Zhao Wang
CHINO HILLS,CA
Summary
Professional Summary
Award-nominated Senior FX Artist with over a decade of experience delivering high-impact visual effects for leading studios including DreamWorks Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, and MPC. Recognized for outstanding achievement in effects simulations, with a strong track record of creating cinematic-quality FX for feature films and AAA game cinematics. Skilled in procedural simulation, particle systems, and dynamic effects with deep technical knowledge across industry-standard tools. A dedicated mentor and MFA/BFA thesis advisor at the School of Visual Arts for the past five years, fostering the next generation of artists. Seeking to bring creative innovation and technical excellence back to Blizzard Entertainment’s storytelling team.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior FX Artist / Developer
DreamWorks Animation
10.2019 - Current
- Created high-end FX for multiple feature films, including Boss Baby 2, The Bad Guys, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, Kung Fu Panda 4, and The Wild Robot
- Specialized in procedural simulations, particle effects, water, fire, destruction, and magical FX
- Collaborated closely with department leads and supervisors to deliver creative solutions under tight deadlines
- Developed in-house FX tools and templates to streamline workflows and improve cross-department efficiency
- Contributed to look development and FX design during early stages of production
- Mentored junior artists and assisted with training and technical support
Senior FX Houdini Artist
Blizzard Entertainment
06.2018 - 10.2019
- Created high-quality cinematic and in-game cinematics FX using Houdini for Blizzard’s major franchises, including Overwatch 2, Overwatch series, Diablo 4, Diablo Immortal, World of Warcraft, and Warcraft
- Specialized in stylized magical FX, energy bursts, environmental effects, and dynamic simulations for cinematics
- Collaborated closely with art directors and animation teams to ensure FX supported narrative and visual style
- Optimized FX assets for cinematic integration, maintaining high visual fidelity and pipeline efficiency
- Coordinated across departments to ensure smooth pipeline integration and technical consistency
Houdini FX Artist
MPC - Moving Picture
12.2015 - 05.2018
- Delivered high-quality Houdini-based FX for major cinematic trailers, commercials, and campaigns including Gears of War, Assassin’s Creed Origins, Kraken (Shadow of War), Norwegian Cruise Line, Samsung A Billion Color, and multiple Super Bowl commercials
- Created diverse FX simulations such as ice spray, snow, water splash, ground collapse (RBD), smoke, sand, fire, pyro, dynamic fur, fluid, glass shatter, crowd, confetti, and atmospheric effects
- Provided training and mentorship to junior FX artists to strengthen team skillsets and workflow efficiency
- Collaborated with cross-disciplinary teams including animation, lighting, and compositing to ensure FX integration met creative and technical standards
Houdini FX Intern
MPC - Moving Picture
10.2015 - 12.2015
- Supported senior FX artists by assisting in FX creation and simulation tasks using Houdini
- Gained foundational experience in FX pipeline and production workflows within a high-paced studio environment
Education
Master of Arts - Computer Art
School of Visual Arts
New York, NY05-2015
Skills
Professional Skills
- Collaborative team player with strong communication across game teams and art directors
- Experienced mentor and advisor, guiding junior artists and students
- Skilled in creating stylized FX that align with unique game aesthetics
- Creative problem solver focused on efficient FX pipeline solutions
- Able to balance artistic vision with technical constraints in fast-paced environments
Technical Skills
- Software: Houdini, Maya, Unreal Engine, Nuke
- FX Simulation: Fluids, fire, smoke, destruction, particles
- Scripting: Python, VEX
Awards & Honors
Nominated for Outstanding Effects Simulations in an Animated Feature for Kung Fu Panda 4, 23rd Annual Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards
Timeline
Senior FX Artist / Developer
DreamWorks Animation
10.2019 - Current
Senior FX Houdini Artist
Blizzard Entertainment
06.2018 - 10.2019
Houdini FX Artist
MPC - Moving Picture
12.2015 - 05.2018
Houdini FX Intern
MPC - Moving Picture
10.2015 - 12.2015
Master of Arts - Computer Art
School of Visual Arts
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