Highly accomplished Lead Outsource Artist with 20+ years of game development experience specializing in art outsourcing, project management, and dynamic team leadership. Expert in translating creative visions into captivating game environments delivering exceptional results. Proven track record in overseeing the production of outsourced art assets and integrating them seamlessly into game engines.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Grew Naughty Dog outsource team from a single person to a team of eight • Streamlined communication between Naughty Dog’s internal art team and external partners by implementing proprietary project tracking software for all outsource communication and driving its adoption studio wide • Created and delivered training for external art groups at Naughty Dog and at our external partners’ locations • Contributing member of Sony Worldwide Outsource Managers group participating in global asset, tools and technology sharing initiatives across games and movie studios •
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Naughty Dog Inc., Santa Monica, CA Lead Outsource Artist
Responsible for overseeing the production of all outsourced environment art assets, weapons and interactive props for two iconic titles The Last of Us: Part One and The Last of Us 2: Remastered
Built the ramp up and ramp down plans which include the budget management and headcount projections for current and upcoming projects to optimize resource allocation and project efficiency
Oversee due diligence process for potential external partners
Optimize external vendor workflow to enhance collaboration for mutual success
Manage the career development and performance management of internal outsource team
Streamline the distribution of incoming assets with the internal art groups ensuring seamless integration into the game pipeline
Blizzard Entertainment, Irvine, CA Senior Art Outsource Supervisor (March 2019 - December 2020)
Oversaw the production of outsourced exterior environment assets for Diablo IV resulting in on-time delivery and exceptional quality
Created comprehensive asset packages detailing technical requirements and objectives ensuring a clear vision for external partners
Provided daily feedback and art direction to multiple external studios achieving a consistent visual style and adherence to project goals
Coordinated the integration of incoming assets into the game engine optimizing workflow efficiency
Naughty Dog Inc., Santa Monica, CA Environment Artist (October 2012 - February 2019)
Managed the production of outsourced environment art assets and character art for prominent titles including The Last of Us, The Last of Us 2, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Uncharted 4: The Lost Legacy
Created comprehensive asset packages detailing technical requirements and objectives ensuring a clear vision for external studios
Provided daily feedback and art direction to up to ten external studios by creating paintovers, concept sketches, call outs and providing reference photos
Spark Unlimited Inc., Sherman Oaks, CA Lead Multiplayer Artist (January 2012 - September 2012)
Led the art production for all multiplayer levels, orchestrating efforts between external vendors and internal artists on Lost Planet 3
Provided weekly feedback and art direction to external partners to maintain the visual quality of all multiplayer art assets and ensured optimal performance
Set dressed and lit game levels
Optimized levels ensuring memory and frame rate efficiency
Modeled and textured 3d art assets
Spin Master Studios, Los Angeles, CA Director of Creative Services (February 2011 - December 2011)
Created style guides for user workflow for websites by collaborating with producers and marketing brand managers
Managed production workflows fostering effective cross-departmental communication and overseeing the career development of art and web development teams
Conceptualized interactive components of toy products
Contributed to interactive components of toy products and spearheaded projects like Bakugan.com and Stratego.com
Spin Master Studios, Los Angeles, CA Art Director (July 2008 - February 2011)
Defined the visual identity of multiple game projects while ensuring the consistency of visual quality for both internally and externally developed titles
Collaborated with brand managers, designers, and animation studio heads to maintain alignment with toys and animated series
Conceptualized and designed intellectual properties
Contributed to projects such as Bakugan Dimensions and Tech Deck Live
Spark Unlimited Inc., Sherman Oaks, CA Senior Environment Artist (September 2006 - February 2008)
Managed art production of all multiplayer levels on Turning Point: Fall of Liberty
Coordinated production of art assets with lead artist
Reviewed art assets ensuring junior artists maintain technical specifications
Supervised level streaming
Set dressed and lit game levels
Modeled and textured 3d art assets
Conceptualized and designed intellectual properties
Climax Group, Los Angeles, CA Lead Artist (July 2005 - September 2006)
Oversaw scheduling and timely production of all art assets on Silent Hill: Origins
Developed and documented art pipelines
Coordinated production with department heads as projects were developed
Supervised external production of outsourced assets
Maintained visual quality of all art assets
Created resource library consisting of textures and instructional videos
Developed and conducted training programs for art team
Modeled and textured 3d art assets
Conceptualized and designed intellectual properties
Novalogic Inc., Calabasas, CA Senior Artist (July 2003 - June 2005)
Coordinated production of art assets with art director
Modeled and textured 3d art assets
Provided feedback for outsourced art assets
Credits: Joint Operations: Typhoon Rising – PC, Joint Operations: Escalation – PC, Black Hawk Down: Team Sabre – PC, Delta Force Extreme – PC, Black Hawk Down - PS2
Studio Mythos, Torrance, CA Art Director (November 2000 – June 2003)
Oversaw scheduling and timely production of all art projects
Coordinated with outside producers and department heads as projects were developed
Maintained visual quality of all art assets
Developed and conducted training programs for art team
Conceptualized and designed intellectual properties
Modeled and textured 3d art assets
Credits: Command and Conquer: Generals (EA) – PC,Dogz (Ubisoft), Star Wars: Clone Wars (Lucas Arts) – GC/PS2,Medal of Honor: Frontline (EA) - PS2
Freelance Comic Book Penciler, Los Angeles, CA
July 1994 - November 2000
Designed and illustrated comic books
Conceptualized and designed intellectual properties
Credits:JLA (DC), The Kingdom: Kid Flash (DC), JLA: 80 Page Giant (DC), Tomb Raider (Top Cow Productions), The Darkness (Top Cow Productions), Venom: Finale (Marvel), Supreme (Maximum Press)
SKILLS
Artistic Skills
Strong foundation in traditional rendering, digital rendering, digital 3d modeling and texturing, conceptual developing, storyboarding
Soft Skills
Strategic Planning, Adaptability, Critical Thinking, Communication, Team Collaboration, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Sensitivity, Mentoring, Decision Making
Software Proficiency
Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Designer, Substance Painter, Photoshop, Illustrator, Unreal Engine, Perforce, Jira, Miro, Microsoft Office and G Suite, Windows OS, Mac OS
EDUCATION
Platt College, Newport Beach, CA
Diploma, Graphic Design
Graduated June 1995