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Aaron Harlan
Strategic 3D Design & Creative Direction
phone - 254.716.7791
email - aaron@aaronharlan.com
website - aaronharlan.com
SOFTWARE
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 – Present
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
September 2013 – September 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.
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