Mike Altman
About Mike Altman
Mike Altman is a Character Technical Director at Pixar Animation Studios, where he has worked since 2008. He has held various teaching and modeling positions at several institutions and companies, including Laika and the University of Texas at Dallas.
Work at Pixar Animation Studios
Mike Altman has served as a Character Technical Director at Pixar Animation Studios since 2008. In this role, he contributes to the development and refinement of character models and animations for various animated films. His extensive experience in character technical direction supports Pixar's commitment to high-quality animation. Altman works in Emeryville, California, where he collaborates with a team of artists and technical experts to enhance character performance and visual storytelling.
Previous Teaching Experience
Prior to his tenure at Pixar, Mike Altman held positions as an adjunct faculty member at two institutions. He taught at Columbus College of Art & Design from 2001 to 2003, where he shared his knowledge of character modeling and animation with students. Additionally, he served as a 3D Modeling Adjunct Faculty at the University of Texas at Dallas from 2004 to 2006, further contributing to the education of aspiring artists in the field.
Experience at Laika, LLC
Mike Altman worked at Laika, LLC as a Senior Modeler in the Digital Design Group from 2006 to 2008. In this position, he was involved in creating detailed character models for animated projects. His expertise in modeling contributed to Laika's innovative approach to animation, particularly in blending traditional and digital techniques.
Background in Character Modeling
Before his roles in academia and at major animation studios, Mike Altman worked as a Character Modeler and Technical Animator at DNA Productions from 2004 to 2006. This position allowed him to develop skills in character design and animation, which he later applied in his subsequent roles in the industry.
Education and Expertise
Mike Altman studied at The Ohio State University, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts in Design. His educational background provided him with a strong foundation in design principles and technical skills, which he has applied throughout his career in animation and character modeling.