PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
High-performing VFX Artist & Special Effects Professional with 25 years of experience in the Gaming and Film/Television industry. Proven track record with 22 shipped game titles, 23 released movies, and 13 episodic TV series. Skilled in building strong relationships across departments to drive collaboration, optimize VFX pipelines, and deliver high-impact visuals. Adept at real-time VFX, physics simulations, and practical on-set effects. Passionate about continuous learning and pushing creative and technical boundaries.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Software:
Houdini | Unreal Engine 5 | Maya | 3DS Max | Nuke | ZBrush | Photoshop | Illustrator | After Effects | Premiere | MotionBuilder | Revit
Core Skills:
● Real-time VFX for games, film, and television
● Compositing & simulation (fire, smoke, water, destruction)
● VFX pipeline development & optimization
● On-set practical effects & pyrotechnics
● Performance tuning & troubleshooting for real-time engines
● Collaboration with designers, engineers, and artists
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Special FX/Prop Maker
I.A.T.S.E. Local 44 | August 2022 – March 2025
● Provided on-set special effects for film and television, including smoke, fog, wet downs, and rain effects
● Assisted in executing pyrotechnics and destruction sequences
● Obtained Special Effects 3rd Class - Pyrotechnic Operator License to support productions
Principal VFX Artist
Deviation Games | August 2020 – August 2022
● Developed VFX pipeline for PS5 games in Unreal Engine 5
● Led efforts in fluid simulations, real-time FX, and pipeline optimization
● Mentored and guided junior artists on best practices for VFX production
VFX Artist
Encore Hollywood | September 2016 – August 2020
● Delivered 10+ high-quality VFX shots per day for VES-awarded primetime TV series
● Spearheaded the Houdini crowd simulation library to enhance large-scale shots
● Collaborated with compositors to ensure seamless FX integration
Senior VFX Artist
Activision/Blizzard - Treyarch Studios | February 2015 – September 2016
● Created AAA real-time VFX for Call of Duty multiplayer, campaign, and cinematics
● Managed VFX across multiple levels, ensuring high performance and visual fidelity
VFX Artist
The Asylum | July 2012 – February 2015
● Delivered 10-35 VFX shots per film within tight deadlines
● Designed and rendered CG explosions, water effects, and environmental destruction
EARLY CAREER EXPERIENCE
3D Generalist – SideShow Studios, Collision Studios, Inhance Digital
Lead Artist/Animator – Pi Studios, Prolific Publishing, Archimage
Environment Artist – Black Ops Entertainment
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
● Associate Degree, Graphic Design / Multimedia Certification – Platt College, CA
● Special Effects 3rd Class – Pyrotechnic Operator License
MILITARY SERVICE
United States Army – Armor Crewman
● Honorable Discharge | Army Commendation Medal for Actions in Kuwait
