Open to opportunities

Keith Yard

@keithyard

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Experienced Art and Technical Director in 2D animation industry.

Canada

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a role that fosters creativity and innovation in animation, with opportunities for leadership and collaboration.

With over 7 years of experience in the 2D animation industry, I am a versatile Art and Technical Director known for leading the artistic direction of acclaimed series such as Saving Me, Red Ketchup, and Belzebubs. My ability to anticipate how early decisions impact the entire pipeline allows me to devise effective cross-departmental solutions swiftly. I am passionate about innovation and continuously drive the development of new techniques that seamlessly blend technical and artistic workflows.

Throughout my career, I have held pivotal roles, including Technical Art Director at Pyjama Films, where I worked on the European co-production Belzebubs, and as a 2D Technical Director at Brazen Animation. My experience includes streamlining production pipelines, authoring comprehensive documentation, and delivering extensive technical support to production teams. I pride myself on my leadership skills and my ability to maintain excellent client relationships while promoting projects through public presentations at various conferences.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Starting Technical Art Director

Pyjama Films LTD.

Feb 2024 - May 2024 (3 months)

Worked on the European co-production Belzebubs, responsible for both technical and artistic aspects, adapting comic stylistic elements into a cut-out animation series produced in Toon Boom Harmony.

Toon Boom Harmony Technical Direction Animation Budgeting Production Outsourcing 2D Animation

2D Technical Director

Brazen Animation

May 2023 - Sep 2023 (4 months)

Streamlined and optimized a hybrid 3D-2D production pipeline in Toon Boom Harmony, authored documentation for the technical team, and provided extensive support to the production team.

Toon Boom Harmony Pipeline Production Technical Documentation Teams 2D Animation Leadership Project Management Production

Art Director

Sphere Animation

Apr 2021 - May 2023 (2 years 1 month)

Led the development of the visual style for the series Red Ketchup, supervising all production stages from concept development to final compositing and promoting the series at various public presentations.

Art Direction Production Product Development Presentation Team Leadership 2D Animation

Art Director

Brazen Animation

Jul 2021 - May 2021 (-1 years 10 months)

Contributed to all stages of production for the series Saving Me, maintaining excellent client relationships and developing the visual style to final compositing.

Art Direction Client Relationship Management Production Team Collaboration 2D Animation Leadership Project Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Cégep du Vieux Montréal

Diploma of College Studies, 2D Traditional Animation

2013 - 2016

Completed a Diploma of College Studies in 2D Traditional Animation, focusing on both technical and artistic aspects of animation production. Participated in adapting comic stylistic elements into cut-out animation series produced in Toon Boom Harmony.

Cégep du Vieux Montréal

Diploma of College Studies, Fine Arts

2011 - 2013

Earned a Diploma of College Studies in Fine Arts, which provided foundational skills in artistic direction and production design, essential for a career in animation.