Nathaniel Dunkins – Animator | 3D & 2D Specialist | Visual Storyteller I’m Nathaniel Dunkins, an animator passionate about creating compelling worlds—both fantastical and grounded. With experience in both 2D and 3D animation, I specialize in transforming ideas into vibrant, dynamic visuals that bring stories to life. Whether it's breathing movement into characters or crafting immersive environments, my goal is to capture the essence of every project through creative, forward-thinking animation. I’ve worked across a variety of projects, from short films and game assets to commercial and social media animations. My skill set spans across keyframe animation, rigging, character design, and more, with proficiency in industry-standard software like Blender, Maya, Toon Boom, and Adobe Animate. But what sets me apart is my ability to blend traditional animation techniques with cutting-edge technology, resulting in unique and innovative animation styles. Looking for: I’m currently open to freelance and full-time animation opportunities where I can push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and collaborate on exciting projects. If you're looking for someone who’s not afraid to think outside the box and bring bold, fresh ideas to the screen, let's connect! Find me on Twine to view my portfolio, discuss projects, or collaborate on your next animation masterpiece.

dunkanimations5953

Nathaniel Dunkins – Animator | 3D & 2D Specialist | Visual Storyteller I’m Nathaniel Dunkins, an animator passionate about creating compelling worlds—both fantastical and grounded. With experience in both 2D and 3D animation, I specialize in transforming ideas into vibrant, dynamic visuals that bring stories to life. Whether it's breathing movement into characters or crafting immersive environments, my goal is to capture the essence of every project through creative, forward-thinking animation. I’ve worked across a variety of projects, from short films and game assets to commercial and social media animations. My skill set spans across keyframe animation, rigging, character design, and more, with proficiency in industry-standard software like Blender, Maya, Toon Boom, and Adobe Animate. But what sets me apart is my ability to blend traditional animation techniques with cutting-edge technology, resulting in unique and innovative animation styles. Looking for: I’m currently open to freelance and full-time animation opportunities where I can push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and collaborate on exciting projects. If you're looking for someone who’s not afraid to think outside the box and bring bold, fresh ideas to the screen, let's connect! Find me on Twine to view my portfolio, discuss projects, or collaborate on your next animation masterpiece.

Available to hire

Nathaniel Dunkins – Animator | 3D & 2D Specialist | Visual Storyteller

I’m Nathaniel Dunkins, an animator passionate about creating compelling worlds—both fantastical and grounded. With experience in both 2D and 3D animation, I specialize in transforming ideas into vibrant, dynamic visuals that bring stories to life. Whether it’s breathing movement into characters or crafting immersive environments, my goal is to capture the essence of every project through creative, forward-thinking animation.

I’ve worked across a variety of projects, from short films and game assets to commercial and social media animations. My skill set spans across keyframe animation, rigging, character design, and more, with proficiency in industry-standard software like Blender, Maya, Toon Boom, and Adobe Animate. But what sets me apart is my ability to blend traditional animation techniques with cutting-edge technology, resulting in unique and innovative animation styles.

Looking for: I’m currently open to freelance and full-time animation opportunities where I can push boundaries, experiment with new techniques, and collaborate on exciting projects. If you’re looking for someone who’s not afraid to think outside the box and bring bold, fresh ideas to the screen, let’s connect!

Find me on Twine to view my portfolio, discuss projects, or collaborate on your next animation masterpiece.

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Skills

Ch
Character Design
Un
Unity 3D
Sh
Short Film
Pe
Pencil Illustration
Il
Illustration
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Experience Level

Character Design
Expert
Unity 3D
Expert
Short Film
Expert
Pencil Illustration
Expert
Illustration
Expert
Comic Strip
Expert
2D Animation
Expert
Cartoon
Expert
3D Model
Expert
3D Animation
Expert
Animation
Expert
Artwork
Expert
Logo
Expert
Game Design
Expert
Editorial Illustration
Intermediate
Canva
Beginner
Branding
Beginner
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Language

Education

Bachelors of Science in Digital Media Arts at Prairie View A&M University
August 19, 2019 - August 10, 2024

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail
    uniE613 3D animation - 3D Modeling
    These are some 3d models that I did several months back for an assignment I did with my classmates. Below are some of the ideation/modeling processes for designing the couch for an animation, I and my classmates did at Prairie View A&M University using Houdini FX. For my task in an animation assignment, we were all given individual tasks on this project. My task was to design the couch and the environment based on the setting of the story, which was that an elderly woman has a cat that is fighting sleep paralysis. Here are some models of a couch that I made using files that were made in Maya and exported in Houdini and Blender. Also, I've used some sketches on my iPad using Adobe Sketchbook to draw out the scene using Victorian-era Style furniture as a reference. https://www.twine.net/signin https://www.twine.net/signin https://www.twine.net/signin
    uniE608 Houdini 3D Modeling - Sonic Spring
    I made a spring object from scratch using Houdini 19.5v. This object was used in Sonic games a lot. However, I've struggled with the star geometry on top of the spring object. Though I'm still doing touch-ups on the final showcase, this is my process so far. houdini houdinisoftware houdinimodeling houdini19.5 3dModeling video
    uniE613 Memin Pinguin Animation
    Senior Thesis Project Summary: For my senior thesis, I explored the intersection of animation, race, and cultural representation, with a focus on the harmful impact of racial stereotypes in animated media. Growing up with classic cartoons like Looney Tunes, Popeye, Betty Boop, and Felix the Cat, I was drawn to their humor and animation styles. However, as I studied animation history more deeply, I came to understand how these early cartoons were often shaped by harmful racial caricatures, particularly through the lens of blackface and minstrelsy. The Jim Crow persona—rooted in these dehumanizing traditions—was not only a social and political tool but also a pervasive influence on animation, contributing to negative portrayals of Black identity. These stereotypes, which persisted well into the 20th century and were syndicated for decades afterward, perpetuated false narratives that impacted self-perception and social attitudes. In my project, I sought to shed light on the historical origins of these portrayals, while challenging their continued existence in modern media. A key example of this ongoing issue is the Mexican animated character Memín Pinguín. Created in the 1940s, Memín Pinguín is a cartoon character that has sparked controversy due to his exaggerated, racially charged features and his portrayal as a black boy from a poor, working-class background. While Memín was created within a specific cultural context, his design and portrayal embody many of the same racist tropes that have been present in American animation. His character reflects the legacy of minstrelsy and blackface, both of which dehumanize and marginalize Black people through the use of stereotypes. In my thesis, I used Memín Pinguín as a case study to examine how these damaging stereotypes persist across different cultural contexts, even in countries like Mexico, where racial dynamics are distinct yet still influenced by the global reach of American media. By redesigning Memín Pinguín and other characters that continue to perpetuate racial tropes, I aimed to give newer audiences a more accurate understanding of where these stereotypes originated and how they continue to shape perceptions of Black identity. My goal was to challenge the cultural norms that continue to allow such depictions to exist while offering alternative designs and stories that promote dignity, respect, and positive cultural representation. Through this project, I hope to inspire social change by encouraging creators to move beyond harmful stereotypes and towards more thoughtful and inclusive portrayals of marginalized communities in animation. Here's my finished project on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qKahpcKiZJE