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Simone van der merwe

@simonevandermerwe

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Detail-oriented 3D artist specializing in environment art, modeling and texturing.

Sweden

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What I'm looking for

I seek roles in Gaming, Film or Arch Viz where I can create and optimize 3D environments and assets, contribute to a collaborative team, grow technically, and take on leadership or mentorship opportunities.

I am a detail-oriented 3D artist with 8–10 years of industry experience and two shipped games, bringing strong hands-on skills across modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering. I work confidently both independently and as a collaborative team member, known for empathy and practical problem-solving.

My recent work includes environment asset creation, material setup, VFX with Niagara, UI implementation and optimisation for mobile in Unreal Engine 5. I have also led art production as an Art Lead for multiple projects, delivering concept art, 3D character and logo work, and overseeing pipelines for Unity and web assets.

As an educator I have lectured in 3D animation and VFX, teaching Autodesk Maya, After Effects and Photoshop while developing assessments and improving student engagement. I hold a Higher Vocational Degree in Game Art (3D Environment Art) and completed internships developing a mobile game prototype for children.

I am passionate about creating polished, optimised assets for Gaming, Film and Arch Viz, and I continually expand my toolset—especially in Unreal Engine 5, Unity, Substance Painter and ZBrush—to bring creative ideas to life.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

3D Environment Artist/Generalist

Pinatubo Interactive

Dec 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 year)

Created and optimized UE5 environment assets, materials and VFX for mobile, implemented UI and set dressing, and produced concept art and storyboards for shipped prototypes. Improved mobile performance through targeted optimization and asset work.

Unreal Engine 5 Niagara VFX Mobile Optimizations Material Setup UI Maya Autodesk Maya Zbrush Photoshop

3D Generalist / 2D Designer

Freelance Contractor

Dec 2019 - Jun 2022 (2 years 6 months)

Led art production for multiple blockchain and indie game clients, delivering 3D characters, assets, logos and website/branding while overseeing art direction and pipeline for cross-platform projects. Coordinated production across teams to meet client deliverables.

Rigging Character Animation Concept Art Branding Unity Lighting & Rendering Art Direction

3D Animation Lecturer

CityVarsity

Feb 2018 - Apr 2019 (1 year 2 months)

Taught Autodesk Maya fundamentals (modelling, texturing, UVs, rigging, lighting and rendering) to classes averaging 15 students and adapted assessments and lesson plans to boost engagement and task completion. Contributed to exam development and student evaluation.

Autodesk Maya Rigging Textures Lesson planning Assessments Classroom Management Mentorship

3D Animation Lecturer

Centre of Fine Art, Animation & Design

Jul 2017 - Dec 2017 (5 months)

Guided production of 3D animated shorts for senior students, fostering an inclusive studio workflow and providing feedback to improve project outcomes and student collaboration.

3D Production Supervision Autodesk Maya

VFX & 3D Animation Lecturer

AFDA

Feb 2017 - Jun 2017 (4 months)

Taught VFX with After Effects, 3D animation in Maya and photo editing in Photoshop to classes of 20–30 students, creating a positive learning environment that increased software adoption and student engagement.

Adobe After Effects Autodesk Maya Adobe Photoshop VFX Curriculum Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

FutureGames

Higher Vocational Degree in Game Art, 3D Environment Art

2022 - 2024

Grade:

Activities and societies: Internship as a 3D Environment Artist/3D Generalist; asset creation and prototyping for a children's mobile game.

Higher Vocational Degree in Game Art with a specialization in 3D Environment Art, including an internship assisting development of a mobile game prototype.