WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DO

WE DESIGN YOUR VISION + WRITE YOUR STORIES + ANIMATE YOUR BRAND
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@mattiburns.studio

RC.NELSON

My work is a practice of imagination—an exploration beyond the boundaries of what is seen in our world and what is unseen, existing eternally in a realm often
deemed as make-believe. We refer to it as the creative kingdom, for we sense that within the city of glorious light there is a king's treasure chest which holds a harvest of beauty and wisdom more superior than we can fathom. Though hidden, its warmth beckons, inviting us into a world beyond imagination. Daily, I dream to uncover this secret place, where inspiration takes shape, hope begins, and faith finds its form.

Award-winning , innovative, and dynamic Creative Director with 15+ years of experience specializing in storytelling, character design, illustration, and animation. Extensive background in owning and managing successful design business, showcasing exceptional skills in project management, talent oversight, and client services. Adept at translating buisness concepts into visually compelling design and animation with strong focus on delivering high-quality results and exceeding client expectations.


EDUCATION

COLUMBUS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Time Based Media Studies

UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS
Williamsburg, KY
Master of Education (MEd)


WORK EXPERIENCE

MATTIBURNS CREATIVE STUDIO
Owner / Creative Director | Jan 2016 - Present

• Implement visionary creative direction resulting in substantial increase in business revenue, surpassing $900,000 milestone and indicating positive impact on brand's market presence.
• Hosted and taught a 6 week Animation bootcampS and portfolio reviewS called WEEKLY SKETCHBOOK twice a year for high school student’s
• Secured recognition in 32 film festivals, establishing animated show "River City" as stand out in industry, attracting positive attention and contributing to the brands credibility and popularity.


WORK EXPERIENCE

RIVER CITY - THE ANIMATED SHOW
EP01 -
Welcome home (Pilot), EP02 - Town Hop
Asst. Director, Designer, Animator | 2017 - 2023

• Hired and directed the team of animators and voice-over talent
• Designed the pitch deck, press kit, and designed social media content
• Designed and rigged all 9 characters
• Created the camera rig and established the animation pipeline
• Blocked out major character posed and scene comps
• Lead film festival interviews and presentations

PACIFIC LEGAL FOUNDATION
Torch (Animated Short)
Director, Designer, Animator | 2023

• Wrote proposals, managed the project, and directed the team
• Built and lead external freelancers and partners including animators, designers, illustrators, sound engineers, voice-over talent, and copywriters
• Worked with producers

D.L. MOODY | HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Animated Documentary
Director | 2022

• Wrote proposals, managed the project, and directed the team
• Built and lead external freelancers and partners including animators, designers, illustrators, sound engineers, voice-over talent, and copywriters
• Lead discovery sessions with key project stakeholders to write and manage the scripts

BAYER CROP SCIENCE
Product and Service Motion Graphics
Designer, Animator | 2016 - 2020 

• Created digital storyboards based on client script
• Designed and rigged characters
• Worked to define, create, and guide best practices for visual and motion design - including developing the brand guidelines/standards for Digital Products


ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

GOOGLE
Freelance Motion Designer | 2021

PROCTOR & GAMBLE
Freelance UI/UX Designer | 2014 - 2015

HOBART
Freelance UI/UX Designer | 2009 - 2011

RESOURCE/AMMIRATI, AN IBM COMPANY 
Sr. UI / UX Designer | 2009 - 2013

FLEISHMAN-HILLARD
Sr. Interactive Designer | 2005 - 2008

RICHMOND ILLUSTRATION
Caricature Artist | 1999 - 2003

OUR PROCESS

We are a team of dreamers, doers and designers established to be your remote creative team.
We desire to capture the beauty BEYOND IMAGINATION. Where your audience can LEARN, GROW & SHARE.

DISCOVERY & CONCEPT

DEFINING THE STORY

PHASE 01 - CONCEPT & COLLABORATION

We follow a three phase process to ensure customer satisfaction and project efficiency; Our process begins with DEFINING THE STORY. This is where we as a team gathers together to conduct stakeholder interviews, workshops the story, style & statement the project could become. This will give the team a better understanding of the overall brand identity, business requirements, audience, and how we can best measure success.

SERVICES WE OFFER

  • Whether you're writing your script or collaborating with us, you're in control. We define and approve the script, style, and storyboards together. Our initial meeting establishes the project's direction, discussing story breakdown, characters, style, and formatting. Here, we introduce the team, set roles, create a production schedule, and gather necessary brand assets for your project.

  • We listen to your objectives and goals to understand the story you wish to convey along with your target audience, deadline and budget requirements. Key elements of this information feed in to your script, treatment and style frames.

  • We specialize in crafting engaging narratives for various media formats. Our expertise lies in creating captivating scripts for films, TV, ads, and digital content. With a knack for compelling plots, dynamic characters, and impactful dialogue, we bring ideas to life through storytelling, tailored to meet our clients' unique visions.

  • We can create your compelling press kit containing high-quality visuals, synopses, cast details, and critical reviews. This includes an engaging pitch deck that highlights your project's unique selling points, market potential, and alignment with the network's content strategy. We customize each presentation for specific networks, crafting a tailored email introduction to accompany the materials.

CHARACTERS + STORYBOARDS

VISUAL DEVELOPMENT

PHASE 02 - PRODUCTION

Once our story is mapped out, our next phase of the process is to BRING THE WORLD TO LIFE. In the studio this is where the magic takes place. We design and rig characters to tell your stories. We paint the environments that immerse your audience. We orchestrate the sound that captures curiosity. We make the unbelievable come to life through art, design, animation & sound. To do this we have developed a to world building we bring what was once an idea with all of its many parts and form it into a visual big screen. we will begin the rigging process. We use a plugin called DUIK Angela and Joysticks N Sliders. We then will create a rough “animatic” for the client to approve the overall timing and layout of the animation based on the script. After any tweaks are made we will fully flush out the entire animation.

SERVICES WE OFFER

  • The storyboard process is a pivotal stage in visual storytelling where ideas transform into a visual narrative. It involves a sequence of digitally illustrated frames that outline the key scenes and actions of a story. Typically, these frames represent the progression of a project, outlining camera angles, character movements, and essential visual details. Storyboards serve as a blueprint, guiding the direction of a film, animation, or any visual project. They allow creators to visualize the flow of the story, test concepts, and refine sequences before entering the production phase, ensuring a cohesive and well-structured final product.

  • After the initial meeting with the client, beginning with varied sketches for the initial concept, we refine the look using Adobe Illustrator. Each character receives a model sheet showcasing their final style, personality traits, and physique. Furthermore, every character is given a distinct pose reflecting their role and story identity, aiding the client in envisioning their unique narrative contribution. This includes character testing, camera blocking, facial expressions, accessories, clothing, and final color choices.

  • The background illustration process involves creating visually immersive and contextual settings that complement and enhance the story's narrative. It begins with conceptualizing the scenery, considering factors such as mood, atmosphere, and storyline relevance. Sketches and rough drafts help in refining the composition and layout. Once approved, detailed illustrations are crafted, focusing on intricate details, perspective, lighting, and color schemes. These illustrations serve as the backdrop, setting the stage for the characters and actions to unfold seamlessly within the story, enriching the overall visual experience.

  • The process of prop and vehicle design for animation involves a meticulous approach to creating objects that play a vital role in enhancing storytelling and world-building. It begins with ideation and conceptualization, where various designs and functionalities are explored to suit the narrative. Sketches and rough drafts help in refining the form, function, and aesthetic of the props or vehicles. Once a design is selected, detailed illustrations are crafted, focusing on intricate elements, functionality, scale, and how they interact within the animated world. Attention is paid to ensure consistency with the overall visual style and the story's needs. These meticulously designed props and vehicles not only add depth and authenticity to the animation but also contribute to the narrative's coherence and visual appeal.

  • Whether you need a fully designed logo for your show or you want to animate your brand to the next level with a logo sting and title cards, we can help. The process is to create a captivating and memorable visual introductions that set the tone for a project. It starts with conceptualizing ideas that align with the brand or project identity, considering factors like tone, style, and message. Design drafts and storyboards are crafted to refine the motion and visual elements. Once the direction is approved, meticulous attention is given to animation, sound effects, and transitions, ensuring a seamless and impactful introduction. These logo stings and title cards serve as the opening sequences, instantly grabbing the audience's attention and setting the stage for what follows, leaving a lasting impression and establishing a visual identity for the project.

ANIMATION + SOUND DESIGN

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ANIMATION!

PHASE 03 - POST PRODUCTION

Once we are in the animation phase we will send "BI-WEEKLIES." Which are completed shots/scenes to show progress and/or request approval. The client will receive a password protected Vimeo link where they can share and approve with their team if necessary. Upon completion, the client receive a final downloadable link for client access. At this point we shouldn’t have any additional revisions because the client has approved all of the previous steps.

SERVICES WE OFFER

  • This is where we will collect the created characters and export them into Adobe After Effects as vector assets. We will then start the rigging process by using a plugin called DUIK Angela and Joysticks N Sliders. After any tweaks are made we will go into final animation.

  • Once the client approves the FINAL storyboards we will begin production by creating a rough animation, called an “animatic” based on the approved storyboards. The client will receive a video showing the early stages of animation. This will include basic camera moves of each scene and the overall timing and pace based on the script and soundtrack. This will give the client assurance half way through the animation process that the storyboards are translating well as an animation.

  • With the script, style frames, and voice-over signed off, it's time to start animating. Animation is not a fast process and this step may take several weeks to complete, depending on the length of the voice-over. This is why it's essential we collaborate and sign off the previous elements.

    We will work directly with the team to ensure the greatest quality possible. During this phase we will create a rough “animatic” of the storyboard so the client can approve overall timing, making sure the visuals translate well with the script. After any tweaks are made we will go into final production, animating each asset, bringing to life the characters & the environment they play in.

  • Every character needs a voice. We can help you find the ideal voice to match your brand and budget. We will provide 3-5 actors from our database of talent. These options will be a collection if diversity based on age, gender and ethnicity. The price varies per actor.

  • The last step of this phase is to sync together the animation, audio fx and voiceover. We will engineer a final mix of the voice-over(s) and/or soundtrack and soundfx to accompany the overall score.

    To ensure the animation to be dynamic we use Sound FX to enhance the motion of the elements. This also creates a more realistic environment for the audience.

  • Now we are ready to put the finishing touches on the audio. This includes balancing the mix between the score, voice overs and soundfx. We will engineer a final mix of the voice-over(s) and/or soundtrack and soundfx to accompany the overall score.

  • This includes, lighting, keying & compositing, & mapping out any textures needed to finalize the project.

  • The animated video files are exported to your technical requirements and delivered to you.

SERVICES WE OFFER

PROMO VIDEOS

TITLE SEQUENCES

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

EPISODIC STORYTELLING

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PROMO VIDEOS

TITLE SEQUENCES

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

EPISODIC STORYTELLING

•••

PROMO VIDEOS

TITLE SEQUENCES

CHILDREN’S BOOKS

EPISODIC STORYTELLING

•••