MATTHEW MAI

Education

Bachelor of Arts: Game Development & Information Systems (2021–2024)California State University, San Bernardino
Associate’s Degree: Computer Science & Programming (2017–2021, )Mt. San Jacinto College

Introduction

Hello! I’m Matthew Mai, a 2D animator, character designer, storyboard artist, and layout artist based in Canyon Lake, California. With two years of experience in 2D animation, I have transitioned from creating indie films to collaborating with notable studios such as Tatsunoko Production and Studio Eclipse. I have also worked with major studios like Powerhouse Animation, Creative Freaks, and ButaPro Production. My journey includes earning a Bachelor’s degree in Game Development and a relentless passion for creating immersive digital worlds that resonate with audiences.

For business inquiries or to view my professional work, reach me at: matthewmai146@gmail.com | 714-363-7017

Skills

Software: Clip Studio Paint, Toonboom Storyboard Pro, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine

Design Skill: 2D Animation, Clean up, Character Modeling, Layout, and Storyboarding.

Work Experience

CURRENT (2025)

Layout Artist - Powerhouse Animation

Clean up the storyboard
Assist with cleaning up the layers
Assist with cleaning up character sheets and props.
Making sure the character stays in model

Freelance Animator, Clean Up- Dir Kaniz Fatema

Clean up rough animation
Adding in between animation
Improve the timing of the animation.

2nd Key Animator — Tatsunoko Production (Anime: Turkey)

Cleaned key animation, designed character corrections, and crafted lighting/shadow effects.

Art Director Assistant — Creative Freak (Anime: Kanteshi)

Revised key animation layouts, character models, and provided technical notes for production.

Genga animation/ 2key aniamtior nigen - Pirate Revenge(indie project)

clean up the animation
second key animatior

Layout/cleanup animation- Starfire vs Blaze indie animation

Help to add in between the animation
Fixing keyframe animation mistakes
improve the work of the previous animation

Layout Animator — Kozeki (Project: Hibiku Kokoro)

Developed rough key animation and managed animation timing sheets.

Rough Animator — Vilo Studios

Created foundational animations and refined character models for team consistency.

2024

2nd Key Animator — Studio Eclipse (Contract)

Produced between animation sequences for key scenes.

Rough Animator — Creative Antacid (Project: Captain Zero)

Designed rough animations and structured production timelines.

HRIS Contractor — Metropolitan Water District

Supported HR systems with SQL/data analysis (balancing technical and creative roles).

2023

Freelance Artist — San Bernardino, CA

Enhanced character designs for animation projects, incorporating feedback from art directors.
Collaborated on visual targets for unannounced indie games.

Graphic Designer — Union Artists

Designed logos for major festivals and co-created monthly artwork series.

Notable Projects

Turkey!: 2nd key animator
Even Given the Worthless "Appraiser" Class, I’m Actually the Strongest: layout art director assiassitant.
Hibiku Kokoro (Studio Kozeki): Storyboard artist and character designer.
Fighting Video Game: Led pixel animation and character design for a combat game.
Pixel Mario Game: Supervised a 7-member team to deliver a finished game demo.