star smasher
sandstorm steel
Commission Work
red vs. abel
Howdy! I'm Nikolas Dela Cruz!
I'm commonly known as Nik or Tinik on social media.I have a passion for storyboarding and 2D FX animation! My work is heavily influenced by my upbringing in the Philippines and as an immigrant in the U.S. I pull inspiration from the works of Studio Trigger, Bones (studio), and various other anime and action packed live action movies I grew up watching as a kid. I love a little challenge and I'm always looking to learn new things from my struggles and the people I work with.Outside of animation, I enjoy Live2D rigging, writing, and making music.
Contact me at ndc-tinikois@proton.me> resume download
(Last updated March 2026)
EXPERIENCE
| Studio Psycho | 2D FX Animator | AUG 2023 - PRESENT |
| The Graveyard Shift (pilot) | Storyboard Artist | APR 2026 - OCT 2026 |
| Beetleglue Animation | Lead Storyboard Artist + 2D FX Animator | JUL 2026 - AUG 2026 |
| BlipToons | Storyboard Artist | NOV 2025 - MAR 2026 |
| Voidpet Inc. | Storyboard Artist | SEP 2025 - NOV 2025 |
| Tea Leaves Last (pilot) | 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 Generalist | 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 |
2025 | 2D FX Animation Reel
TOONBOOM HARMONY, BLENDER, CLIP STUDIO PAINT
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.
THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT
STORYBOARD PRO
Storyboards for the animatic pilot of "The Graveyard Shift". I was in charge of boarding the first 3 minutes building suspense and setting the tone for this spooky comedy.
Animatic has the official voice acting audio.View the full pilot here!
STORYBOARD PRO
Storyboards for the animatic pilot of "The Graveyard Shift". I was in charge of boarding the first 3 minutes building suspense and setting the tone for this spooky comedy.View the full pilot here!
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.
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.
