Skills
- Lighting and Compositing
- Look Development
- Workflow Strategy
- Task/Artist Management
- Artist Development
- Supportive Leadership Style
- Cross Functional Collaboration
- Tool Development
- Tradition Painting/Drawing/Sculpture
Software
- Unreal Engine 5
- AutoDesk (Maya/3ds Max)
- RenderMan
- Redshift
- ShotGrid
- Nuke
- Pencil
- R&H Proprietary 3D/2D software
- Confluence
- Google Workspace
- DaVinci Resolve
Experience
Rooster Teeth | Austin, TX
Unreal Lighting Artist | April 2023 - Present
- Cinematic lighting and sequence rendering on animated Unreal project
- Integration of Niagara and Cascade FX to meet shot requirements
- Troubleshoot technical issues with assets and imported animation
- Assist other lighting artists with aesthetic and technical feedback
- Revise shot based on Lead and Director feedback
Visual Post Manager/ CG Supervisor | June 2018 - Present
- Lead, train, and mentor 20+ lighting, comp, and vfx team (post) members through development of visuals from kickoff to final approval.
- Partner with directors, producers and supervisors from inception to final delivery to establish initial imagery and design concepts, provide delivery updates, and gather feedback to ensure overall creative vision and standards are met by the post team.
- Design and implement workflow and guideline processes to create cohesion and efficiency in animation pipeline and interdepartmental communications.
Lighting Lead | Aug 2016 - June 2018
- Task assignment and management for lighting artists.
- Create simple and quick lighting and render setups for anime aesthetic.
- Develop and document tool usage for efficient lighting methods.
- Guide artists on anime aesthetic for quick turn around and approval.
- Provide feedback to producers and sups on task and pipeline status.
Nitrogen Studios | Vancouver, BC
Lighting and Compositing Lead | April 2014 - May 2016
- Create sequence light rigs for the environment and characters.
- Give aesthetic lighting direction to the team through reviews and one on ones.
- Develop and document tool usage for efficient lighting methods.
- Educate artists on shot debugging and other troubleshooting techniques.
- Translate aesthetic feedback from director to technical direction for Lighting and Compositing team.
Rhythm & Hues Studios | Los Angeles, CA
Lighting Supervisor | Jan 2009 - April 2013
- Developed artistic vision of the studio’s lighting department.
- Led discussions with local and international lighting teams to build efficient lighting methods.
- Provided guidance on development, documentation and maintenance of proprietary lighting render tools.
- Collaborated with the software department to develop studio and production specific rendering functionality
- Engaged with sups and leads daily to understand team and individual lighting needs.
- Partnered directly with look development team on character lighting and shader implementation.
- Advised production managers on lighting teams estimated timelines, task allocation, and deliverables schedule.
Education
Gnomon School of Visual Effects | Hollywood, CA
- Two-year Certificate Graduate in High-end CG
- Focus in Lighting/Look Development
Indiana University | Bloomington, IN
- Bachelor of Arts
- Major in Studio Art, Minor in Art History
Projects
Death Battle X
Justice League x RWBY
RWBY
Sausage Party
Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 and 3
R.I.P.D
Aliens in the Attic
Yogi Bear
HOP
The Golden Compass
The Incredible Hulk
Night at the Museum 1 and 2
Marmaduke