Nick Neubrand:

Scale Modeler, Digital Designer, Production Manager

I started my career in the themed entertainment industry working seasonally for Walt Disney Imagineering. My first position was a two-month contract helping in the Creative Services department during the end of the fiscal year. This role would then turn into a 2-year job I worked while simultaneously pursuing my Associate of Arts degree. After completing my associate's degree, I took a leave of absence to complete my Bachelor's Degree in Studio Art. Knowing that Disney had started to transition from AutoCAD to Rhino, I utilized my time in college to teach myself Rhino. Over the summer breaks, I would come back to Imagineering and continue to help in the Creative Services department.

 

Once I had completed my degree I was brought on to be an Associate Dimensional Designer in the model shop. Within this role, I started my professional model-making career. I have always had a passion for model making, but now I was doing it as a career. From that point, I started to lead model efforts, and collaborate with other departments such as Show Set, Special Effects, and R&D. While in Dimensional design I would progress from Associate Dimensional Designer to Dimensional Designer, to Senior Dimensional Designer. In addition to my model-making duties, I chose to take on the task of programming and operating the department's new MultiCAM and Kuka CNC machines. While with Disney, I had the ability to travel to Shanghai China to help install props and set work for the new park.

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During this time I also worked on the side as a Producer and acted in a film, Journey to Royal. This was a very different experience, that introduced me to the firm industry.

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In 2020 I chose to move to Florida right before the pandemic. I decided to leave Disney to work with Design Manufacturing Installation as Design and Production Manager. In this role, I work with our clients to find design solutions to their project challenges. This includes material, means & methods, shop drawings, 3D modeling, design integration, budgeting, RFIs, RFP, and RFQs. In addition to these responsibilities, I continue to operate our 5 Axis and 3 Axis CNC machines. My goal was also to expand DMIs capabilities. To achieve this goal, I have introduced in-house 3D printing and scale model making.

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Outside of my career, I run my own business building prop and signage replicas, as well as custom art. I have a passion for small electronics projects, 3D printing, and home improvement.