VOLT Studios has brought Mike Nelson aboard as animation director. He will apply his artistry and expertise to enhance and build the content company’s creative offering in 3D animation and motion design.

“I’ve been wanting to step into the CGI/3D space forever,” said Steve Medin, VOLT founder, “but it was never the perfect time. Until now. And it’s helpful to do it with the perfect person for the job, isn’t it?”

Prior to joining VOLT, Nelson enjoyed a successful tenure at Pixel Farm, where he served as 3D artist and sr. animator for over a decade working on collaborations for such clients as Target, Best Buy, Dairy Queen, the Minnesota Twins, Toro and Wisconsin Lottery. It was at Pixel Farm that he first met Tom Jacobsen, now VOLT partner/creative director, and developed a longstanding friendship that organically led to this reunion at VOLT.

“We were very intentional about who we wanted to bring into this role--the relationship is as important within the company as it is with our clients,” explains Jacobsen. “Mike is a natural fit: he’s immensely talented, thoughtful, and someone we know and respect. It’s really about listening to client needs and supporting them with the right team, of which Mike is an essential part.”

Nelson’s interest in visual effects and animation was first sparked when, as a child, he saw the dinosaurs leap to life in Jurassic Park. This began a lifelong pursuit in understanding the evolution and mastering the craft of computer animation, visual effects, and motion design. This spirit of discovery and the power of designed storytelling led to a career and a calling. At the center of it all is the desire to help people realize their creative visions, from the spark of the initial pitch to delivering a final project. Nelson’s passion for the industry and creating community was also instrumental in his co-founding non-profit Nice Moves in 2016. The organization was established to cultivate an inspiring and diverse animation, VFX and motion graphics community in the Twin Cities and surrounding regions.

“This is a great and unique opportunity for all of us to unite and create together. The team at VOLT is so connected and invested in building relationships while delivering amazing work,” notes Nelson. “I know people say this a lot, but it just feels right, and I am excited to see what we do in collaboration.”