R Nikhil Kumar
Bengaluru
Summary
Dynamic 3D Production & Project Lead with a proven track record of steering high-performing artist teams at Metadome.ai. Expert in optimizing asset pipelines and modernizing workflows to dramatically accelerate delivery timelines without sacrificing visual quality. A collaborative leader adept at translating complex creative visions into scalable production roadmaps, balancing technical constraints with artistic excellence.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
3D Manager(Project & Production Lead)
Metadome.ai
Bengaluru
12.2024 - Current
- Managed the Daimler project from Jan 2025, overseeing end-to-end project execution, client communication, resource allocation, production planning, and delivery management while coordinating multiple parallel workstreams and strict deadlines.
- Led a team of 5 mid-to-senior 3D artists, conducting weekly client stand-ups, maintaining Jira boards, tracking resources, assigning tasks, and balancing team capacity across concurrent projects.
- Transformed production workflows through pipeline optimization and automation, increasing delivery efficiency from 57% to 97% and reducing client feedback from 26% to 4% within one year.
- Directed a large-scale CAD-to-photorealistic visualization pipeline, converting engineering CAD models into production-ready assets by interpreting technical drawings, applying accurate materials and textures, performing internal quality control, and delivering around 50,000 client-ready asset renders on schedule.
- Co-led the development of a Unity-based VR application for Daimler's internal use, optimizing and retopologizing assets, contributing to look development and ray-traced lighting optimization, and coordinating resources between the VR initiative and the primary production pipeline.
Senior 3D Artist
Shreejan Associates
Bengaluru
08.2023 - 12.2024
- Created high-quality 3D assets in Maya, Zbrush, Substance Painter, and Photoshop to enhance project visual fidelity.
- Designed texture maps from scratch in Adobe Photoshop and Substance Painter to achieve specific artistic styles.
- Guided junior artists in 3D modeling and rendering techniques to elevate overall team skill level.
- Assisted in troubleshooting 3D modeling issues as quickly as possible.
3D Character Artist
Pixacrafts
Bengaluru
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Designed character models using industry-standard software and tools.
- Made comic book based bobblehead characters for 3D printing
- Designed toys and products for 3D printing
Concept Artist Intern
Cryo Bolt Interactive
Bengaluru
03.2022 - 07.2022
- Created character designs that enhanced game narratives and visual storytelling.
- Collaborated with developers to ensure artistic vision aligned with gameplay mechanics.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas and concepts.
Freelance Storyboard and 3D Artist
ADFX Studio
Bengaluru
07.2020 - 02.2022
- storyboarded promotional videos and cinematics for IPL teams, including CSK.
- built 3D sets for lyrical videos featured in films.
- designed artwork for advertisements, enhancing visual appeal and brand messaging.
Education
BSC - Animation
JAIN UNIVERSITY
Bengaluru01-2022
Concept Painting By Airi Pan - Concept Art
Schoolism
Online08-2021
Skills
- Project Management
- Team leadership
- Game Asset Development
- Character Design
- Texture Creation
- Asset optimization
- Workflow Optimization
- Unity engine
- Unreal engine 5
- Maya
- Blender
- Photoshop
- Problem solving
Accomplishments
- Accomplishments at Metadome.ai
- Managed the Daimler project for 1.5 years, overseeing end-to-end project execution, stakeholder coordination, and production teams while driving workflow optimization and automation initiatives that improved delivery efficiency from 57% to 97% and reduced client feedback from 26% to 4% within one year.
Directed a team of five mid-to-senior 3D artists in the development and deployment of a Unity-based VR application for Daimler's internal use, delivering optimized immersive environments and 3D assets for Windows-supported VR platforms while maintaining performance, quality, and delivery schedules. - Accomplishments at Shreejan Associates
- Built and led a rendering team of junior 3D artists; implemented a V-Ray pipeline for realistic hair and particle effects, and delivered training in 3D modeling and PBR workflows (Blender, Maya, Substance Painter).
Languages
English, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi
Hobbies and Interests
Gaming, Sim racing, Football, Digital painting, Anime and Comic books
Languages
English
Native
Native
Tamil
Proficient (C2)
C2
Kannada
Proficient (C2)
C2
Telugu
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Hindi
Elementary (A2)
A2
Timeline
3D Manager(Project & Production Lead)
Metadome.ai
12.2024 - Current
Senior 3D Artist
Shreejan Associates
08.2023 - 12.2024
3D Character Artist
Pixacrafts
09.2022 - 08.2023
Concept Artist Intern
Cryo Bolt Interactive
03.2022 - 07.2022
Freelance Storyboard and 3D Artist
ADFX Studio
07.2020 - 02.2022
BSC - Animation
JAIN UNIVERSITY
Concept Painting By Airi Pan - Concept Art
Schoolism