Rachel Thomas
About Rachel Thomas
Rachel Thomas is a Technical Director specializing in Set Shading at Pixar Animation Studios, where she has worked since 2021. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science with a Minor in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
Work at Pixar Animation Studios
Rachel Thomas currently holds the position of Technical Director, Set Shading at Pixar Animation Studios, a role she has occupied since 2021. Prior to this, she worked as a Technical Director Set Shading Resident at the same studio from 2020 to 2021. Rachel also completed an internship as a Technical Director Set Shading in 2019. Her work at Pixar involves overseeing the shading of sets, ensuring that visual elements align with the artistic vision of the projects.
Education and Expertise
Rachel Thomas earned her Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science with a Minor in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied from 2015 to 2019. During her time at UC Berkeley, she also served as a Student Instructor in the Undergraduate Graphics Group from 2016 to 2019, and as a Lead Teaching Assistant in the Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences department from 2018 to 2019. This educational background has equipped her with a strong foundation in both cognitive processes and technical skills.
Background
Rachel Thomas studied at the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon from 2012 to 2015 before pursuing higher education at UC Berkeley. Her early education provided her with a diverse cultural perspective, which she has integrated into her professional work in animation and technical direction.
Previous Experience in 3D Art and Animation
Before her current role at Pixar, Rachel worked as a 3D Environment Artist at Clockwork Labs for six months in 2020. This position allowed her to apply her artistic skills in a different context, contributing to the development of immersive environments. Her experience in various roles within the animation industry has shaped her technical expertise and artistic sensibility.