Freelance 3D Animator/Designer

Freelance 3D Artist & Animator: Storybook Ice Dragon

Job type: Freelance / Independent Contractor

Project budget: $3,000

Location: Remote; Salt Lake City/Lehi, Utah area preferred

Project location: Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah

Project overview

We’re seeking a talented 3D artist and animator to create a stylized ice dragon for an upcoming screen-based pyrotechnic show at Thanksgiving Point. The dragon will appear through LED screens integrated into the show’s scenic set piece. We’re envisioning a visually striking fantasy creature with a magical, illustrated storybook quality—expressive and full of personality, with the scale and presence needed for a live spectacular.

Dragon asset scope

• The dragon’s head and claws are required

• The tail will likely be included

• The extent of the dragon’s body will be determined collaboratively with the creative and production team

• The final asset scope and deliverables will be tailored to the approved budget and agreed upon before production begins

Project responsibilities

• Develop the dragon’s appearance based on the production’s established creative direction

• Model, texture, and rig the required character elements

• Create approximately 30–45 seconds of finished character animation

• Collaborate with the creative and production team to coordinate the dragon’s performance with the live show and pyrotechnic cues

• Light, render, and prepare the final screen content according to the production’s technical specifications

• Incorporate agreed-upon feedback and revisions throughout production

Technical specifications

• Content will be displayed on LED screens integrated into the show’s set piece

• The largest LED screen requires content rendered at 1624 × 1128 pixels

• Additional screen layouts, delivery formats, frame rate, and other technical requirements will be provided during production

Ideal qualifications

• Strong 3D character modeling, texturing, rigging, and animation skills

• Experience creating stylized creatures or fantasy characters

• A portfolio or reel demonstrating polished, expressive character animation

• Ability to work independently, meet production deadlines, and communicate clearly

• Experience creating content for LED displays, live entertainment, projection, themed attractions, or show environments is a plus

Location

Artists based in the Salt Lake City or Lehi area are preferred, as there may be opportunities to visit the show location at Thanksgiving Point and collaborate on-site. However, location is not a firm requirement, and remote applicants are welcome. Any requested travel or on-site responsibilities will be discussed in advance.

Compensation

The approved budget is $3,000 for the completed project. The final creative scope will be structured collaboratively to fit within this budget and confirmed before production begins.

To apply, please provide:

• A link to your portfolio or animation reel

• Your current location

• Your availability and estimated turnaround time

• A brief description of any relevant creature, fantasy, LED-display, projection, or live-show experience