Open to opportunities

Nikolas Orion Alixopulos

@nikolasorionalixopul

Message

Senior 3D technical producer and animator specializing in photorealistic visualization.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek roles where I can lead 3D visualization teams, modernize production pipelines, mentor artists, and deliver high-fidelity training or branded visual content within collaborative, mission-driven organizations.

I am a creative professional with 15+ years leading animation, motion graphics, and technical visualization for medical technology, higher education, and feature film projects.

At Intuitive Surgical I lead end-to-end 3D production for global surgeon training, modernized pipelines, onboarded junior artists, and partnered with subject matter experts to translate complex procedures into accessible training materials.

Previously I founded and directed a 3D content production program at UC Santa Cruz, produced immersive academic visualizations, and contributed high-fidelity VFX assets for feature film work, including credits on major productions.

I combine creative leadership, technical execution, and vendor management to deliver photorealistic assets, streamline workflows, and produce industry-standard results under tight deadlines.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior 3D Technical Producer

Current

Intuitive Surgical

Nov 2015 - Present (9 years 10 months)

Led end-to-end design and production of 3D animations and visual assets for global surgeon training on robotic surgical systems, modernizing pipelines to improve delivery speed and visual fidelity while managing vendors and cross-functional teams.

3D Animation Maya Pipeline Development Vendor Management Team Leadership

Creative Director / 3D Animation

University of California, Santa Cruz

Feb 2013 - Nov 2015 (2 years 9 months)

Founded and led a 3D content production program delivering immersive visualizations for academic curricula, establishing workflows and tools that increased production efficiency and instructional engagement.

Creative Direction 3D Visualization Storyboarding Project Management Maya Instructional Design

3D Artist / Assistant Technical Director

Whiskytree

Oct 2012 - Dec 2012 (2 months)

Contributed 3D assets and lighting setups for the feature film Elysium, producing photorealistic renders and volumetric passes for Nuke compositing while coordinating junior artists to meet tight deadlines.

3D Modeling Light Volumetric Passes Nuke Integration Team Coordination

3D Artist

Insight

Apr 2008 - Jun 2009 (1 year 2 months)

Produced high-fidelity 3D assets for the CG documentary Tales of the Maya Skies, reconstructing photorealistic artifacts and optimizing assets for integration into the post-production pipeline.

Maya