ri h rd u ge
a New York City–based animator and recent graduate of
Savannah College of Art and Design, specializing in both traditional and puppet animation. With experience across every stage of the animation pipeline from concept development and storyboarding to animation, compositing, and cleanup. Richard's work is driven by a passion for experimentation and visual storytelling.
Richard's goal is to expand the possibilities of animation as an art form, bringing fresh and unconventional storytelling into today’s creative landscape. Through a fusion of styles and mediums, Richard seeks to develop work that is visually distinctive, imaginative, and deeply human.
richard unger is...
RICHARD UNGER • ANIMATOR • VISUAL STORYTELLER
(248) 404-7002 | richard@weshouldhirerichardunger.com | Brooklyn, New York
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Animator and visual storyteller specializing in 2D animation, motion media, and character-driven visual narrative. Background includes commercial animation, puppetry, stop-motion, and youth-focused creative programming.
TECHNICAL & CREATIVE SKILLS
2D Animation • Motion Graphics • Traditional Animation • Stop-Motion Animation • Storyboarding • Animatics • Character Design • Narrative Development • Film- Production • Editing • Sound Design • 3D Rigging & Animation • Puppetry
• Creative Workshop Development • Visual Development
SOFTWARE
Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects • Premiere Pro • Photoshop • Illustrator)
• Toon Boom Harmony • Dragonframe
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Motion Media Animator
Parabolic — Birmingham, MI / Remote 2021–Present
Collaborate with creative directors, designers, and producers to develop 2D animation, motion graphics, and visual storytelling for a wide range of commercial campaigns and branded media. Contribute across the production pipeline, from concept development through animation and final delivery. Clients and brands include Weleda, San Francisco Bay Coffee, OZO Foods, Sonoma Creamery, Planet FWD, Collins Aerospace, and more.
Youth Program Council Member
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit — Detroit, MI 2017–2020
As a member of the Youth Program Council at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), developed and facilitated creative workshops and youth programming centered on contemporary art, visual storytelling, and artistic expression. Worked alongside museum staff and local artists to create inclusive, hands-on experiences that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.
Founder / Festival Director
Eyerus Film Festival — Royal Oak, MI 2017–2022
Founded and curated a youth film festival featuring student films from schools across Metro Detroit. Led all aspects of festival planning and execution, including programming, submission management, marketing, venue coordination, and public screenings at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan. Created an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to present their work in a professional theatrical setting while fostering community engagement through the arts.
AWARDS, EXHIBITIONS & RECOGNITION
Participant, National Puppetry Conference — Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, 2025
Studied object-movement puppetry under Berlin-based puppeteer Alice Gottschalk in The Language of Material and Objects.
Selected Film, “Bloom” — Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Pretty/Ugly Exhibition, 2019
Event Key Art / Poster, “Pigsty” — Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Pigsty Exhibition, 2018
Selected Film, “Limbs” — Cinetopia Film Festival, 2018
Best of Show & Best Animated Short, “Bloom” — Michigan Student Film Festival, presented by DAFT, 2018
EDUCATION
Savannah College of Art and Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Animation — Savannah, GA | 2019–2024
why we should hire richard unger
Richard believes the future of television and entertainment doesn't belong to any one style, technique, or technology. It belongs to artists who are willing to experiment, challenge convention, and push the boundaries of the medium.
With years of collaborative experience across animation and creative production, Richard understands that the strongest work is rarely created alone. Whether contributing as an animator, storyteller, or creative problem solver, Richard approaches every production with professionalism, adaptability, and a commitment to quality. You can count on Richard to be the kind of collaborator who not only elevates the work, but also the team behind it.