Rafael Dantas – 3D Artist | Sound Designer
Phone: +1 (657) 500-1848 | Email: rafael.folkerts@gmail.com
Portfolio:rafaelfolkerts.com
Location: Orange County, CA

EDUCATION

Chapman University – Dodge College of Media Arts
BFA, Animation & Visual Effects | Minor: Sound Design
Sept 2022 – May 2026

• National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) – Honors society for students in the top 20% of their class (GPA ≥ 3.4)

• Order of Omega – Greek leadership honors society recognizing top 3–5% of members (GPA ≥ 3.7)

• Provost’s & Deans List  – (GPA 3.6 – 4.0)

Avenues: The World School – São Paulo
High School Diploma, Aug 2018 – June 2022

PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE

• The Goodest Boy (Senior Thesis – Co-Project Lead) – Directed creative & production workflow, led team management, and 3D asset creation

• The Great Heist  – Created animated short film from concept to completion, handling all aspects of the 3D production pipeline

• The Statue and the Flower – Created animated short film from concept to completion, handling all aspects of the 3D production pipeline

• Best Buds – Worked as a 2D effects animator on a live-action student film

• Rusted Roots – Worked as a 3D animator for a student's live-action/CGI hybrid senior thesis film

WORK & INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

O2 Filmes (Jan 2025) – CG Generalist Intern

• Created textured assets and rigs for live-action VFX shots

Chapman University (May–Aug 2025) – Chapman Grand Office Assistant

• Responded to resident inquiries, processed maintenance requests, and organized documentation

• Managed move-ins/outs, tracked inventory, and handled mail/package distribution

• Ensured smooth daily operations and clear communication with campus housing staff

• Supported summer housing logistics for student residents and visiting guests

LEADERSHIP & CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT

• Vice President, Chapman Snow Club (2025–2026)

  • Co-lead Chapman's largest student org (200+ members), managing internal ops, budget, major events & ski trip logistics

  • Support recruitment, outreach, creative direction for club programming, and member engagement initiatives

• Director of Philanthropy, Chapman Snow Club (2024–2025)

  • Organized fundraiser raising $700+ for Protect Our Winters

  • Coordinated a film premiere and branded raffle event with $2K+ in sponsor donations

  • Developed social and digital marketing materials to promote engagement and ticket sales

  • Managed event planning, sponsor outreach, and university compliance

  • Assisted with ski trip logistics including transport, lodging, and safety

• Philanthropy Chair, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity (2024)

  • Led chapter’s philanthropic events including clothing drives

  • Collaborated with campus organizations on service initiatives

• Orientation Leader, Chapman University (Fall 2024)

  • Co-hosted and promoted campus welcome events, panels, and community mixers

  • Collaborated with Chapman staff to execute event plans and ensure successful first-year experiences

  • Led info sessions, hosted Major specific events, and introduced campus resources to incoming first year students

CREATIVE PROJECTS & PASSION ALIGNMENT

Independent Music Producer (2020 - Present)

• Produced 20+ original tracks & scores using FL Studio. Familiar with Dance Music artist ecosystem and subgenres

• Designed cover art, produced animated videos, and music content for social platforms

• Deep understanding of the EDM scene/community & branding aesthetics

SKILLS

Marketing & Media:

• Adobe Suite Proficient (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects)

• Event promotion & sponsor coordination/outreach

• Video editing and post-production for digital content

Audio & Music Tools:

• FL Studio

• Avid Certified - Pro Tools Specialist

Creative & Technical Tools:

• Autodesk Maya, Blender, Substance Painter

• ShotGrid (Production Tracking)