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HI THERE,  
MY NAME IS

ZICO MTHETHWA
 

ABOUT ME

With over three years of professional experience in 3D modeling, animation, and motion design, I have had the privilege of collaborating with both local and international creative agencies, as well as working directly with brands to deliver high-quality digital solutions. My expertise spans 3D product visualizations, immersive animations, and motion design for a variety of mediums, including social media, video campaigns, and event visuals.

Some of my specialties as a 3D Generalist and Motion Designer include:

  • 3D Product Visualizations & Renderings: Crafting photorealistic or stylized 3D models and renders that highlight product features and align with brand identities.

  • 3D Animations: Creating dynamic, story-driven animations for social media, advertisements, and event backdrops, blending technical precision with creative storytelling.

  • Motion Design: Developing engaging motion graphics and visual effects that enhance brand messaging and captivate audiences across digital platforms.

 

Whether it’s bringing a fragrance bottle to life through cinematic animation, designing looping visualizers for high-profile events, or crafting whimsical 3D campaigns for fictitious brands, I approach every project with a commitment to innovation, quality, and strategic impact. My work not only meets client objectives but also pushes creative boundaries, ensuring memorable and effective visual experiences.

EXPERIENCE

Seen.tv
3D Generalist

Nov 2022 - Jan 2024

Designed and animated 3D assets for augmented reality (AR) campaigns, utilizing Blender and Substance Painter for rigging, texturing, and seamless integration into AR pipelines.

 

Collaborated with cross-functional teams (designers, developers) to optimize asset

workflows, reducing production time by 20% for recurring projects.

Led the development of reusable 3D asset libraries, improving consistency and efficiency across multiple client campaigns.

Katanimate Animation Studio
3D Animator Intern

Jan 2021 – Mar 2022

Trained in end-to-end animation pipelines, contributing to 3D short films and commercials using Blender and Premier pro.

Promoted to lead a team of 5 during a high-pressure 1-week animation sprint, delivering a polished short film on schedule.

Transitioned to texturing and environmental design, creating PBR materials in Substance Painter and building immersive 3D environments for studio projects

University of KwaZulu-Natal
Cameraman & Editor

Jan 2017 – Nov 2019

Filmed and edited promotional videos for university events using Adobe Premiere Pro,

including camera setup, lighting, and post-production color grading.

Collaborated with faculty to storyboard and produce educational content, enhancing visual engagement for student audiences.

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