Hello! My name is Gianni Castellano, and I’m a sculptor and technical artist specializing in creature design, animatronics, and practical effects. I’m currently pursuing my MFA in Animatronics at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), after earning my BFA in Technical Animation with a minor in Visual Effects from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

I’m passionate about bringing creatures and characters to life through a blend of sculptural detail, mechanical design, and performance-driven rigging. My work bridges digital and physical mediums, driven by a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship and a desire to modernize practical effects in film and live performance.

In addition to my academic work, I’ve contributed to SCAD film productions and SCADpro industry collaborations, where I learned to adapt quickly to new pipelines and tools while maintaining a high standard of craft. Outside the studio, I enjoy hiking, archery, and experimenting with new materials to build monsters by hand.