I’m Kevin Maldonado a graphic designer and 3D artist specializing in character animation and technical simulations. With an MFA focus, I transform complex concepts into realistic animations, dynamic VFX, and high-impact digital experiences.
Through my MFA candidate studies, I have developed the ability to adapt movement to diverse styles, ranging from the
precision of realistic body mechanics to the expressiveness of stylized animation. I am constantly pushing the
boundaries of 3D performance, prioritizing workflow optimization and excellence in the final polish of
every performance.
Gifts from The Heart: The Magic of Giving | 3D Animated Short Film
The short film Gifts from The Heart: The Magic of Giving is my thesis project for my Master of Fine Arts (MFA). It is a 60-second animated piece that tells the story of Bella, a young girl who looks for inspiration around her home to put together a handmade photo album for her grandmother. This project was my opportunity to dive fully into the core narrative process, focusing on structuring the story, drawing the storyboards, and editing the animatics to ensure the character's arc flowed seamlessly with the music before starting any 3D work.
During the production stage, my main goal was to put the fundamentals of animation into practice and gain a deeper understanding of body mechanics. To achieve this, I recorded and studied various video references, analyzing how physical weight, balance, and the center of gravity work to translate them into Bella's movements. It was a process of continuous learning and trial and error, where I focused on applying principles like squash and stretch and overlapping action. Additionally, I built functional rigs for the props, which allowed me to technically resolve the character's interactions with elements in her environment, such as chests, toy boxes, and sheets of paper.
As a character-focused artist, I am passionate about bringing stories to life through
sincere movement and believable mechanics. I am always looking to collaborate with teams
that push the boundaries of animation, bringing a total commitment to final polish and
narrative excellence in every frame."
