Anthony Palermo
Bolingbrook
Summary
3D Motion Designer and Art Director with over 13 years of experience leading motion and 3D projects for studios and brands. Trusted to guide teams through complex creative and technical challenges from concept through final delivery. Known for setting clear visual direction, supporting artists through problem solving, and balancing craft, production realities, and collaboration.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Art Director
The Heist
Chicago
03.2025 - Current
- Lead 3D and motion projects from concept through delivery, partnering with creative directors to translate ideas into clear visual direction
- Helped set up pipeline structure and practical workflows to support 3D and motion production
- Guide artists through look development, animation, and technical challenges while maintaining quality and momentum
- Support scope planning and timelines by identifying technical needs early
- Provide direction and feedback while giving senior artists ownership of their work
Freelance 3D Motion Designer
Various Studios
01.2016 - Current
- Delivered motion and 3D work for a range of studios and brands
- Provided senior-level execution and art direction as needed
- Adapted quickly to new teams, pipelines, and creative approaches
Art Director
The Mill
10.2023 - 02.2025
- Led teams across high-profile 3D and motion projects, aligning creative vision with technical execution and schedules
- Served as a bridge between creative direction, artists, and production
- Stepped in during look development and technically complex moments to unblock teams
- Maintained visual consistency and craft quality across deliverables
- Contributed to campaigns including Best Phones Forever
Associate Creative Director
Almost Gold
07.2021 - 10.2023
- Promoted from 3D Art Director
- Led artists across multiple projects from concept through delivery
- Helped shape visual direction and supported teams in executing within scope and timelines
- Collaborated with creative leadership on campaign development
- Contributed hands-on across design, look development, animation, and comp
Senior 3D Art Director
FCB Chicago
Chicago
12.2019 - 07.2021
- Helped establish and evolve the studio’s CG and VFX pipeline
- Led and mentored artists as 3D capabilities expanded
- Collaborated with designers, writers, engineers, and creative leadership on integrated campaigns
- Contributed across look development, animation, and compositing
Senior 3D Generalist
Alter Inc (now 16 Bit Pileup)
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Helped establish CG and VFX pipeline
- Mentored artists and supported internal capability growth
- Delivered work across motion and print projects
3D Generalist
Farm Creative Parlor
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Produced architectural visualization and interior renders
- Built a strong foundation in composition and lighting
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Film, Concentration in Animation
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL01.2012
Skills
- Cinema 4D
- Redshift, Octane, Arnold
- Houdini (Novice)
- After Effects
- Nuke
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Figma
Timeline
Art Director
The Heist
03.2025 - Current
Art Director
The Mill
10.2023 - 02.2025
Associate Creative Director
Almost Gold
07.2021 - 10.2023
Senior 3D Art Director
FCB Chicago
12.2019 - 07.2021
Freelance 3D Motion Designer
Various Studios
01.2016 - Current
Senior 3D Generalist
Alter Inc (now 16 Bit Pileup)
01.2014 - 01.2016
3D Generalist
Farm Creative Parlor
01.2012 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Film, Concentration in Animation
Columbia College Chicago