I started my journey to becoming an artist when I was younger, drawing anything and everything. My parents bought me paint and colored pencils that essentially got me started, but I never fully pursued it as a professional as I was growing up. I only took a single art class through high school as I was more interested in getting into programming as a profession, but at the end of my senior year, one of the electives I took was a course that briefly taught us 3D Studio Max, and my interest in the art field peaked again in the form of computer graphics. In July of 2004 I enrolled in the Illinois Institute of Art – Schaumburg to pursue a degree in Game Art and Design.

     While attending The Illinois Institute of Art-Schaumburg, I was able to build my experience using a variety of 2D and 3D software packages.  I have created several designs in 3D Studio Max 9 that have spanned a variety of different concepts including character, prop and environmental modeling. I have also textured these models using stock photos, as well as painting my own texture designs in Adobe Photoshop CS3.   Other areas that I focused on, both in and out of class, were in a variety of game design concepts.  I have put together several game design documents that span a variety of different genres including action, adventure, and driving.  I was also part of a small team that helped to develop a flash title from conception to completion that incorporated some of my own design elements.  You can try an early prototype of the finished game right here on my site.  Just click the next button under the demo reel section.  I have also designed and conceptualized user interfaces with programs like Flash 8 and After Effects 7.  Along with game design documents, I am also familiar with designing levels using Unreal Technologies and other software development kits.

     I also push myself to learn new programs such as Maya and Google Sketch Up to expand my knowledge in the industry.   I am also learning some basic PHP and HTML web administration and design skills.