David Ball, Ma
3D Animation and Games design
Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Willing to relocate David.ball9998@gmail.com +44 (0)7876 867217
I am a masters graduate from Staffordshire University. I have completed multiple employment contracts which have helped me to become adaptable and varied in my skill sets. I am looking for a position where I can build on my animation skills and work with a team to design breath-taking game worlds and bring characters to life with stories.
Past projects:
Global Games Jam 2019-2024
https://globalgamejam.org/games/2024/run-rabbit-run-6
https://globalgamejam.org/2019/games/no-longer-home
https://globalgamejam.org/2020/games/junker-3
https://globalgamejam.org/2021/games/community-very-involuntary-drops-0
University Group Project 2022
https://gamerjames.itch.io/co-optographers
Dink, project (Published Game)
https://unseen-galaxy.itch.io/felling
Game-related Skills:
Character animation, Leading and Managing, Facial animation, 12 Fundamentals, Keyframe Animation, Storytelling, Maya, Vicon Shogun, Motion capture, Cleaning mocap data, Rigging and skinning, Game Design, Unreal Engine 4&5, Object animation
Transferrable Skills:
Adaptability, Analytical Reasoning, Attention to Detail, Collaboration, Commercial awareness, Communication, Computer Skills, Conflict Resolution, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Decision Making, Dependability, Empathy, Giving Feedback, Initiative, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Listening, Management, Motivating Others, Negotiating, Organised, Problem Solving, Project Management, Relationship Building, Research, Technology Literacy, Teamwork, Time Management, Writing.
About:
I can easily get lost in my work and genuinely enjoy what I do, bringing enthusiasm and focus to every project. I always communicate my progress with my team and remain confident in my ability to animate, aiming to instil that confidence in others. When things go wrong, I do not waver and recover quickly, facing challenges head on while maintaining a positive and supportive work ethic. I value keeping both myself and my team happy and motivated, and I want people to feel they can look to me for help and collaboration, knowing I will do the same in return.
Outside of work, I am a historical re-enactor and member of the Historia Normannis regional group, where shared creativity, teamwork, and communication are essential, and where I also pursue archery. I successfully run and take part in regular Dungeons & Dragons sessions, bringing groups together and encouraging creativity, and I have written and continue to develop a custom rulebook as a game design graduate (https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1HbHNFSedyWQqQtFvvqsbB1s6nuwDG-nn ). I am also an enthusiastic gamer, board game player, and storyteller, with a strong love for fantasy and sci-fi, all of which feed into my passion for character, story, and collaborative creative work.
Education:
Staffordshire University -
Masters degree
2022-2023
1st class degree in Animation
Undergraduate Degree
2018-2022
2-1 with Honours in Computer Games Design
Ferndown Upper School Sixth Form - A-Levels
2016-2019
Course:
Computer Science (BTEC) - Distinction*
Product Design - D
Extended Project Qualification - B
Applied Science - B
Employment History:
Current Employment:
Assurant – Level 2 repair technician (Since 12th March 2024)
- Collaborating with a team to create a more skilled workforce through consistent shared learning and regular communication
- Following internal processes to improve work culture and team ethics
- Including myself in additional learning courses and collaborating with my team leader to progress myself intellectually while aiming for a higher position in people management.
Indie game studio, Dink, Remote – Animation (contractor, voluntary) (Since 6th June 2022)
- Working as part of a team and communicating through remote work to ensure a smooth workflow
- Creating believable and realistic animations through directing actors in Motion Capture, and effective use of MotionBuilder
- Using the team and outsourcing for effective feedback and to progress the company through networking
Past Employment:
Co-op Keele SU - Team Member
30th October 2023 to 12th January 2024
- Having strong communication skills while delivering friendly, reliable customer service and working closely within a team.
- Doing quick problem-solving and taking initiative by adapting to challenges as they arise.
- Seeing tasks through with effective time management while remaining dependable and collaborative in a fast-paced environment.
Booker Wholesale Stoke - Floor
9th September 2022 to 19th October 2023
- Delivering outstanding customer service to build rapport with customers
- Creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere for my colleagues and the customers
- Keeping a tidy and well-presented shop adhering to health and safety regulations, and cleaning up spillages and damaged goods where needed
The Milehouse Bar and Grill, Newcastle-Under_Lyme – Bar Team
7th March 2022 to 25h September 2022
- Ensuring effective stock management and replenishing drinks and ingredients where needed
- Bartending with a great attitude, and aiding in the opening and closing of the bar and restaurant
Tenpin, Stoke, Team Member
May 2021 to August 2021
- Outstanding teamwork and collaboration
- Ensuring effective event management and event organisation for multiple patrons
- Presenting a great attitude and open channels of communication between myself and customers to allow for effective feedback and an enjoyable experience
Cancer Research UK shop, Ferndown, Assistant Manager
July 2019 to September 2019
- Leading a team of volunteers and aiding in task management and delegation
- Finding creative solutions to challenging problems such as making the shop window look appealing and circulating relevant stock to the front.
- Negotiating and interacting with customers and explaining how the donation system works in person and through phone service
- Finding creative and innovative ways to present the shop to attract customers
Premier Inn, Ringwood, Housekeeping
June 2019 to September 2019
- Working efficiently under pressure to meet challenging time constraints
- Adapting to challenging situations and finding creative ways to solve them quickly such as adhering to the high hygiene standards in a constructive and timely manner.
Repair Bay, Ferndown, IT support technician
May 2018 to September 2018
- Providing technical support and advice to customers face to face
- Finding creative solutions to new and challenging problems such as repairing new devices for the first time and having to find out what parts were needed, make a quote to the customer
- Aiding with the selection and sale of electronic devices in store and actively listening to a customer brief to match their requirements to the correct electronic device.