About Me

Naima Sawyer-Dymski

Jan 30, 1988
East Hollywood, CA

Athena

March 24, 2012

The Empress

Fitzwilliam Darcy

March 31, 2021

Head Empty

Hi, I’m Naima Sawyer-Dymski (pronounced NY-ee-muh SAW-yer-DIM-skee—but don’t worry, I won’t quiz you on it).

I’m a freelance illustrator and visual development artist with over a decade of experience creating artwork that blends emotional storytelling with vibrant, character-rich design. Whether I’m painting dreamlike picture book scenes, crafting enamel pins, repainting dolls, or designing ornate fashion for centennial galas (yes, really), I bring a meticulous eye and an adaptable hand to everything I do.

Over the years, I’ve worked across a wide spectrum of industries—from animation and illustration to 3D product texturing for augmented reality. I’ve collaborated with indie teams and corporate pipelines alike, handled production schedules and revision rounds, and managed everything from client communication to final delivery. I love the challenge of translating complex ideas into visual narratives that connect and resonate.

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Objective

I'm currently open to freelance, contract, and in-house roles in visual development, illustration, or creative production support. I’m especially excited by projects with rich worldbuilding, stylized aesthetics, or heartfelt storytelling. I thrive in roles that combine artistry with organization—and I’d love to collaborate with teams who value imagination, integrity, and a good sense of humor.

95%

Photoshop
95%

Clip Studio EX
40%

Blender
55%

Google Sheets
88%

Tarot Readings
99%

Cat Herding

  • I specialize in:

    • Illustration – character-focused, emotionally driven, often with an edge of magic or surrealism.

    • Visual Development – particularly for narrative projects that need a clear, unified voice.

    • 3D Texturing – including photorealistic surfaces, PBR pipelines, and detail-accurate recreation.

    My artistic influences range from the bold expressiveness of Sailor Moon, the brooding drama of Batman, and the whimsical elegance of Disney princesses, to the lush, personal storytelling of Calvin and Hobbes. I bring that same eclectic energy into my work—playful, polished, and full of heart.

  • I took an extended break from the workforce while navigating a serious health condition that required surgery and long-term recovery. That chapter taught me patience, resilience, and how to prioritize long-term goals over short-term pressure. I’m now fully recovered, refocused, and more ready than ever to bring my creative skills back into collaborative spaces.

    • I’ve rescued over 50 cats from a hoarding situation—yes, that technically makes me a cat herder.

    • I read tarot (and people say I’m a little too good at it).

    • I am equally at home debating Batman villains, discussing art history, or redesigning a ballgown for a fantasy heroine.

Work Experience

Freelance Illustrator (2013–Present)
FF3399 (Self-Employed) – Hollywood, CA

  • Created illustrations for books, enamel pins, repainted dolls, fashion design, commissions, and more

  • Managed all aspects of freelancing: client communication, contracts, pricing, scheduling, and delivery

  • Blended traditional and digital techniques for emotionally resonant, stylized visuals

  • Maintained a personal brand and online presence across multiple platforms

Texture Artist (2018–2020)
Outward Inc. – San Jose, CA

  • Created high-quality, photorealistic texture maps for AR product renders using Photoshop, Blender, and PBR workflows

  • Collaborated across departments to meet client specs and internal deadlines

  • Managed large datasets and implemented consistent render pipelines for visual fidelity

  • Tracked production progress, revisions, and QA to maintain efficiency and accuracy

2D/3D Touch-Up & Animation Contractor (2016–2017)
Apple (via Apex Systems) – Sunnyvale, CA

  • Designed animated sequences and 3D flyover city tours under tight deadlines

  • Conducted data correction, geospatial QA, and software defect tracking

  • Collaborated with specialized QA teams to handle large-scale datasets

  • Used both traditional drawing and digital tools for animation and modeling tasks

Education

San Jose State University (2006–2013)
BFA - Animation/Illustration (Concentration in illustration)