Samira Awad
Baton Rouge,LA
Summary
I am a versatile Technical Artist who has experience in different areas of the game development process, such as, 3D modeling using Blender & Maya, animation through Motion Capture using OptiTrack as well as shader & material creation in Unreal Engine.I am proficient at the use of blueprints, facilitating automation and optimizing workflows, specifically for the purpose of integrating VFX within a game. Also experienced in optimizing assets and materials to reduce draw calls in VR gaming.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
08.2024 - Current
- Working on a VR project for LSU’s Veterinary School which its end goal is to provide a guided tour and interactive experience of the facility.
- Creating 3D models of medical equipement such as MRI, Xray & CT scan machinery as well as props.
- 3D model and lay out different rooms based off of blueprints from the facility.
- Creating materials and shaders in Blender & Unreal Engine.
- Animation of machine movement.
3D Artist - Intern
Cognilize
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Created 3D models and textures for NFL stadiums.
- Optimized 3D models for real-time rendering within the Unity game engine for VR training.
- Collaborated with a team to ensure that all assets met project requirements within established deadlines.
- Generated normal maps from high resolution meshes in order to add additional detail without increasing polygon count significantly.
- Troubleshot technical issues related to shading, texturing, or 3D modeling that could not be solved through standard methods.
Technical Artist/Game Designer
Freelance
Baton Rouge, LA
07.2019 - 05.2023
- Mastered professional use of Maya and Houdini 3D modeling programs plus gained working knowledge of various other programs like Blender and Zbrush
- Utilize 3D modeling, texture and mapping to create graphics and visual effects.
- Identify issues with gaming code and implemented debugging methods to ensure that all errors are alleviated.
Graphic Designer
LSU Student Media
Baton Rouge, LA
11.2020 - 04.2022
- Lead Graphic Designer during Spring 2022
- Created short film ads to promote different events using Maya and After Effects
- Leveraged proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator to design email blasts, catalogs, posters and other promotional materials
- Developed, designed, laid out and produced variety of technical illustrations for brochures, banners and signs
- Developed engaging marketing and promotional advertisements to generate sales revenue and grow customer base
- Managed multiple design tasks with short deadlines by prioritizing job responsibilities and monitoring a group of designers
3D Designer
Korean Institute of Design Promotion
06.2021 - 07.2021
- Participated in the International Integrated Design Camp 2021 creating a sustainable product for people interested in reducing their water usage
- Animated a 3d model using Maya demonstrating how the product works
Education
Master of Science - Digital Media Arts & Engineering
Louisiana State University
Louisiana07-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Digital Art
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA05.2023
Skills
- JavaScript
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Software (Unreal Engine, Unity, OptiTrack, Maya, Rhino, Blender, Zbrush, Houdini, Nuke)
Languages
- Spanish, Native/ Bilingual
- English, Native/ Bilingual
Research Grants Awarded
- Programming Compostable Art, 2022, LSU Discover, 2000$ Summer Grant, Worked with my mentor, Dr. Nam, researching and experimenting with different organic materials (Agar & Mycelium) for 3D printing. Processed data and generated reports to distribute to appropriate team members.
- Contingent Dreams, 2023, Co-Author, https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/3569009.3576176, This paper explores the generative role of the human artist, algorithm, machine, medium, and environment in art making.
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
Louisiana State University
08.2024 - Current
3D Artist - Intern
Cognilize
05.2024 - 08.2024
3D Designer
Korean Institute of Design Promotion
06.2021 - 07.2021
Graphic Designer
LSU Student Media
11.2020 - 04.2022
Technical Artist/Game Designer
Freelance
07.2019 - 05.2023
Master of Science - Digital Media Arts & Engineering
Louisiana State University
Bachelor of Arts - Digital Art
Louisiana State University
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