BRIAN YAM
South Pasadena,CA
Summary
My expertise covers IP development, concept design, worldbuilding, and supporting 3D art teams by solving problems and refining ideas. I thrive in fast-paced pipelines, whether leading teams or working hands-on to develop compelling worlds. I’ve been fortunate to contribute to some incredible projects, and I always look forward to the next challenge.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Concept Artist
Meta / Sanzaru
San Mateo
05.2025 - Current
- Created concept art for immersive virtual environments, props, and character designs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure artistic vision met project goals.
- Refined artwork based on feedback from art directors and team members.
- Supervised freelance concept artists, providing feedback and ensuring cohesiveness to the art direction.
- Presented concepts and designs to stakeholders, securing alignment and approval.
- Participated in brainstorming sessions to generate innovative design ideas.
- Organized multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
- Nurtured relationships with artists and internal partners, fostering a collaborative environment for future projects.
Senior Concept Artist / Consultant
Freelance
Los Angeles, CA
11.2024 - 04.2025
- Drove direction of visual pillars through concept art, establishing tone and direction for early-stage project development.
- Partnered with creative and design team to develop compelling game pitch for new IP, contributing to creative vision and providing industry expertise.
- Initiated and established art processes at early stages of development to optimize pipeline.
Lead Concept Artist
Riot Games- Valorant
Los Angeles, CA
05.2021 - 08.2024
- Spearheaded the Valorant environment and concept team, overseeing all aspects of map creation.
- Directed initial concept development and paint overs, enhancing collaboration between 3D and concept teams.
- Partnered with directors, leads, and stakeholders to align art goals to the environment concept team and 3D environment team.
- Coordinated 2D and 3D environment teams, creating schedules aligned with project requirements to optimize workflow.
- Collaborated with outsource teams to improve process efficiency and achieve cohesive creative outcomes.
Senior Concept Artist
Riot Games- Valorant
Los Angeles, CA
04.2019 - 05.2021
- Developed immersive concepts for Valorant environments and maps, enhancing player engagement and gameplay experience.
- Provided art direction on map development by creating concepts to guide artists towards building better designs.
- Coordinated with environment and level designers to create cohesive visuals, improving overall aesthetic quality of maps.
- Partnered with the Art Director and stakeholders to deliver a unified creative vision for maps.
- Collaborated with external partners and managed feedback loops with vendors, optimizing asset output for high-volume content in Valorant.
Director of Visual Development
Section Studios- COD:Black Ops 4, LOL, Valorant, God of War II
Los Angeles, CA
09.2017 - 04.2019
- Led and mentored a team of 10-12 artists, fostering career growth and enhancing creative output.
- Oversaw 5 projects from AAA game studios in a high-paced pipeline.
- Delivered feedback and upheld quality standards on art deliverables, ensuring client satisfaction and project success.
- Contributed to conceptual feedback by providing paint over and direction.
- Aligned project goals with client expectations, delivering high-quality outcomes while maintaining strong, trustworthy relationships with clients and external partners.
Senior Concept Artist
Amazon Game Studios- Breakway
Irvine, CA
07.2013 - 09.2017
- Defined the visual direction and immersive environment design for the MOBA arenas on Breakaway.
- Partnered with the Art Director and department leads to define project goals and ensure visual and thematic cohesion.
- Guided peers on concept-to-production pipeline techniques, enhancing production workflow efficiency.
- Mentored peers on concept-to-production techniques, streamlining the production pipeline.
Education
BFA - Illustration
Art Center College of Design
B.A - Biology
University of California, Santa Cruz
Skills
- Leadership and management
- 3D modeling and art direction
- Autodesk Maya and Photoshop
- Environment design, props, hard surface, character
Artstation
https://www.artstation.com/bdyammer
Timeline
Lead Concept Artist
Meta / Sanzaru
05.2025 - Current
Senior Concept Artist / Consultant
Freelance
11.2024 - 04.2025
Lead Concept Artist
Riot Games- Valorant
05.2021 - 08.2024
Senior Concept Artist
Riot Games- Valorant
04.2019 - 05.2021
Director of Visual Development
Section Studios- COD:Black Ops 4, LOL, Valorant, God of War II
09.2017 - 04.2019
Senior Concept Artist
Amazon Game Studios- Breakway
07.2013 - 09.2017
BFA - Illustration
Art Center College of Design
B.A - Biology
University of California, Santa Cruz