Not everyone is lucky enough to pursue a career that supports their passion. However, when passion and work intersect, happiness and fulfillment over accomplishments are more profound. James Tralie, a Planetary Science Producer and Animator at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, is here to show everyone how it is done. What started as a childhood fascination with the solar system and everything around it became the pillar for the success he is experiencing today.
Bringing to the table years of experience in film and animation combined with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Geosciences, James believes in the value of taking a multidisciplinary approach in every project he does.
James works directly with scientists and engineers to explain the findings of NASA’s research and missions. Since his start at NASA, he has gone above and beyond to ensure that people from all walks of life can understand complex scientific discoveries and expeditions by relaying them through engaging material. Some of his notable projects are a comic book-style animation about the ionosphere of Mars and a 360 video that takes the viewers to the surface of an asteroid. In addition, his expertise in creating visualizations has greatly helped NASA promote planetary science missions. The projects he is in charge of range from producing and directing documentaries to the more complex side of animation involving augmented reality (AR).
James’s reputation is further solidified by the accomplishments he has over his career progression. International film festivals have selected many of his films, documentaries, music videos, dramas, and animations for screening and awards.
Despite his continuous success in arts and sciences, James does not forget to enjoy life while still being in pursuit of new ideas. This is shown by his “Great Indoors” series, which is a collection of 3D renders he painstakingly created to demonstrate how the boundaries of abstract interior spaces can be pushed. Using several elements in 3D graphics, James has found a way to bring the outdoors indoors amid quarantine. With this project, James aims to transport the viewers into a meditative and calming world by designing relaxing spaces.
In connection to this, James is using his talent to teach his audiences the ins and outs of photorealistic lighting design through 3D software. He aims to show how he achieves the sense of realism present in “Great Indoors” by going over the sculpting of terrain and blocking a whole scene out.
James has combined his love for film and animation and geophysics to bring his visions to reality and build a life he wants to lead. He is proof that controlling how to integrate passions into a profession is a step towards success.James Tralie still has many ideas and conceptualizations that the rest of the world has yet to see. Learn more about him and view his works by visiting his website. You can also check out his Instagram and YouTube accounts.
