Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Accomplishments
Software
Timeline
Generic
Christo Crafford

Christo Crafford

Creative Producer / Concept Designer
Dubai,Dubai

Summary

Experienced Creative Producer and Concept Designer with a global background in film, streaming, media, and games. Proven track record of delivering high-quality content and compelling visual narratives for major industry players such as Netflix, Apple, Amazon Prime, Netease Games, FP7, and Ogilvy. Skilled in leading diverse teams, managing complex productions from start to finish, and integrating innovative technology into creative processes. Actively seeking full-time opportunities in the UAE across media agencies, production studios, tech firms, and government-led creative projects.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages

Work History

Senior Concept Artist / Content Designer

Freelance
Dubai
01.2017 - Current
  • Delivered 40+ concept and promotional art projects for global entertainment clients.
  • Produced high-impact visuals for Apple, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Netease Games.
  • Creative design on AAA game titles, original streaming IPs, and branded campaigns.
  • Projects include “This Is Me Now” starring J-Lo, “Air” starring Matt Damon, SYNCED Game, Marvel Rivals Game, Call of Duty and many more.
  • Supported marketing efforts by creating promotional artwork highlighting key features of products or services offered.
  • Cultivated relationships with other artists and internal partners to develop positive rapport for future opportunities.
  • Delivered high-quality work under tight deadlines, demonstrating adaptability and strong time management skills.
  • Contributed to establishing a compelling game world through designing immersive locations and set pieces.
  • Achieved a harmonious balance between form and function through crafting aesthetically pleasing yet practical designs.
  • Created sketches to pitch to art department for review and discussion and further exploration.
  • Navigated challenges presented by technical limitations while still delivering visually striking concept art solutions.
  • Mentored junior artists, sharing expertise and knowledge to help them grow professionally within the company.
  • Elevated project visuals by incorporating cutting-edge design techniques and industry trends.
  • Worked with art director and other artists to better understand project scope and deliverables.
  • Created original artwork for range of print, web and video projects.
  • Edited and enhanced existing artwork and graphics.
  • Implemented feedback and suggestions from clients to improve designs.
  • Utilized Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite to develop creative designs.
  • Applied color theory and composition techniques to construct appealing designs.
  • Streamlined content production processes, reducing project completion time and increasing overall efficiency.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work products.
  • Adapted quickly to new design software or tools as required by the job demands.
  • Worked closely with the marketing team to develop targeted content for advertising campaigns and promotional materials.

Key Artist – Environments

Mill Film
Adelaide
01.2019 - 01.2020
  • Created matte paintings and environment assets for VFX sequences in 'Love and Monsters' (Oscar-nominated) and 'Finch.'
  • Collaborated within a 12-artist team under evolving post-production pipeline conditions and tight delivery schedules.
  • Designed matte paintings for Mill Film, meeting their creative vision and ensuring satisfaction with the final product.
  • Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration.

Head of Production / Production Manager

Lighthouse Studio
Dubai
01.2014 - 01.2016
  • Managed end-to-end production operations for corporate, commercial, and narrative content.
  • Oversaw budgets, schedules, crew, planning, and stakeholder communications.
  • Liaised with clients and government authorities including the Dubai Film & TV Commission.
  • Supervised post-production processes to ensure timely and high-quality delivery.
  • Introduced time-saving resource management and process streamlining to ensure swift delivery to clients.
  • Managed an internal team of three editors / videographers.
  • Managed external production teams of 40+ cast and crew.
  • Produced / directed The Boxtones’ “City of Mirrors” and DD Foxx’s “Crazy World” music videos that generated 219000 and 184000 views on Youtube respectively.
  • Mentored three interns in production and post-production practices.
  • Clients include Chanel / Banana Republic / Autodesk / Agrekko and many more.
  • Mentored junior team members, fostering professional growth and contributing to a positive work environment.
  • Developed a comprehensive production schedule that aligned with clients' budgets, objectives and deadlines.
  • Championed a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging team members to actively engage in problem-solving and share ideas for enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Managed vendor relationships to ensure timely delivery of deliverables, keeping production on schedule and within budget constraints.
  • Led the implementation of new technology to optimize workflows, resulting in reduced lead times and increased output.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for employees under my supervision; these evaluations led directly towards improvements in individual performance metrics.
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining stringent adherence to quality standards and deadlines requirements.
  • Estimated production requirements to support anticipated workload.
  • Standardized production procedures, job roles, and quality assurance guidelines.
  • Managed internal operational standards and production processes.
  • Reviewed work for quality and compliance with company standards and client specifications.
  • Partnered with leadership on recruiting, hiring and coaching production personnel.
  • Studied department operations to assist with development of new or improved production processes.
  • Cultivated professional working relationships with peers and supervisors.

Camera Operator / 3D Generalist / Editor

Muddville
Dubai
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Edited commercial content for brands including Emirates, Emaar, Atlantis The Palm, Al Rawabi, Platinum Heritage, Waldorf Astoria, Dunhill and many more.
  • Performed live-action camera work and post-production edits across multiple campaigns and commercials.
  • Duties included on-line and offline editing, motion graphics, 3D generalist duties and camera operation.
  • Performed VFX Generalist duties on feature film “Bordering on Bad Behavior.”
  • Maintained a calm demeanor under pressure while managing tight deadlines or unexpected challenges on set.
  • Adapted shooting style for various projects such as documentaries, commercials, music videos, and news segments to create engaging visuals that matched the tone of each piece.
  • Enhanced video quality by skillfully operating camera equipment and adjusting angles, focus, and lighting.
  • Worked closely with the production team to coordinate shoots and ensure seamless execution of creative concepts.
  • Developed strong relationships with producers and talent through clear communication skills and professional conduct on set.
  • Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to changing schedules or project requirements, maintaining focus on delivering high-quality footage within deadlines.
  • Mastered new camera technologies quickly to stay current with industry trends and maintain a competitive edge in the field.
  • Operated various camera types proficiently, including DSLR, mirrorless, and cinema cameras, ensuring optimal image quality for each project.
  • Collaborated with directors to capture their vision, resulting in successful video productions.
  • Maximized production efficiency by keeping gear clean, organized, and ready for use at all times.
  • Operated studio lights.
  • Adapted quickly to new camera technologies, staying ahead in rapidly evolving film industry.
  • Assisted in lighting setups to achieve desired cinematic look, enhancing mood and feel of scenes.
  • Maintained, calibrated, and set up various camera equipment to ensure optimal functionality and quality output.
  • Achieved smooth and dynamic shots with expert handheld camera operation, elevating action sequences.
  • Collaborated with directors to capture envisioned shots, significantly improving visual storytelling.
  • Used Premiere Pro and After Effects to edit footage into correct order and add effects.
  • Edited videos to match creative or production requirements.
  • Set up for shots according to production schedules, weather, and lighting conditions and available equipment.
  • Composed shots according to director specifications and instructions.
  • Captured footage for wide range of projects, commercials, promotional films, and high end corporate media.
  • Edited case studies for advertising awards season.
  • Optimized render settings for V-Ray rendering engines to maintain visual quality while reducing render times.
  • Utilized Autodesk Maya for modeling and texturing complex 3D assets to meet project deadlines.
  • Resolved technical issues relating to rendering, streaming and memory management and supported comprehensive troubleshooting.
  • Used Autodesk Maya to create computer-generated effects and simulations.
  • Collaborated with animators to create coherent images within scenes.
  • Liaised with other departments to discuss ideas and create unified goals.

Camera Operator / Editor / Videographer

Various Media Companies
Cape Town
01.2009 - 02.2013
  • Delivered video content for Two Oceans Productions, Trilogy Creative, Seaharvest, N-Gage Digital, Conitech Media, Tolken Media and many more.
  • Balanced live filming duties with editing and creative direction.
  • Streamlined editing processes by efficiently organizing and logging footage for easy access during postproduction.
  • Utilized various camera formats and lenses for different shooting scenarios.
  • Set up and operated cameras for live video feeds.
  • Operated cameras for a variety of live events, including sports and live entertainment.
  • Communicated with talent to achieve desired results.
  • Raised production value by suggesting innovative shooting angles and techniques.
  • Facilitated educational workshops on camera operation, empowering aspiring camera operators with essential skills.
  • Enhanced live event coverage with multi-camera setups, capturing key moments from multiple angles.
  • Collaborated with directors to capture envisioned shots, significantly improving visual storytelling.
  • Contributed to creative process by providing feedback on shots, helping to refine visual narrative.
  • Adapted quickly to new camera technologies, staying ahead in rapidly evolving film industry.
  • Used Premiere Pro to edit footage into correct order and add effects.

Education

Concept Art & Design Mentorships - Arts And Entertainment Design

Element Edition, Brainstorm School, Darek Zabrocki, Concept Art Workshop
United States
04.2017 - 01.2019

Diploma - Graphic Design

Commonwealth Academy
London, United Kingdom
04.2001 -

Skills

  • Creative Production Leadership

  • Content Creation & Visual Development

  • Production Management & Scheduling

  • Budgeting & Resource Allocation

  • Team Management & Mentorship

  • Digital illustration

  • Visual storytelling

  • Environment design

  • Project management

  • Concept development

  • Creative visualization

  • Team oversight

  • Problem-solving abilities

  • Skilled in Maya, Blender, ZBrush, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Unreal Engine

Accomplishments

    Won the Industrial Kit Concept Art competition held by Kitbash 3D in 2019.

    Worked as Key Artist - Environments on "Love and Monsters" for Mill Film which was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Visual Effects category.

Software

Blender

Maya

Premiere Pro

Photoshop

ZBrush

Timeline

Key Artist – Environments

Mill Film
01.2019 - 01.2020

Concept Art & Design Mentorships - Arts And Entertainment Design

Element Edition, Brainstorm School, Darek Zabrocki, Concept Art Workshop
04.2017 - 01.2019

Senior Concept Artist / Content Designer

Freelance
01.2017 - Current

Head of Production / Production Manager

Lighthouse Studio
01.2014 - 01.2016

Camera Operator / 3D Generalist / Editor

Muddville
01.2013 - 01.2014

Camera Operator / Editor / Videographer

Various Media Companies
01.2009 - 02.2013

Diploma - Graphic Design

Commonwealth Academy
04.2001 -
Christo CraffordCreative Producer / Concept Designer