Joel Beaird
About me
I'm a 3D Artist with a traditional arts background. Specializing in real-time characters, I love the magical space where art and technology overlap and am passionate about the potential for AR/VR to connect and inspire people.
Technical Focus
3D MODELING & TEXTURING
• Translating 2D concepts into production-ready 3D models, with optimized topology, UVs & baked texture maps
• Texturing and Shading: Distinct material definitions & storytelling informed by traditional arts
• Strong lighting & rendering knowledge- Fluent in VRay, Arnold, Marmoset & Unreal Engine
ART & DESIGN
• Traditional arts background with a strong understanding of anatomy & sculptural form
• Use of proportion, color & shape language to convey character
• Concepting and developing unique aesthetics & worlds
Background
I have always loved telling stories - Designing imaginary worlds with my older brother, I would lose myself in drawing armor, swords & world maps. I transferred that creative spirit into a traditional arts, studying illustration & painting at RISD. Though there is nothing like the physical connection to traditional media, I became fascinated by the potential of digital tools to create experiences that have never been felt before.
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After a period of freelance illustration and studying 3D Modeling independently, I moved to Los Angeles, receiving a certificate in Digital Production from Gnomon School of VFX in Los Angeles, with a Modeling & Texturing emphasis. Learning industry-best practices from top artists in games & VFX has provided the technical foundation to allow me to build whatever I can imagine in 3D.
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This is one of the most fascinating times in history to be alive, with a confluence of so many revolutionary technologies available at the same time, especially AI and VR/AR. I feel it’s truly a time of abundant possibilities with potential for new ideas to emerge.
When not sculpting in ZBrush, I can be found playing music, drawing or studying plants in a garden. ☘