Michael
Tanzillo
Creative Technology & Workflow Expert. Community Builder.
About
I spent 13 years as a Lighting Artist at Blue Sky Studios, working on 10 feature films from the Ice Age franchise all the way to Nimona. That time shaped everything about how I think about craft, storytelling, and what it means to do technical work with real artistry.
When Blue Sky closed in 2021 it was a turning point. I started to see just how far 3D reaches beyond entertainment. Architecture, product design, e-commerce, marketing... the demand for people who actually understand this stuff is everywhere.
Now I'm Head of Technical Artists at Adobe Substance 3D, working at the intersection of creative tools and real-world industry adoption. And alongside that, I'm building communities and resources to help 3D artists figure out where they fit in this expanding world.
10
Feature Films
Head of Tech Artists
Adobe Substance 3D
1000+
Artists helped through his online community efforts
Filmography
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
2009
Ice Age: Continental Drift
2012
Ice Age: Collision Course
2016
Rio
2011
Rio 2
2014
Epic
2013
The Peanuts Movie
2015
Ferdinand
2017
Spies in Disguise
2019
Nimona
2023
Let's Build Something Together
If you're a studio rethinking your pipeline, a company figuring out how to bring 3D into your workflow, or a recruiter with the right opportunity, I'd love to hear from you. I take on consulting engagements and am open to the right full-time roles.
3D Workflow Consulting
Got a pipeline that's slowing your team down? I come in, figure out where the friction is, and help you move faster without blowing up what's already working.
Pipeline Strategy
Whether you're building from scratch or scaling up, I help teams design 3D production pipelines that actually fit their size, budget, and goals.
Enterprise 3D Adoption
Bringing 3D into a larger organization is a different challenge. I help teams get leadership on board and make sure the technical rollout actually sticks.
The 3D Artist Newsletter
Every week I write about what's actually happening in the 3D industry. Workflow tips, honest takes on where things are headed, and stuff I wish someone had told me earlier. If you work in 3D or want to, this one's for you.
The 3D Artist Community
I built this community because I wanted a place where working 3D artists could actually talk to each other. Not just lurk. You get courses, live sessions, real discussions, and a network of people who get what this industry is like right now.
Let's Connect
Interested in consulting, a full-time role, or just want to talk 3D? Reach out directly and I'll get back to you.