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Video Game Technical Artist
Resume Example
4.5 / 5
Jordan Smith
Senior Video Game Technical Artist
[email protected] | +1 (555) 456-7890 | linkedin.com/in/jordan-smith | artstation.com/jordansmith | San Francisco, CA
Professional Summary
Video Game Technical Artist with 5+ years of experience in Unity and Unreal Engine integration. Streamlined the asset pipeline for a major studio, reducing texture memory usage by 30% and speeding up compile times by 25%, resulting in faster iteration cycles during development. Proficient in shading languages like HLSL and GLSL, and adept at scripting tools to enhance team efficiency.
Work Experience
Senior Video Game Technical Artist
01/2022
GamingHorizons Studio
San Francisco, CA
•
Created 30+ shader effects, enhancing visual fidelity and immersion across 6 game environments.
•
Optimized game asset pipeline, reducing texture memory usage and decreasing compile times, speeding up development cycles.
•
Developed procedural generation tools, automating terrain and object placement for 4 game levels.
•
Collaborated with sound designers to integrate interactive audio systems, improving player engagement by providing dynamic soundscapes.
Video Game Technical Artist
06/2020 - 12/2021
PixelCraft Games
San Francisco, CA
•
Developed custom tools for asset optimization, reducing file size by 50% and improving load times.
•
Created 50+ vector assets for UI elements, ensuring a cohesive visual style across all platforms.
Junior Video Game Technical Artist
08/2019 - 05/2020
DigitalArtistry LLC
San Francisco, CA
•
Assisted senior artists in modeling 20 characters and environments, contributing to the project's timely completion.
•
Integrated lighting and shadow systems, enhancing the realism of game environments.
Skills
Unreal Engine, Unity, Blender, Substance Painter/Designer, Shader Development (HLSL, GLSL), Digital Painting, 3D Modeling, Asset Optimization
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics and Digital Art
09/2013 - 05/2017
California Institute of the Arts
Valencia, CA
Projects
Interactive Shader Playground
artstation.com/jordansmith/interactive-shader-playground
Developed an interactive web-based tool for experimenting with HLSL and GLSL shaders, enhancing personal understanding of real-time rendering techniques.
Automated Asset Pipeline Script
Created a Python script to automate the process of optimizing assets for game development, reducing manual work and improving efficiency in personal projects.
Certifications
Unity Certified Developer (UCD)
06/2025
Unreal Engine Developer Certification
09/2024
Why This Template Works
This resume format works well for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) because it clearly outlines the candidate's experience and proficiency in key areas such as Unity and Unreal Engine. The use of bullet points and concise language helps ATS software efficiently parse the information, making it more likely to be noticed by recruiters.
Additionally, including relevant keywords specific to the field ensures that the resume ranks higher when employers search for technical artists with specialized skills like 3D modeling, rigging, and animation pipeline optimization. The professional summary and key achievements sections are designed to highlight the candidate's unique value proposition, making it easier for hiring managers to understand why this individual is a top contender.
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How to Write This Resume
Expert guidelines and best practices for each section of your resume.
01
Contact
Contact
First Name Last Name City, State, Zip Code Phone Number | Email Address LinkedIn Profile URL | Portfolio URL (Optional)
General Guidelines
Your contact information is the first section recruiters see. Keep it concise and professional. Ensure your email address is appropriate (e.g., [email protected]). Include your LinkedIn profile for a comprehensive view of your professional journey. A portfolio or personal website is recommended for creative, technical, or design roles.
Avoid This
Do not include your full physical address (street number/name) for privacy reasons. Avoid including personal details like marital status, age, photo, or social security number unless specifically required in your country. Do NOT use unprofessional email addresses. For artists and designers, do NOT include GitHub links - use ArtStation, Behance, or portfolio sites instead.
Real Examples
See clear examples of how to format contact details effectively.
Don't
John Doe 1234 Random St, Apt 56 New York, NY 10001 [email protected] github.com/aliciacode Single, 28 years old
Do
Jordan Smith San Francisco, CA (555) 456-7890 | [email protected] linkedin.com/in/jordan-smith | artstation.com/jordansmith
Quick Tips
- Use a professional email address (firstname.lastname format)
- Ensure your voicemail is set up and professional
- Double-check your phone number and email for typos
- Make your LinkedIn URL custom (linkedin.com/in/yourname)
- For artists and designers, use ArtStation or Behance instead of GitHub
02
Summary
Summary
Professional Title Result-oriented [Role Name] with [Number] years of experience in [Key Skills/Industries]. Proven track record of [Major Achievement]. Skilled in [Key Technologies/Skills]. Committed to delivering [Specific Value] for [Target Industry/Company type].
General Guidelines
A professional summary is your elevator pitch. It should be 3-5 sentences long, summarizing your experience, key skills, and major achievements. Tailor it to the job description by using relevant keywords. Focus on what makes you unique and the value you bring to potential employers.
Avoid This
Avoid generic objectives like 'Looking for a challenging role to grow my skills.' Recruiters want to know what value you bring to them, not what you want from them. Don't use first-person pronouns (I, me, my). Keep it concise and impactful.
Real Examples
Compare a weak objective with a strong professional summary.
Don't
Objective: I am a hard-working individual looking for a Video Game Technical Artist position where I can learn new things and advance my career.
Do
Senior Video Game Technical Artist with 6+ years of experience in Unity and Unreal Engine integration. Streamlined the asset pipeline, reducing texture memory usage by 30% and speeding up compile times by 25%. Proficient in HLSL, GLSL shaders, and Python scripting for automation.
Quick Tips
- Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., 'Increased revenue by 20%')
- Keep it under 5 lines for readability
- Use strong action verbs to start sentences
- Tailor the summary to match the job description
03
Skills
Skills
Technical Skills - Languages: [List] - Frameworks: [List] - Tools: [List] Soft Skills - [Skill 1], [Skill 2], [Skill 3]
General Guidelines
Group your skills logically (e.g., Languages, Frameworks, Tools). Focus on hard skills relevant to the job. List skills in order of proficiency or relevance. Soft skills are better demonstrated through bullet points in your experience section rather than a bare list.
Avoid This
Do not list skills you are not comfortable using in an interview. Avoid using progress bars or percentages to rate your skills (e.g., 'Java: 80%') as they are subjective and often misinterpreted. Don't include outdated technologies unless specifically required.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for skills
Don't
Shader Development (OpenGL, DirectX): Advanced Python: Intermediate Git: Basic
Do
Languages: HLSL, GLSL Frameworks: Unreal Engine 5+, Unity Tools: Maya, Blender, Substance Painter/Designer
Quick Tips
- Ensure each skill listed is directly relevant to the job and reflects your expertise.
- Highlight proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
- Group skills under distinct categories like Languages, Frameworks, Tools for clarity.
- Avoid listing soft skills separately; integrate them into your experience section.
04
Experience
Experience
Job Title | Company Name | Location Month Year – Month Year - Action Verb + Context + Result (Quantified) - Led [Project] resulting in [Outcome]... - Collaborated with [Team] to implement [Feature]...
General Guidelines
This is the core of your resume. Use reverse-chronological order (most recent first). Start each bullet with a strong action verb. Focus on achievements and impact, not just duties. Use numbers to quantify your impact (dollars, percentages, time saved, users affected). Show progression and increasing responsibility.
Avoid This
Avoid passive language like 'Responsible for...' or 'Tasked with...'. Don't list every single daily task; focus on significant contributions and measurable outcomes. Avoid jargon that recruiters outside your field won't understand.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for experiences
Don't
Responsible for creating shaders in HLSL and GLSL to enhance game visuals.
Do
Created over 30 custom shaders using HLSL and GLSL, enhancing visual fidelity across six environments.
Don't
Helped optimize asset pipeline with senior engineers.
Do
Collaborated closely with engineering teams to develop and implement an optimized asset pipeline, reducing texture memory usage by 30%.
Quick Tips
- Start each bullet point with a strong action verb like 'Created', 'Developed', or 'Optimized'.
- Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., number of shaders created, percentage reduction in memory usage).
- Avoid vague statements and focus on specific projects and their outcomes.
- Describe how you collaborated across departments to achieve results.
05
Education
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics and Digital Art | California Institute of the Arts | Valencia, CA September 2013 – May 2017 - Relevant Coursework: 3D Modeling & Animation, Game Engine Programming, Shader Writing - Honors/Awards: Dean's List (Fall 2014, Spring 2015) - GPA: 3.8
General Guidelines
List your highest degree first. If you have significant work experience, keep the education section brief. Include your GPA only if it is above 3.5 or if you are a recent graduate. Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, honors, or leadership roles.
Avoid This
Do not include high school details if you have a college degree. Avoid listing every single course you took; select only the most relevant ones. Don't include graduation dates from decades ago if age discrimination is a concern in your field.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for educations
Don't
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art | University of California, Berkeley January 2013 – December 2016 - Courses: Introduction to Graphic Design, History of Modern Art, Drawing I & II, Color Theory, Sculpture I & II
Do
Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics and Digital Art | California Institute of the Arts September 2013 – May 2017 - Relevant Coursework: 3D Modeling & Animation, Game Engine Programming, Shader Writing - Honors/Awards: Dean's List (Fall 2014, Spring 2015) - GPA: 3.8
Quick Tips
- Emphasize relevant coursework that aligns with the technical and artistic requirements of a Video Game Technical Artist role.
- If you received academic honors or awards during your education, make sure to include them as they can add credibility to your application.
- Avoid including outdated degrees from decades ago; focus on your most recent and relevant educational experience.
- Highlight projects or any technical work you did while studying that demonstrate your skills in tools like Unreal Engine or Unity.
06
Projects
Projects
Project Name | Tools/Software Used - Briefly describe what you created and its purpose - Highlight creative challenges you solved - Link to portfolio (ArtStation, Behance, Vimeo, YouTube) if available
General Guidelines
Projects are excellent for demonstrating practical skills, especially if you lack work experience or are changing careers. Include a link to your portfolio (ArtStation, Behance, Vimeo, or YouTube) if possible. Focus on projects that show your creative abilities and relevant tools for the target role.
Avoid This
Don't include trivial tutorials unless you significantly expanded on them. Avoid projects that are outdated, incomplete, or irrelevant to the role you're applying for. Don't just list tools—explain what you created and why it matters. Do NOT mention GitHub links for creative roles - use portfolio platforms instead.
Real Examples
Practical example showing do's and don'ts for projects
Don't
Created a basic Unity shader tutorial that I found online, following the instructions verbatim without adding any original content or modifications.
Do
Developed an interactive HLSL shader playground web tool using Three.js to experiment with real-time lighting and effects. Used this project to enhance my understanding of advanced shader techniques and share insights on shading best practices.
Quick Tips
- Clearly articulate the purpose, scope, and outcome of each project, focusing on how it showcases your skills as a Technical Artist.
- Emphasize any unique challenges or solutions you implemented in your projects to stand out from other candidates.
- Highlight relevant tools and technologies used that align with industry standards for video game development such as Unreal Engine 5+ or Unity.
- Whenever possible, provide links to live demonstrations of your work on ArtStation, Behance, Vimeo, or YouTube to give recruiters a deeper understanding of your abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this role and how to best present it on your resume.
Essential skills include scripting, shader development, and proficiency in tools like Maya or Blender.
Highlight relevant experience and projects that demonstrate your technical expertise and artistry.
Yes, including links can showcase your work and skills effectively.
Mention proficiency with Substance Painter, Unity, Unreal Engine, and other relevant industry-standard tools.
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