KYLE GARFIELD
Remote | Open To Relocation
Summary
Lead Unreal Engine Artist specializing in cinematic lighting and real-time environments. Collaborated effectively with diverse teams to double frame rates through texture optimization and lighting refinement. Delivered high-quality, polished builds by implementing Blueprint systems and refining materials for immersive experiences.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Unreal Engine Artist
Cicero Studios
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Developed immersive real-time environments using Unreal Engine 5.3.
- Implemented cinematic lighting using Lumen and post-processing workflows.
- Increased performance from 30fps to 60fps (100% improvement) through texture optimization, lighting refinement, and render profiling.
- Built Blueprint systems for interactive state changes, lighting controls, and dynamic day/night cycles.
- Collaborated with modelers to refine PBR materials, fabrics, and hero assets for final delivery.
- Delivered optimized, packaged builds for client-ready deployment.
CG Lighting Artist
XYZ Graphics Inc.
06.2023 - 07.2023
- Created realistic lighting effects for 3D models using advanced rendering software.
- Developed high-detail lighting and look for product accessories to enhance visual appeal.
- Adjusted light sources to enhance scene mood and depth in animations.
- Collaborated with artists to establish cohesive visual styles and lighting schemes.
- Executed final composites in Nuke and Photoshop for executive presentations, ensuring impactful visual storytelling.
CG Lighting Artist
Hogarth Worldwide
01.2022 - 09.2022
- Utilized and optimized photorealistic lighting setups in Maya and V-Ray, enhancing visual quality for large-scale product campaigns.
- Submitted final composites and presentation-ready renders for three major projects, ensuring alignment with creative vision.
- Created adjustable-shadow lighting workflow documentation for hero assets, streamlining production process.
3D Generalist
Caterpillar
11.2018 - 09.2019
- Rendered and composited assets using 3DS Max and V-Ray, achieving high fidelity in scale and realism.
- Utilized software tools to produce high-quality textures and visual effects.
- Gathered and assembled production-ready mechanical assets, enhancing visual appeal for advertising integration.
- Collaborated with engineers to refine design concepts and specifications.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Animation
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL02-2012
Skills
- Game Engines: Unreal Engine 53 (Lumen, Nanite, Virtual Shadow Maps)
- Technical: Blueprint Scripting, Post-Processing Pipelines, Art Direction, Asset Integration, Executable Packaging
- Lighting: Real-Time Lighting, Global Illumination, HDRI, Cinematic Lighting, PBR Workflows
- Performance optimization
- Tools: Maya, 3DS Max, V-Ray, Nuke, Photoshop, Substance Painter, Substance Designer
Timeline
Lead Unreal Engine Artist
Cicero Studios
02.2024 - 06.2024
CG Lighting Artist
XYZ Graphics Inc.
06.2023 - 07.2023
CG Lighting Artist
Hogarth Worldwide
01.2022 - 09.2022
3D Generalist
Caterpillar
11.2018 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Science - Computer Animation
Full Sail University