Aaron Harlan

Strategic 3D Design & Creative Direction

phone - 254.716.7791

email - aaron@aaronharlan.com

website - aaronharlan.com

SOFTWARE

Photoshop, expert

Illustrator, expert

Premier Pro, advanced

After Effects, advanced

Cinema 4d, expert

Figma, advanced

Framer, advanced

Maya, advanced

Zbrush, advanced

Octane Render, advanced

Unreal Engine, dangerous

Unity, dangerous

Photoshop, expert

Illustrator, expert

Premier Pro, advanced

After Effects, advanced

Cinema 4d, expert

Figma, advanced

Framer, advanced

Maya, advanced

Zbrush, advanced

Octane Render, advanced

Unreal Engine, learning but dangerous

Unity, learning but dangerous

Skills

Creative Direction, 8 years

Public Speaking, 12 years

3D design, 10+ years

Modeling

Texturing

UV layout

Lighting

Animation

Rendering.

Motion design, 5 years

Illustration, 11 years

Branding, 8 years

Video Production, 10+ years

UI/UX Design, 4 years

Achievements

Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Role; 2008-2012

2nd Runner Up, 2009 National Student Advertising Competition

Participant in the 2008 Division I NCAA Men’s Decathlon

Executive summary

Results-driven creative director and multimedia artist with expertise in 3D modeling, animation, motion graphics, graphic design, and UI/UX design. Well-rounded team lead with an impressive track record of envisioning novel solutions to complex projects, securing substantial contracts, and increasing brand awareness. MFA in Advertising Design with afocus on 3D motion graphics and photography.

Experience

FoVI3D, Austin, TX (Collaborative 3D Visualization Company)

Creative Director & UI/UX Designer

Sept. 2016 – Feb. 2024

Leading significant projects, including a $1.8 million SBIR project with the US Navy, in 3D visualization to simplify complex decision-making, has been a cornerstone of my experience. I've spearheaded a team to develop the PRISM workstations. A collaborative, headset free, 3D visualization tool for battlespace and air traffic management.

My hands-on work in designing and optimizing 3D geospatial scenarios for our BattleView software aimed to enhance collaborative experiences, resulting in a 200%-300% increase in user engagement. Additionally, I've led multiple projects valuing over one million dollars focusing on intuitive design and gamification, significantly impacting human-machine interface research.

Beyond technical achievements, I've played a key role in company branding, increasing website traffic by 300% and boosting brand awareness by 400% through discoverable web design and engaging video content. My participation in conferences and panel discussions has allowed me to showcase our innovative solutions to a broad audience, contributing to meaningful collaborations with the US Navy, Army, and Airforce. This role has been an exciting blend of leadership, creativity, and technological advancement.

ZEBRA IMAGING, Austin, TX (Light-field holography company)                                              

Senior 3D Artist & Art Director

Sep. 2013 – Sept. 2016

Critical contributor to a variety of 3D holographic products, including trade show displays, wayfinding applications for department stores, and Disney collectibles. Leading a small team, we produced memorable Star Wars holograms for Disney, and I partnered with Google on urban topographic maps for defense use.

I was responsible for creating diverse marketing materials, from videos to social media graphics and 3D prints, enhancing our brand's visibility. My role extended to refining our team's workflows and creative processes, and I played a key part in client interactions, ensuring our holographic products met their precise needs.

Our work reached a broad audience, collaborating with notable clients like Disney, the Dallas Cowboys, and the San Fransisco 49ers. This period was marked by innovation, teamwork, and the successful melding of art and technology to meet our clients' visions.

Freelance Designer                                                                                                                        

Sept. 2016 -Present

Freelance Designer                       

September 2016 -Present

I'm constantly exploring new techniques and trends in the realm of visual storytelling, encompassing motion graphics, short films, illustrations, information graphics, user interface assets, 3D models, animations, and website design. My passion lies in crafting stories through visuals. My work has attracted a diverse range of clients, including Austin Energy, Bluejay Games, Austin Regional Clinic, and Third and Lamar, reflecting my ability to adapt and innovate across various projects.

Teacher of Record

Stephen F. Austin State University

September 2012-2013

Led Illustration and Typography courses, where students were immersed in the world of design through engaging demonstrations and discussions on artistic techniques. I especially enjoyed facilitating collaborative critiques, creating a dynamic environment where students could share insights and feedback on each other's work, fostering a sense of community and collective learning.

Design by Aaron Harlan 2024

Austin, TX