepped, I’m more of a spline guy but it has some serious drawbacks. Also here’s to finishing things!
An oldie form the archive. Made during some downtime back in my Triggerfish days.