Resume

Michael Varnum

Santa Rosa, CA | 618-806-4679 | varnum.michael@gmail.com

Professional Info

Creative professional with solid track-record of versatility, reliability, and leadership expertise with experience in the entertainment industry. An excellent communicator who excels at artist development and creative solutions with a second-to-none ability to motivate teams focusing on creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail.

Work Experience

Administrative Assistant

Iconic Event Studios | 2024 -2025

Vendor invoice processing and tracking.
Expense tracking using Excel and Quickbooks.
Spearheaded employee recruitment through the use of online recruitment websites such as Indeed.
Maintained supply inventory and order supplies as needed.
Ensured organizational compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Organized and filed confidential files (both physical and electronic).
Handled incoming calls, taking messages, and directing callers to the appropriate personnel.

2D Artist

Freelance | 2023 -2024

Created Character Designs/Concepts for mobile games, animation pilots, and company mascots.
Illustrated comic to promote digital education tools for classrooms.
Designed logo for small business.

Quality Engineer

Microfabrica | 2021 -2023

Authored and maintained SOPs, Work Instructions, and other controlled documents in compliance with company procedures and requirements.
Reviewed and prepared Certificates of Compliance before product shipments to assure completeness and accuracy.
Managed the controlled environment system and employee training system.
Conducted internal audits. (ASQ certified)
Performed effectiveness checks on Corrective Actions to assure actions taken were effective in resolving audit nonconformances.

Senior Technician

Microfabrica | 2014 -2021

Awarded the Outstanding Performance award.
Led cross-functional team to generate creative ideas for future projects.
Developed and administered training procedures to established personnel in multiple departments.
Trained and certified new Operators across multiple departments of Production.
Ensured Production Operators followed proper procedures and safety protocols.

Art Lead

Mico Studio | 2013 -2014

Managed remote and local artists, providing direction, design parameters, and constructive feedback.
Lead art asset creator for mobile game: Character/Prop Design, Asset Modeling, and UI Design.
Devised creative solutions and educated the team on the intricacies of designing visually appealing assets within the technical limitations of 3D printing.

Art Lead

Total Immersion | 2009 - 2013

Provided Storyboard Art, Concept Designs, Animations, and UI designs for mobile games and marketing campaigns.
Collaborated with art department and software engineering department during asset integration to ensure design integrity.
Resolved creative and technical issues brought upon by software limitations.

Education

Ringling College of Art and Design

BFA in Computer Animation | 2004 - 2008

CG Master Academy

Storyboarding for Animation | 2022

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Fine Arts Program | 2002 - 2004

Skills

Character Design

Storyboarding

Animation

3D Animation

Concept Design

Software

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Microsoft Outlook

Autodesk Maya