ASHLEY GERST
ANIMATOR · DIRECTOR · ILLUSTRATOR · EDUCATOR
gerstburst@gmail.com · LinkedIn
I’m a multidisciplinary animator and director working across 2D animation, 3D animation, motion graphics, character animation, illustration, and mixed media. I work with studios, agencies, brands, production companies, and independent filmmakers to develop and execute animated content from concept through to final delivery.
With experience spanning broadcast, advertising, branded content, feature film, digital campaigns, and independent animation, I can work as an animator within an existing production team or take on larger projects as a lead animator or director.
SELECTED CLIENTS & COLLABORATORS
Sesame Street Workshop · American Express · JBL · Nissan · NIVEA · Shurtech · HBO · CBS · Ford Foundation
WHAT I DO
2D ANIMATION
Character animation & rigging, VFX, and multi-media animation
3D ANIMATION
3D modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, character animation, environmental design, product visualization, and VFX.
MOTION GRAPHICS
Animated typography, graphics and data visualization for branded content across a variety of platforms including presentations, social media, and broadcast.
DESIGN & VISUAL DEVELOPMENT
Illustration, character design, storyboarding, visual development, art direction, and asset creation for 2D and 3D.
MIXED MEDIA & EXPERIMENTAL ANIMATION
Stop motion, fiber arts, 3D fabrication, set construction, compositing, and hybrid 2D/3D techniques.
PRODUCTION & DIRECTION
Creative direction and production management in all areas of the creative pipeline.
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SESAME STREET WORKSHOP
Producer · Director · Lead Animator | 2023
Created Number 5 Jobs, a one-minute animated short featured in Season 54 of Sesame Street.
Produced and directed the project, provided lead animation, and hired and coordinated additional animators, sound designers, and musicians.
SHURTECH
3D Modeler · Photo Retoucher | 2018–2025
Created realistic 3D product models and imagery for T-Rex Tape and other home renovation products.
Work was developed for various websites including Amazon, Walmart, advertising, and print packaging.
BARBARIAN
Motion Graphics Animator | 2021
Created motion graphics for American Express and JBL digital advertising campaigns across social media and digital platforms.
CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?
Animator | 2019
Co-created assets and animated the title sequence for the feature film starring Alexandra Daddario and Tyler Hoechlin.
TBAC PRODUCTIONS
Motion Graphics Animator | 2017–2018
Created and animated the title sequence for The Con Is On, starring Uma Thurman, Tim Roth, and Sofia Vergara.
SELECTED CLIENT WORK
Ford Foundation — Motion Graphics
Teneo Financial Advisory — Motion Graphics
One Archwell — 2D Animation & Motion Graphics
Safe2Choose — Illustration
OS Studios — Motion Graphics
Good Colony — Experimental Animation
Erin Carr / All That You Leave Behind Promo — Motion Graphics
Anchor Worldwide — Fabrication / Craft
CBS Corporation — Motion Graphics
HBO — Illustration
Hudson Media — 3D Animation
Stranger — 3D Animation & VFX
Fidelio Films — 2D Animation
Redwood Living — 2D Animation
Keep Tree — 2D Animation
Party Animal, Inc. — 2D Animation
Rooster — Motion Graphics
Cleveland Museum of Natural History — Animation / Digital Arts
Lubrizol — Animation
FEATURED WORK
SUNDAYS — 2026
Writer · Director · Animator
A 2D/3D animated memoir exploring memory, routine, and grief through the relationship between a daughter and her father.
World Premiere — Sarasota Film Festival, 2026
Currently in its festival run, with screenings including Sarasota Film Festival, New Jersey International Film Festival, Snake Alley Film Festival, Portland Festival of Cinema, Animation & Technology, Sidewalk Film Festival, Breck Film Festival, Animaze / Montreal International Animation Festival, Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, and San Diego International Film Festival.
THE SPIRIT SEAM — 2019
Writer · Director · Animator
A mixed-media animated film combining 2D and 3D animation with embroidery and 3D-printed sets.
The film was accepted into more than 100 film festivals and received 25 awards, including Best Animation awards at multiple festivals and Best Short Film at the Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival.
CAT TUNNEL — 2011
Writer · Director · Animator
A graduate thesis film created at the School of Visual Arts combining 3D animation, physically constructed sets, and fiber arts.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION CREDITS
The Hammer — 3D Modeling & Fabrication Assistant
Environmental modeling, 3D-print fabrication, and stop-motion set design.
Misprint — Stop-Motion Animator
Stop-motion animation of 3D-printed characters.
Zerogon — 3D Animator
Animation of scenes featuring a large humanoid spider.
The Compositor — 3D Animator
Created 3D animation including a talking moon.
SOFTWARE
Maya · Blender · ZBrush · Arnold · After Effects · Nuke · Unreal · Substance Painter · Harmony Premium · Storyboard Pro · Adobe Animate · Premiere · Photoshop · Procreate
WORKING WITH ME
I’m available for freelance animation, motion graphics, character animation, 2D/3D animation, illustration, visual development.
I’m comfortable joining an existing studio or agency team, collaborating with directors and designers, or taking responsibility for an animation project from concept through delivery.
I’m based in New York's Hudson Valley and work with clients and studios throughout the greater New York City area and remotely.