Derek Thomas
Orlando
Summary
Highly skilled technical artist with extensive experience in Unity and game development. Expertise in modeling, rigging, animation, shader creation, VFX, performance optimization, and Unity tool development. Combines strong artistic and technical skills to create optimized, visually stunning, and efficient game assets.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Technical artist
Zynga, San Francisco
04.2022 - Current
- Unity Development: Editor tool creation, level design, UI/UX integration, and optimization
- Technical Expertise: Shader creation (mobile-friendly, high-performance), VFX (Unity Particle System), Unity Profiler usage
- Artistry: 3D modeling, rigging, animation, UV mapping, texture painting
- Collaboration: Documenting workflows, establishing best practices, and integrating assets with engineering teams
Senior Technical Artist
Tempo Games
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Extensively utilized C# programming to design and implement advanced features and custom tools, enhancing workflow efficiency and functionality.
- Partner with engineering teams to seamlessly integrate art assets into Unity.
- Develop mobile-friendly shaders and custom VFX using Unity’s particle system.
3D Generalist / Technical artist
Diamond Game, Chatsworth
01.2019 - 04.2022
- Modeling, rigging, animation, and texturing for a variety of casino-style games
- Implementation of assets into Unity
- General scene and asset optimization
- Project profiling to find and solve performance related issues
3D Generalist
Titmouse, Hollywood
03.2015 - 11.2018
- Modeling, rigging, animation, texturing, environment design, and camera tracking for Moonbeam City,and Son of Zorn
3D Director /3D Animation Director
Titmouse, Hollywood
04.2017 - 11.2017
- Responsible for modeling, rigging, animation, texture painting, particle effects, scene building, programming, and team management for simulated video game projects using Unity: AMC’s Halt and Catch Fire, and Adam Sandler’s Netflix film Father Of The Year
2D animator
Titmouse, Hollywood
08.2013 - 01.2017
- Animated on several shows including: Metalocalypse, King Star King, Moonbeam City, Niko: Sword of Light, Kirby Buckets, Turbo FAST, Son Of Zorn, and Nerdland
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art / Animation
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CASkills
- Game engine integration
- Visual effects creation
- Performance optimization
- Shader development
- Material design
- Rigging and skinning
- Animation systems
Timeline
Senior Technical Artist
Tempo Games
01.2024 - 12.2024
Senior Technical artist
Zynga, San Francisco
04.2022 - Current
3D Generalist / Technical artist
Diamond Game, Chatsworth
01.2019 - 04.2022
3D Director /3D Animation Director
Titmouse, Hollywood
04.2017 - 11.2017
3D Generalist
Titmouse, Hollywood
03.2015 - 11.2018
2D animator
Titmouse, Hollywood
08.2013 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Art / Animation
California State University, Northridge
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