star smasher
sandstorm steel
tea leaves last
red vs. abel
Howdy! I'm Nikolas Dela Cruz!
I'm commonly known as Nik or Tinik on social media.I'm a graduate from San Jose State University's Animation/Illustration program. I have a passion for storyboarding and 2D FX animation! I'm inspired by the works of Studio Trigger, Gainax, and various other anime and action packed shows I grew up watching. I love a little challenge and I'm always looking to learn new things from everyone around me.Outside of animation, I enjoy Live2D rigging, writing, and vocaloid.
Contact me at ndc-tinikois@proton.me> resume download
(Last updated December 2025)
EXPERIENCE
| BlipToons | Storyboard Artist | NOV 2025 - PRESENT |
| Studio Psycho | 2D FX Animator | AUG 2023 - PRESENT |
| Voidpet Inc. | Storyboard Artist | SEP 2025 - NOV 2025 |
| Tea Leaves Last | Volunteer Storyboard Artist | DEC 2024 - APR 2025 |
| San Jose State University | Storyboarding Teacher's Assistant | AUG 2023 - MAY 2024 |
| Blizzard Entertainment | Storyboard Mentorship | JAN 2023 - MAY 2023 |
| Freelance Artist | 2D Animation, Storyboards, Illustration | 2019 - PRESENT |
OTHER PROJECTS
| Sandstorm Steel | Thesis Film | Director, Storyboard Artist, Lead Animator | AUG 2023 - MAY 2024 |
| Mission Popo | Film | 2D FX Animator | APR 2023 |
| A Paw Over Dark | Film | 2D Character Animator | NOV 2022 - APR 2023 |
| Reyna | Film | 2D Character Animator | FEB 2022 - MAY 2022 |
| Chasing Starlight | 48hr Film | Storyboard Artist & Animator | AUG 2022 |
2024 | 2D FX Animation Reel
TOONBOOM HARMONY, BLENDER
2024 | 2D Character Animation Reel
TOONBOOM HARMONY, CLIP STUDIO PAINT, PROCREATE DREAMS
other projects
Studies, personal projects, and looping gifs
"Nem Transformation"
Rough Animation
Personal Work (2021)
"Nem Transformation"
Rough Animation
Personal Work (2021)
ANIMATED IN TOONBOOM HARMONY
A short rough animation of my friend Corin's character going through a magical girl-eque transformation.
STAR SMASHER
STORYBOARD PRO
An action sequence following a band touring space, facing off their greatest enemy: Star Lord.Follows the script provided by Prof. Jeff Biancalana.
STORYBOARD PRO
An action sequence following a band touring space, facing off their greatest enemy: Star Lord.
TEA LEAVES LAST
STORYBOARD PRO
Boards created for Asians In Animation's Pre-Production Program (AIA 4P) featuring some action, drama, and a bit of fun magical girl transforming!Primarily worked as a Storyboard Artist, but also did revisionist work for my section and other sections.Received revisionist assistance from Krish Geer in cleaning up the crewmates.
STORYBOARD PRO
Boards created for Asians In Animation's Pre-Production Program (AIA 4P) featuring some action, drama, and a bit of fun magical girl transforming!Received revisionist assistance from Krish Geer to clean up the crewmates.
Sketches and beat boards drawn during the project to familiarize myself with the story and characters.
Red vs. Abel
CLIP STUDIO PAINT
An action scene using two of my original characters.Below are the initial planning and thumbnails for the scene.
CLIP STUDIO PAINT
An action scene using two of my original characters.
Woah, Waterfall!
STORYBOARD PRO
Based on a day in my life when I was around 8 years old.
Dog to Dog Communication
CLIP STUDIO PAINT
A comedic scene using dialogue from Finding Nemo.
CLIP STUDIO PAINT
A comedic scene using dialogue from Finding Nemo.
Other works
SKETCHES
A baby mouse getting cookies on top of a fridge.
A baby chicken crossing a river.
