School of Animation & VFX

MA-LookDev and Lighting

Kelly Copeland

Kelly Copeland is a Look Development and Lighting Artist completing her M.A. in 3D Animation and VFX at the Academy of Art University. Driven by the way light and texture define a world’s atmosphere, Kelly specializes in creating “lived-in” environments where material definition and subtle details support deep narrative immersion.

Her background in film and psychology uniquely informs her artistic process, allowing her to craft scenes that resonate emotionally with audiences. Kelly is technically proficient in Maya, Substance Painter, Houdini, and Nuke, and she thrives on bridging the gap between complex procedural workflows and artistic mood.

Known for her collaborative spirit and a signature habit of sneaking a dinosaur into every project, Kelly is a versatile artist who balances technical precision with a unique creative voice. She is currently seeking opportunities in Look Development and Lighting to contribute to the next generation of cinematic and immersive storytelling.