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.

Software:

Houdini | Unreal Engine 5 | Maya | 3DS Max | Nuke | ZBrush | Photoshop | Illustrator | After Effects | Premiere | MotionBuilder | Revit | Fusion360 | Blender

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

CNC Manufacture/Design

3D Printing

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Special FX/Prop Maker-Prop Shop

I.A.T.S.E. Local 44 | August 2022 – Present

• 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

Stage Technician

I.A.T.S.E. Local 33 | August 2024 – Present

• Provided backstage work  in various Live entertainment venues, including theaters, arenas, and television studios

• Set Construction and Dismantling: Building and dismantling sets, including props and scenery

• Setting up and operating lighting equipment

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