James Catterson

Environment Artist

Profile

• Work has been featured on the DVDs of 3D World and 3D Artist magazines
• Exceptional 3D modeling and UV mapping skills with 3ds Max
• Excellent texturing skills using Photoshop and good knowledge of Zbrush
• Experienced with creating Normal maps from meshes and images
• Ability to quickly learn in house proprietary tools
• Good Knowledge of Unreal 3 editor, including creating complex materials
• Experience with Art outsource pipelines
• Able to work using given concept designs
• Knowledge of optimizing performance usage to strike balance between visuals and performance
• Well versed in meeting deadlines while maintaining asset quality
• Quick learner who works well under pressure, independently or as part of a team
• A real passion for Video Games, Art and Architecture

 

Professional Experience

Rebellion Developments
May 2011 – Present
Environment Artist

I am primarily responsible for the creation of environments using 3ds max and Rebellion proprietary tech. For the first five months, I was the principal artist on the first main level of the game, this level has frequently been used when showing the game to journalists, and will be featured in the forthcoming demo. After this I worked on a number of other levels to help troubleshoot and assist other artists where additional work was needed. I have also contributed to the front end environment and created a number of props for launch trailer and in-game use. I have consistently proved myself to be a very reliable artist and as a result, new important tasks have often been assigned to me.

In this role I have had to be flexible, highly motivated and detail conscious. I have learned a huge amount so far at Rebellion from Lighting, to Modular building, Prop Placement, Performance analysis and general industry art pipelines. I have been involved in game Environments that are in all different stages, from adding polish to an almost complete level, to completely reworking sections to fit large design changes. I have also gained experience in Outsource pipelines, especially checking and then giving feedback for work coming in from external outsource companies.

Gusto Games
May 2010 – May 2011
Junior Artist

I was employed by Gusto Games as a Junior Artist, working on a variety of titles, including DJ Hero 2. I was responsible for producing game ready models and textures to briefs supplied by the Producer and Art Leads. I have also worked on game concepts and provided images for pitch documents. The job required outstanding modeling and texturing skills and a good understanding of Max/Photoshop.

The position involved ensuring all work was in a build ready format and was completed by the project deadlines/milestones. It was very important to effectively collaborate with the Art Director and Producer to ensure the assets matched expectations. It has helped me develop excellent Team work skills along with the ability to work with a high degree of self direction when necessary. I also learned a huge amount about Game Development as a whole, from initial pitches through to pre production full production and submission phases.

Lionhead
November 2009 – Dec
QA Tester (contract)
I worked at Lionhead, in the QA department for Milo and Kate, an upcoming Natal based game and also Fable 3. My role involved finding and reporting issues/bugs/inconsistencies, being sure that detailed information on reproducing them is provided to Production. Verifying any potential fixes for these issues by reproducing the bugs and confirming any resolutions in Product Studio. I was also responsible for smoke testing each new build and passing results, along with any major new issues, to Production.

The role required great attention to detail, the ability to accurately reproduce any issues found, and then effectively communicating these steps in written form. The ability to stay focused while carrying out repetitive tasks and the ability to manage multiple given tasks. This role has given me excellent experience of game production in a world leading games studio.

I was a Player Support Representative at Jagex, working on their MMO Runescape and FunOrb mini games site. My job involves investigating player complaints and helping to ensure the community is safe by identifying suspicious behavior. I was the Lead of the Offensive names team, this role involves training people in new systems and guidelines, monitoring performance and ensuring the team is running efficiently.

This role has helped me develop my judgment and has improved my attention to detail. This has given me firsthand experience of the operation of a leading games studio. I have also learned about the importance of keeping development information confidential. I was at the top of the Department’s performance rankings for my final month.

Education

Team leader for two Group Projects which improved leadership, organisational and teamwork skills. Developed excellent skills at prioritizing projects, problem resolution, keeping to deadlines and a close attention to detail through university projects.

View my C.V in other formats below