Claire Roberts

Senior VFX Artist

Lifelong multidisciplinary artist combining traditional art background with current technology.  Highly organized and detail oriented, with strong communication skills, and at ease with cross-disciplinary collaboration.  Valuable contributor and troubleshooter during all development phases.  Committed and enthusiastic, with 22 years industry experience.

Demo Reel

Highlights & Proficiencies

  • Developed for PC, console, mobile, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Gear VR, and Switch

  • Software used: Unreal Engine 4, 5 (Cascade and Niagara), Unity 3D, Maya, 3D Studio Max, Photoshop

  • Developed visual language and art direction for gameplay VFX

  • Collaborated with Designers and Engineers to implement complex work and achieve visual targets

  • Provided asset tracking, quality control, optimization, and outsource management

  • Created and maintained visual libraries, style guides, tutorial packages & pipeline documentation

  • Provided training, mentoring, and support for junior artists

Work Experience

  • Senior VFX Artist - Hinterland Studio Nov 2022-Current
    At Hinterland, I support multiple teams with their visual effects needs, providing pre-production concept exploration and development for Blackfrost: The Long Dark II , and new content for award winning The Long Dark. For The Long Dark: Visual Enhancements Update, I created conditional effects for weather and time of day (including snow, fog, and electricity), as well as proximity-triggered gameplay FX.

  • Senior VFX Artist - Gasket Games Corp. May 2019-Nov 2022
    As Lead VFX Artist on Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground, I drew from my previous WH40K experience and worked with the Art Director to create a variety of weapon, magical, elemental, environmental, gameplay VFX. For an unannounced/unreleased project, I focused on environmental effects, and worked with an Engineer and a Technical Artist to research and develop solutions for a challenging visual target. As well, I supported two junior VFX artists by providing feedback, direction, concept art, and weekly 1-on-1 meetings.

  • Lead Artist/Consultant - Banging Rocks (VR concept development) - Feb 2018-May 2019

  • Lead Artist/Consultant - Titan Squad (remote, New Orleans, LA) - Sep 2017-May 2019

  • Lead Artist - Fire-Point Interactive - Mar-Jul 2017

  • VFX Mentor - Vancouver Film School (Game Design Program) - May 2015-Jul 2017

  • VFX Artist - Blueprint Reality - Oct 2016-Feb 2017

  • VFX Artist - Roadhouse Interactive - Dec 2014-Aug 2016

  • Art Generalist - Fathom Interactive - Dec 2013-Jul 2014

  • Art Generalist - Blackbird Interactive - Apr 2012-Aug 2013

  • Art Generalist - Relic Entertainment - Mar 2005-Apr 2012

  • Art Generalist - Kerberos Productions - Jul 2004-Feb 2005

Education

  • UI Design - BrainStation, Vancouver, BC, 2021

  • Introduction to Software Development - BCIT, Vancouver, BC - 2010

  • 3D Animation & Digital Effects - Vancouver Film School, Vancouver, BC - 2003

  • Fine Arts - Dawson College, Montreal, PQ - 1992-1995

Other Training

  • Mental Health First Aid - Mental Health Commission of Canada - 2015

  • SAFETALK (Suicide Awareness for Everyone) - Crisis Centre, Vancouver - 2015

  • Various - community safety, emergency planning, conflict resolution & de-escalation - Ongoing

Volunteer

  • Ranger (community safety & mediation) - Black Rock Rangers, Burning Man - 2013-2023

  • Founder - BC Rangers - 2014-2021

  • Event Producer - Greater Vancouver Interactive Arts Society (GVIAS) - 2016

FUN!

  • Interactive - creating sound-responsive particle systems with UE5 and TouchDesigner

  • Visual Arts - painting, drawing, sculpting, calligraphy & illumination, multi-disciplinary mashups

  • Performing Arts - vocalist, dancer, fire arts

  • Facilitation - Workshops and interactive projects for creativity, expression, empathy and play

Shipped Titles