1st lesson free
Derek's profile and their contact details have been verified by our experts
Derek
- Rate $37
- Response 1h
-
Students1
Number of students Derek has taught since their arrival at Superprof
Number of students Derek has taught since their arrival at Superprof
$37/h
Contact
1st lesson free
- Animation
Unlock Pro-Level Character Animation in Maya: Learn from a 20+ Year Film & TV Animator
- Animation
Lesson location
About Derek
Empowering Animators: Derek Raymond
Derek Raymond is a passionate and seasoned 3D character animation instructor with over 20 years of experience in the film, television, and gaming industries. Known for his engaging, hands-on teaching style, Derek specializes in Autodesk Maya and loves guiding future animators through practical, career-building techniques.
Currently teaching at California State University Long Beach (CSULB) and the Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Derek’s extensive industry background sets him apart. His animation work on blockbuster films like **Barnyard**, where he brought comedic farm animals to life, **Speed Racer** with its dynamic racing action, and **The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor**, animating supernatural creatures for high-adventure cinematic moments, has gained critical acclaim.
Derek’s talent also shines in immersive video game cinematics, animating intense, story-driven cut-scenes for the acclaimed titles **God of War II & III** and expanding legendary universes in **Halo Wars**. On television, Derek’s recent credits include fan favorites such as **The Flash**, **Supergirl**, **Doom Patrol**, and **Dead Boy Detectives**, where he created expressive movement and powerful action for characters and creatures alike.
With a BS in Industrial Technology from Arizona State and advanced computer graphics training from Gnomon, Derek’s journey reflects both technical mastery and creative vision. He believes animators learn best through real-world practice and step-by-step guidance, empowering students to build outstanding portfolios and achieve their artistic dreams.
Derek Raymond is eager to share his expertise and help animators unlock their full potential—answering questions, offering industry insights, and supporting every student's unique creative path.
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About the lesson
- All Levels
- English
All languages in which the lesson is available :
English
Animation training with Derek Raymond is fully tailored and flexible—no rigid structure, just a collaborative environment built around each student’s unique journey and goals.
How Lessons Work
Every session begins by reviewing your recent work and discussing where you’d like to grow or showcase new skills. Derek provides detailed, personalized feedback and together you identify creative ways to boost your demo reel or portfolio. Assignments are crafted just for you, challenging you to refine core animation techniques or attempt exciting new styles—all drawn from real Hollywood and game industry standards.
What Makes These Lessons Different
- No cookie-cutter curriculum: lessons are fluid, based on your needs and ambitions.
- Feedback is constructive, encouraging, and always aimed at helping your work stand out.
- Assignments directly support your portfolio development—whether you need stronger character animation, dramatic creature movement, or polished acting and dialogue pieces.
- The lesson style is upbeat and collaborative, welcoming questions and creative risks, and focused on helping you build impressive, industry-ready work.
Perfect for animators looking for a fun, personalized experience and those who want to create a standout demo reel, Derek’s lessons let you shape your own animation adventure while benefiting from expert guidance and real-world insight!
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Review
All of our reviews are collected by us and are 100% reliable. They correspond to a real experience lived by students with Derek.
1 review
Perfect! He helped so much with so many technical parts of Maya!
- Andrea is ambitious and eager to learn. I look forward to working more with herDerek's response :
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Rates
Rate
- $37
Pack rates
- 5h: $185
- 10h: $370
online
- $37/h
free lessons
This first lesson offered with Derek will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.
- 30mins
Details
No experience with Autodesk Maya is required, but the software is not provided by the instructor. Please have your own copy. 30 day trials are available on the autodesk website and the instructor may have a code for discounted pricing.
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