Kayli Higashi
Hard Surface Modeler. Texturing, and Animator Throughout Kayli’s educational career, she has found a great passion through all medias of art, whether it is with traditional or digital forms. Being able to express herself through art and allowing the audience to find a connection through the story is what she loves to do. Since being at the University of Colorado Denver, she has been working towards a BFA in 3D-Animation, with a minor in drawing and painting. Kayli has a strong devotion to the field of 3D-Animation, as bringing a story and environment to life is an outstanding experience to be a part of. Having the opportunity to work with the Daruma team will be an exciting creative journey, in which Kayli plans to dedicate herself and leadership skills to the group. Kayli will bring a hard-working mindset, organization, and help elevate the group with her enthusiasm. Outside of school, Kayli values service and giving time to her community. Since 2018, Kayli has been volunteering as an Animal Care Assistant at the Dumb Friends League. Making sure the well-being of the animals’ health and happiness are taken care of in the shelter. Also, over the past three years, Kayli has been a Lynx Leader at the University of Colorado Denver. Working for the College of Arts and Media has allowed Kayli to help guide and encourage high schoolers about the possibilities that animation can hold in their pursuit of a higher education. |
Skyler Weber
Co-Production Manager, Story, and Lighting My name is Skyler and I'm currently enrolled in a 3-D Graphics & Animation program. I enjoy a lot of activities within the creative realm: traditional and digital art, story writing, photography, and crafting. I want to accomplish a few things in my lifetime. In the near future, I want to publish a book I am currently re-writing and publish a coloring book. As for long-term, I would love for the opportunity to enter into the animation industry. Cartoons are a wonderful way to tell a story and create characters that people can relate to! If you've ever been moved by a fictional character's perseverance, motto, or even injustice, then the creators behind that character have reached you. They've spoken to you in a language that we aren't immediately taught. And that is amazing. |
Hannah Meseck
Co-Production Manager, Character Modeler, and Animator I have always been interested in how storytelling drives the world around us. My love of cartoons and art has brought me to the field of 3D animation and all its facets. I am currently studying at the University of Colorado Denver. I hope to learn how to create and bring my stories, as well as the stories of others, to life. In my childhood, and still today, I love immersing myself in the colorful, cartoon worlds that artists create. Drawing quickly became a passion for me, and I am thrilled to have the support and ability to pursue animation today. My family loves to travel, and I enjoy being able to see the stories and history that shaped different parts of the world. I am fascinated by how every mark on the pavement or building has its own story on how it was created. I hope to be able to portray this level of storytelling in my work. |
Madison Bradfield
Character Modeler and Texturing Madison Bradfield is currently a junior studying 3D graphics and animation at University of Colorado at Denver with a particular emphasis in organic modeling and sculpting as well as story development and character design. Since childhood, she has been interested in drawing, dancing, and other creative outlets. Madison believes in the power of representation in media and has dedicated herself to studying animation in the hopes of eventually being influential in expanding depictions of disabled individuals on screen, as she herself has been diabetic since age twelve. Madison is also involved in her community, currently serving as an RA at the CU Denver dorm. |
Shayna Mason
Rigging and Hard Surface Modeling Hi, I'm Shayna Mason and I am the Rigging Supervisor for Daruma. I am from the tiny town of Cope, Colorado where I grew up on a farm surrounded by animals. I am currently (2021) living in Denver, Colorado and attending the University of Colorado Denver where I am a junior in the animation program. The story of Daruma is important to me because it is about achieving your biggest dreams. Working on this short has allowed for me to continue down the path of achieving my own biggest dreams. Out side of animation I enjoy baking, playing dungeons and dragons with friends, hanging out with my cat, going to watch plays (before COVID), and going to Renaissance Festivals (also before COVID). |
John Bailey
Hard Surface Modeler and VFX Hi! I’m John Bailey and I’m from Littleton, Colorado. I’ve been working in aerospace as a CGI artist for about 5 years now. For Daruma, I’m a hard surface modeler, meaning I’m working on our plane. Through the years, I witnessed/experienced homophobia and sexism first-hand, so this piece is quite important to me. My goal is to promote inclusivity and equality as much as I can. I’m back in school to finish my 3D animation degree so I can teach later in life. As for now, I’m a senior and will graduate in June of 2022. My hobbies include rock climbing, woodworking, and reading. |