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 18 years industry experience and 21 shipped titles.

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 Games Nov 2022-Current
At Hinterland, I am the Senior VFX artist supporting multiple teams with their visual effects needs, including creating new content for award winning The Long Dark, as well as providing content exploration and development for an upcoming unannounced title.

  • 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. I then had the pleasure of working on a demo for an internal project where I focused on environmental effects, and worked with an Engineer and a Technical Artist to make some very cool things. 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, Mentor - BC Rangers - 2014-2021

  • Volunteer Coordinator - Black Rock Rangers, Burning Man - 2015-2018

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

  • Regional Contact - Burning Man - 2013

  • Board Member - GVIAS - 2013

  • Volunteer Coordinator - GVIAS - 2010

FUN!

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

  • Performing Arts - vocalist, dancer, fire arts

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

Shipped Titles