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ABOUT ME

James Forster is a traditionally-trained visual artist who took the plunge into CG art in 2019. He is a recent graduate of the Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Games and Animation, and is currently seeking work where he can leverage his 3D Generalist skillset. James specializes in environment art, asset modeling and texturing, and lighting design. His ultimate goal is to help build authentic, believable worlds in which all manner of stories can be set.

RESUME

PROFILE

Highly trained Gnomon graduate and 3D environment artist, with experience in asset modeling and texturing, as well as look development and lighting design. Proven ability to curate reference materials in accordance with desired genre and mood. 

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

ENVIRONMENT DESIGN

  • Hard-surface modeling and digitally sculpting 3D assets based on photo reference and concept art, using Maya and Zbrush.

  • Procedural terrain generation and population using Gaea, Houdini, Quixel Mixer and Speedtree.

  • Designing environment layouts in Maya and Unreal Engine based on shot composition and camera movements.

LOOK DEVELOPMENT

  • Texturing assets to a realistic standard in Substance Painter and Mari.

  • Designing lighting setups with Arnold, Vray, and Unreal Engine in order to direct visual focus and clarify atmosphere and genre themes. 

  • Post-processing and compositing of render elements in Nuke.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ANALYST
Gensler, Manhattan, NY                                                                                          August 2018-May 2019

  • Developed and edited video content for documentation and promotion of project workflows.

  • Drafted client deliverables in conjunction with designing presentation assets.

  • Travelled to client spaces to observe and analyze customer usage metrics.

  • Collated internal records as part of the creation of a records database for use in quoting costs and time.

SOFTWARE SKILLS

  • Adobe After Effects

  • Adobe Illustrator

  • Adobe Photoshop

  • Adobe Premiere

  • Arnold

  • Gaea

  • Houdini

  • Mari

  • Maya

  • Mudbox

  • Nuke

  • Quixel Mixer

  • Speedtree

  • Substance Painter

  • Unreal Engine

  • Vray

  • Yeti

  • Zbrush

PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE

STUDENT
Gorton Studio, Chesham, UK                                                                                                  June-July 2015

  • Conceptualized and created various science fiction and fantasy prosthetics for film and television using various mediums, including chavant, fiberglass, foam latex and silicon.

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COSTUME DESIGNER
Second Stage Student Theater, Middletown, CT                                                February 2015-April 2017

  • Designed and assembled costumes and props for Second Stage productions.

  • Drafted and executed costume budgets.

 

EDUCATION

Gnomon School, Los Angeles, CA                                                         September 2019-September 2023
Graduated: Bachelor of Fine Arts, 3D Generalist

 

Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT                                                              September 2014-May 2018
Graduated: Bachelor of Arts, English

 

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