Embedded Files
Marcus Urbenz - (727) 644-0250 - marcusurbenz@gmail.com
Software Proficiencies
Education
University of Central Florida
MFA - Emerging Media, Animation & Visual Effects
August 2025 - Present
In progress: Developing a solo thesis film, paper and defense.
University of Central Florida
BFA - Emerging Media, Character Animation
August 2022 - May 2025
Aug 2023 - May 2025 | BFA Capstone Film | Paper Warriors
Worked collaboratively as part of a 13-person team on the 2-year Capstone Film: Paper Warriors.
Co-led technical and artistic direction of assets. Technical Director for a non-standard character rig, model, surfacing, and texture. Utilized Autodesk Maya, Substance 3D Painter, and Designer. Principal Unreal Engine Artist in Niagara Systems.
Researched and presented solutions for technical challenges, including SideFX’s Houdini for procedural rock asset creation. Created and developed a custom foliage pipeline in Autodesk Maya, et dressed rocks and foliage.
Strengthened team cohesion and efficiency by developing comprehensive documentation and graphics for asset creation, animation, art direction, reference materials, rendering and lighting pipelines.
Udemy
Master Python in Maya: Automation Techniques
August 2023 - August 2025
Developed an auto control rig python script and shelf setup to adapt bare skeleton rigs into animation-ready rigs.
Automating attribute changes for large asset groups in the lighting and rendering pipeline for Paper Warriors.
Experience
UCF Graduate Research Assistant
3D Artist, AR Experiences
May 2025 - October 2025
Created 3D models, textures, and rigs for an augmented reality (AR) experience at the Orlando Science Center.
Collaborated with a team of three peers and one professor to optimize the creation of AR and real-time assets.
Demonstrated adaptability and effective problem-solving in fast-paced environments with evolving project requirements.
ESports At UCF
3D Artist, Marketing
January 2023 - October 2023
Created & distributed 3D assets and renders for use in marketing graphics utilizing Autodesk Maya, Substance 3D Painter, Arnold, Blender’s Cycles.
Collaborated to create cohesive graphics that match Brand Book with Adobe Photoshop.
Freelance Photographer
Weddings & Events, Portraits
May 2021 - October 2023
Built strong client relationships through clear communication to understand and execute their vision.
Guided clients through the creative process, ensuring comfort and confidence during photoshoots.
Pinellas County Public Schools
Contract Videographer & Photographer
May 2022, April 2023
Collaborated with educators and administrators to record school performances, ensuring quality and accessibility.
Adapted to tight deadlines with shifting requirements, maintained flexibility and problem-solving.
Communicated technical concepts in an accessible manner to assist in videography direction.
Volunteering, Prizes & Workshops
Pixar's RenderMan "SciTech" Challenge 2024
Finalist - Honorable Mention
December 2024
https://renderman.pixar.com/news/renderman-scitech-art-challenge-final-results
UCF MFA Provost's Graduate Fellowship
Fellowship Scholarship
Entering UCF’s MFA AVFX Program Fall 2025. Recipient of scholarship award based on evaluation of portfolio.
Florida Bright Futures FAS Scholarship (Florida Academic Scholar)
Scholarship
Scholarship award based on 100+ volunteering hours, GPA, and testing scores.
Intro To ZBrush & Retopology In Maya
Online Workshop (Recorded)
January 2024
Hosted an online workshop that introduced and connected Maxon ZBrush to software viewers are familiar with.
Dunedin Public Library
Volunteer
August 2017 - August 2022 (5 yrs)
Organize and sanitize library materials while assisting members in locating them.
Created and promoted clubs encouraging technical literacy and artistic expression.
Volunteered as a computer tutor for students and adults.
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