Harry shares his unique journey from self-taught 3D modeling and programming to mastering shader coding (HLSL) and creating stunning visual effects.

Learn practical advice on overcoming shader intimidation, boosting your coding skills, and the mindset needed to thrive in the technical art field.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Key Resources Mentioned:

- The Book of Shaders (shader fundamentals & interactive tutorials): https://thebookofshaders.com

- Ray Tracing in One Weekend (ray tracing basics in C++): https://raytracing.github.io

- Harry’s Blog (technical art tutorials & insights): https://halisavakis.com

- HAZE Volumetric Fog Asset for Unity URP: https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/vfx/shaders/fullscreen-camera-effects/haze-volumetric-fog-lighting-for-urp-336656

- Sebastian Lague’s YouTube Channel (game dev & technical art tutorials): https://www.youtube.com/@SebastianLague

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Harry

00:01:55 - Harry’s art journey

00:06:00 - Learning shaders

00:12:00 - To be a Technical Artist

00:18:00 - Communication

00:22:00 - Intimidation with shader programming

00:27:00 - Advice for self-learners

00:31:00 - Understanding vector math

00:38:00 - Managing freelancing work

00:44:00 - Artistic vision Vs Technical skills

00:50:00 - Render pipeline insights

00:56:00 - The evolution of shader tools

01:03:30 - Recommended resources

01:23:30 - Avoid shortcuts, embrace learning

01:25:00 - Outro

Struggling with scope creep, unclear feedback, or workload management? Learn how to collaborate effectively with a game producer. Veteran freelance lead producer Eline Muijres breaks down the producer’s true role; as a blocker-remover and advocate for your team. We cover practical strategies for artists and developers to build a smoother, more productive partnership with production.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Guest Info:

• Learn More About Eline's Services: https://cohop.games/

• Connect with Eline on LinkedIn: / elinemuijres

• Connect with Eline on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/elinemuijres...

In this episode, we discuss:

🔹 The #1 misconception artists have about producers (and how it hurts the project).

🔹 How to communicate blockers and workload issues before they become crises.

🔹 Giving & receiving constructive art feedback without friction.

🔹 Eline’s production philosophy: Clarity, Compassion, Momentum.

🔹 Real-world crisis management in games: from memory leaks to team emergencies.

🔹 The realities of freelancing in game production: contracts, clients, and getting paid.

🔹 Creating inclusive teams and accommodating neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism) in the workplace.

🔹 Advice for juniors breaking into the industry and navigating "delusional crunch."

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:39 - Misconception of Producers

05:25 - Artists vs Producers

10:55 - Feedback vs Production

16:19 - The "Clarity, Compassion, Momentum" philosophy

27:15 - Gaps for Juniors

32:32 - "Delusional Crunch"

35:55 - Going Freelance

41:23 - Crisis Management

52:54 - Neurodiversity vs Production

59:19 - Final Advice

Follow Me / Jack the Generalist: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

Johanna Pirker, computer science professor and researcher, joins The Generalists Podcast to discuss her work in games, VR education, and AI ethics. We explore her early days with DOS and Prince of Persia, the evolution of computer science education, and her groundbreaking VR projects.

She also breaks down the real dangers and potentials of AI beyond the hypecovering bias, transparency, and how artists and devs can navigate this new landscape. If you're into game dev, VR, AI, or just the future of tech this one’s for you.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Johanna’s Links:

Website: https://jpirker.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannapirker/

Maroon: https://maroon.tugraz.at/

Timestamps:

04:28 – Early tech access & naysayers

08:17 – How computer science education has (and hasn’t) evolved

16:25 – The real danger of AI hype without understanding

28:40 – VR labs & making physics accessible to all

36:30 – AI: replacement fear vs. creative tool reality

52:11 – Using local AI to learn open-source tools

56:32 – Final thoughts: AI’s risks and potential

#ComputerScience #AIethics #GameDev

Tim (schippj), Lead Artist. He shares his journey from freelance 2D artist to multi-disciplinary game dev pro. We dive into practical advice for artists looking to expand into engine work (Unity), how to communicate across teams, portfolio tips, and balancing creativity with mental health. Whether you're a concept artist, VFX designer, or just trying to stay relevant in a fast-moving industry, this one’s for you.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links & Resources:

- BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/schippj.bsky.social

- Twitter/X: https://x.com/SchipTimmer

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schiptimmer

- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Schippj

Timestamps:

00:00 - Freelancing backwards: How Tim started

05:29 - First Lead Artist role (and what it really meant)

10:48 - Engine basics every artist should know

18:30 - How to talk to programmers (without sounding lost)

27:39 - Learning game dev like learning a language

33:56 - Why being a generalist = job security

41:44 - Twitter, burnout, and keeping art fun

51:46 - Advice for artists in their 40s facing AI and engine pressure

A new episode of The Generalists your honest and unedited game-art podcast. Important Links:

• Javier on Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/javi
• The course mentioned: https://artofjavi.com/
• Javier on LinkedIn: / javibenitez

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

This was fun! I hope you enjoy it! If you did, leave a like and subscribe.

What's up, Generalists! Jack here, I bring you another one! This time, I sat down with the incredible Valerie Belan a Lead VFX artist who's working in mobile gaming for years!

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Valerie Belan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-belan-309915245/

Valerie Belan's ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/lerorero

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome, Valerie Belan! Get to know our awesome guest.

00:00:34 Lead VFX vs. Regular VFX Artist: What's the real difference?

00:01:52 Mobile Game VFX: Are artists diminishing their skills or finding new power?

00:05:13 Football Analogy: How limitations can actually boost your creativity.

00:06:40 The Solution: Industry issue or mindset shift?

00:08:30 Niche Skills & Market Edge: Finding your unique spot in VFX.

00:10:40 Landing a Mobile VFX Job: Where to start and what matters most.

00:12:47 Balancing Artistry & Optimization: The truth about proprietary engines.

00:15:31 Lead Artist's Eye: What really stands out in a portfolio?

00:18:13 Don't Be Afraid to Apply: Overcoming imposter syndrome and perfectionism.

00:23:21 Valerie's Journey: From graphic design to VFX lead.

00:25:54 Learning with Purpose: Immediate feedback and growing on the job.

00:27:16 Jack's Vision: Revolutionizing game dev education.

00:32:56 Personal Projects: Doing it for fun (and growth!). 00:35:44 2D Background's Impact: How past skills shape current VFX work.

01:04:15 Tight Deadlines in Mobile: The reality of shipping effects fast.

01:23:44 The Lost Art of Mentorship: Why teaching culture needs to return.

01:32:50 Freelancing vs. Full-Time: Freedom, negotiation, and job security.

01:42:50 Why Transparency Matters: The ugly truth about job security.

02:00:20 Making a Difference: Individual impact in a "dark place" industry.

02:10:58 Final Thoughts: Thank you for listening!

#GameDev #VFXArtist

Yo! Just dropped a fire chat with Nadine Gutiérrez Barcelona-born VFX Artist & Game Dev. breaks down her path into game dev, balancing technical art with creative vision. Learn why diversity fuels better games, how to leverage multiple skills without burnout, and practical tips for juniors. We also geek out on resources like Freya Holmer’s shader tutorials, GDC talks, and game jam strategies.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

- Nadine on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadine-gutiérrez-pociño-b87b95197/

- Nadine on ArtStation:

https://www.artstation.com/nadine_044

Timestamps:

00:01:09 - Growing up Nintendo & finding game dev

00:03:32 - VFX artistry meets coding & level design

00:05:11 - Portfolio DOs/DON’Ts for juniors

00:07:16 - Why real-time VFX? Interactivity = magic

00:13:58 - Top learning resources (Freya Holmer, GDC, mentors)

00:29:03 - Women in games & inclusive studios

00:37:38 - Generalist survival guide

00:44:45 - Nadine’s indie dev side hustle

Hashtags:

#GameDev #VFXArtist

Yo! Just dropped a raw convo with Mandy Karlowski a Houdini FX artist who’s been melting CPUs and GPUs since 2011. We go deep on why Maya almost killed her passion, how Houdini saved her soul, and why perfectionism is the silent dream-killer. Plus: real talk on AI panic, freelance red flags, and why VFX is still a damn art-form. If you’ve ever felt stuck between passion and paychecks, hit play.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

- Mandy on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-karlowski/

- Join The Generalists

Discord: https://discord.gg/8NZWcu2gTN

- Linktree

All links & tools I use: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

Timestamps:

00:00 - Mandy’s Origin: From Photoshop procrastinator to FX queen

00:04:24 - Perfectionism Paralysis

00:12:19 - VFX Industry Bloodbath: AI, strikes, and streaming wars

00:17:40 - Maya vs. Houdini: The software showdown we needed

00:28:00 - Freelance Survival: How to say "HELL NO" to bad clients

00:41:07 - Tool Ownership: Who keeps your Houdini magic?

00:53:15 - Burnout & Balance: Touch grass, pet cats, stay human

01:01:11 - Women in VFX: Mandy’s truth bomb on respect & pay

#VFXArtist #HoudiniFX #FreelanceLife

Yo! Just dropped one of the realest convos I've ever recorded. Freya Holmér (the Swedish powerhouse behind Shader Forge, Shapes, and Budget Cuts VR) gets brutally honest about her way into game dev, burnout, and why she's building Half Edge to flip off Autodesk. We also go DEEP on ADHD, why sleep isn't negotiable, and how capitalism feeds on crunch culture.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

Freya Holmér's website: https://acegikmo.com/

Her burnout recovery notes: https://publish.obsidian.md/acegikmo/...

Freya Holmér's BSKY https://bsky.app/profile/freya.bsky.s...

Freya Holmér on Twitch / acegikmo

Freya Holmér on Patreon / acegikmo

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro

02:13 - Mapping and level design journey

10:21 - Collaboration with Valve and career reflection

14:10 - External Validation as Motivation?

19:29 - Lerp smoothing deep dive and challenges

32:12 - Perfectionism and handling criticism

41:14 - Challenges of streaming

42:52 - Interest in Maths and Shaders

48:17 - Shader Forge

53:21 - Burnout experience and recovery

01:13:04 - Mindfulness and presence

01:17:13 - ADHD diagnosis and coping mechanisms

01:24:18 - Burnout & depression

01:37:02 - Neat Corp

01:46:07 - VR design challenges and motion sickness

01:53:42 - Leaving Neat Corp and personal growth

01:54:21 - Half-Edge

02:00:01 - Half-Edge goals

02:04:52 - Industry software critiqued

02:10:24 - Closing

I sat down with Julian Bragagna a technical artist at Cloud Imperium Games (yep, Star Citizen). Julian spills the beans, shares war stories from projects like Skylark, and drops truth bombs about ego, communication, and why conferences are career rocket fuel. Trust me, you wanna hear this.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Project Skylark Credits:

Simon Verstraete - Project Lead, Bottle Tool, Cloud Tool, Birdhouse Tool, Plant Tool, Trim Sheet Tool, Rock Tool

Marn Schokker - Building Tool

Julian Bragagna - Wooden Bridge Tool, Stone Bridge Tool, Fence Tool, Scatter Tool

Lea Kronenberger - Lead Artist, Environment

George Hulm - Natsura Foliage Tools

- Project Skylark: https://www.sidefx.com/learn-main-menu/tech-demos/project-skylark/

Links and resources:

- Julian’s Bolg: https://www.artstation.com/julianbragagna/blog

- Project Grot: https://www.sidefx.com/learn-main-menu/tech-demos/project-grot/

- Project Skylark: https://www.sidefx.com/learn-main-menu/tech-demos/project-skylark/

- Julian on BSKY: https://bsky.app/profile/jooleanboolean.bsky.social

- Julian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianbragagna/

Timestamps

00:00 - Julian From Vienna to Star Citizen

04:22 - Houdini Love-Hate Relationship

08:45 - Skyllark & Grot

15:30 - Tech Artists NEED Communication

22:10 - Conferences & Networking

30:05 - Start Ugly, Ask Dumb Questions

37:40 - Outro

Join host Jack Gutmann and Julian Bragagna: Tech Artist at Cloud Imperium Games (Star Citizen), as they unravel the art of procedural magic in game development. Julian shares raw insights on overcoming imposter syndrome. Perfect for aspiring tech artists, Houdini newbies, and anyone who geeks out about game dev’s unsung heroes.

#TechArt #GameDev #Houdini

Hey friends, this one turned out amazing! I sat down with the amazing Maïa Desfour, Lead Environment Artist.

We talk about the real side of game art learning the craft, finding your own style, dealing with burnout, and surviving this industry as a kind and creative human. This one’s packed with wisdom, laughs, and real talk. You’ll feel it. :D

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

Polycount : https://polycount.com/

The Bazaar : https://playthebazaar.com/

My portfolio : https://www.artstation.com/mayakuza

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🛠 Blender (Free 3D Tool): https://www.blender.org/

🖌 Krita (Free Photoshop Alternative): https://krita.org/en/

💬 Glassdoor – Company Reviews

📺 The Bazaar: https://playthebazaar.com/

Maïa on:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maiadesfour/

- Twitter: https://x.com/Menelween_

We get into:

How to build your own stylization instead of just copying trends

Why Ghibli-style art has become overused and how to break free

The dangers of over-optimizing as an artist

What leadership really means in a creative team

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & who Maïa is

01:15 – “You work in games?!” misunderstandings

03:00 – What new artists misunderstand about stylization

06:30 – Why copying stylized work isn’t learning

11:00 – The Ghibli trend problem

14:30 – What tutorials don’t teach

17:00 – Ethical “lying” in job interviews

25:00 – What juniors should really do in interviews

29:00 – Soft skills vs hard skills in hiring

35:00 – What being a “lead” really means

41:00 – Can a junior be a lead?

43:30 – How technical is environment art, really?

48:00 – Tools & resources for aspiring artists

52:00 – What Maïa uses instead of a tablet

54:30 – Final advice: Be kind to yourself

Job interview red flags, how to lie ethically (yes, really), and how to protect your mental health

Maïa drops one gem after another—this episode is a must-listen if you’re doing stylized game art, leading a team, or trying to survive and grow in the industry.

I sat down with Diana and Ben to talk all things real-time VFX, from getting started with different backgrounds, Ben with a civil engineer, and Diana with a more traditional art approach. I really hope you enjoy this one too!

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links

- Diana

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/dianasimonyan.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianasimonyan/

Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/dianasyan

- Ben

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/benediktferlings.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedikt-ferlings-b279b8246/

Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/benedikt_ferlings

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & guest intros

01:30 Cultural differences

02:12 Diana’s VFX origin story

04:24 Ben’s leap from engineering

06:52 "Art is technical, not magic"

09:20 Why fundamentals matter

13:55 Do you really need to draw?

18:04 Working in different styles

26:13 Getting into VFX for beginners

34:46 Comparison traps & community

47:01 Portfolio struggles & how to push through

54:38 Where to find Diana & Ben

56:02 Wrap-up

How do you go from playing League of Legends to creating the proton beam for Ghostbusters VR? In this episode, I sit down with Jack, a VFX artist at nDreams, to trace his journey from a university switch to a cross-country move for his dream job in the game industry.

We dive deep into the unique challenges and creative solutions of making visual effects for virtual reality, where every particle and shader has to perform perfectly. Jack breaks down his work on games like Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord and Wrecking Raccoon, sharing the secrets behind effects that feel great in your hands.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Where to find Jack:

- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-anderson-vfx/

- Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/jack_ando_son

Mentioned Links & Resources:

- Simon Trumpler's Texture Database for VFX: https://simonschreibt.notion.site/Textures-for-VFX-Database-2c72eccccfa84a0eae927d778ad746cc

Interior Night (First Company): https://www.interiornight.com/

- nDreams: https://ndreams.com/

- Escape Studios (University): https://www.escapestudios.ac.uk/

- Tharlevfx (Tom's Channel): https://www.youtube.com/@tharlevfx

- Wreckin' Raccoon on Meta Quest: https://www.meta.com/en-gb/experiences/wreckin-raccoon/24256161264016457/

00:00:00 - Intro & The League of Legends Origin Story

00:05:05 - The University Pivot: From Props to VFX

00:15:30 - First Job & The Realities of Game Dev

00:53:18 - The Life-Changing Offer & Moving for Work

00:57:50 - Deep Dive: Creating VFX for VR (Performance, Style)

01:01:07 - Case Study: Building the Ghostbusters Proton Beam

01:05:26 - Stylized vs. Realistic Art Philosophy

01:22:10 - The "I Make the Fireball" Explanation

01:23:34 - Final Advice & Where to Find Jack

Key Topics Discussed:

- The real career journey from environment art to specializing in VFX.

- Stylized vs. Realistic VFX: Why he prefers stylized work and the freedom it allows.

- The Big Move: The realities and advice on relocating for a game dev job.

- VR-Specific Challenges: Optimizing for Meta Quest vs. PSVR, and faking effects like bloom.

- Creative Deep Dives: Recreating the iconic Ghostbusters proton beam and making interactive water in VR.

Hey fellow Generalists! I am super excited to share this one. I brought back Nicholas Silveria for a second round, and honestly, this chat turned into a masterpiece! I hope you all will enjoy it!

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

- Nicholas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholassilveira/

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro & catching up

1:20 The real-time VFX community

3:00 How Nicholas started his studio

5:00 Surviving the funding drought

8:45 Pricing projects & charging less

12:00 Remote teams & global collaboration

16:00 Unreal Engine’s evolving workflows

20:00 The power of constant learning

23:00 Virtual racing simulation project

28:00 Why limitations can be good

31:00 Tech artists as indie devs

36:00 Networking without events

41:00 Sharing vs. hoarding knowledge

45:00 The importance of authenticity

47:30 Closing thoughts

#GameDev #TechArt #IndieDev

In this episode of The Generalists Podcast, I sit down with Viacheslav Makhynko, Senior Technical Artist and creator of courses on Tech-Art. If you’re curious about the real work of a technical artist and how to start your own path, this episode is for you.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links & Resources:

- Road to Tech Art Course: https://www.reddit.com/r/TechnicalArtist/comments/1dwtg8i/technical_artist_learning_materials/

- Donate to Ukraine: https://u24.gov.ua/donate

- Viacheslav on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viacheslav-makhynko-a25742168/

- Udemy Courses (search “Viacheslav Makhynko” on Udemy)

We cover:

- How Viacheslav transitioned from aviation engineering to game development

- The real day-to-day of technical artists—tools, pipelines, and soft skills

- Why empathy and communication matter more than code

- How he created courses to guide others into tech art

- Staying productive and creative while living in a war zone

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:00 From aviation to games

03:00 Early career as QA tester

05:00 9-month mentorship into tech art

09:00 Creating Road to Tech Art

12:00 Why he built learning materials

15:00 Tool automation in Substance Painter

20:00 Perforce workflow and version control

28:00 Empathy and communication as core skills

33:00 Unreal Fellowship experience

40:00 Learning to build landscapes

47:00 Working under war conditions in Ukraine

53:00 Soft skills and staying resilient

1:00:00 Closing thoughts

In this episode of The Generalists Podcast, I sit down with Regina Reisinger, 3D Artist, Art Director, and Co-Founder of Microbird Games.

Regina shares her path from studying graphic design to leading the indie hit Dungeons of Hinterberg. We cover:

- Building an indie studio during the pandemic

- Lessons learned about scope, burnout, and growing a team

- Why indie development is both thrilling and unstable

- The pros and cons of hiring juniors

- The future of freelance, small teams, and the indie scene

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links

- Dungeons of Hinterberg on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1983260/Dungeons_of_Hinterberg/

- Microbird Games: https://www.dungeonsofhinterberg.com/press/

- Regina on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-reisinger-%F0%9F%94%9C-develop-brighton-58260353/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:00 Regina’s background and starting Microbird

03:30 Building a studio in lockdown

06:00 How the project grew bigger than expected

09:00 Balancing no-crunch culture with founder crunch

12:00 Learning to prioritize and let go of perfection

15:00 Hiring juniors and growing the team

20:00 Pros and cons of remote vs in-person

25:00 Inspirations: Zelda, Persona, God of War

30:00 Indie trends and the future of freelancing

38:00 Advice for young artists and founders

53:00 Closing thoughts

#IndieGames #GameDevelopment #ArtDirection #WomenInGames #GamedevPodcast #MicrobirdGames #DungeonsOfHinterberg

Today I’m joined by Joppe, a VFX and technical artist. He shares how ADHD shaped his journey into VFX and why blending art and programming is the future of game development.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

- Joppe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joppemin/

- Mad VFX: https://www.mad-vfx.com/

- Mad VFX 20% OFF: https://courses.mad-vfx.com/?ref=c2474d 🚨 Code: Jack20 🚨

- Linktree Jack: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

We cover:

- Why VFX is a perfect fit for ADHD creatives

- How combining art + code gives you an edge

- Why “industry-standard” tools are overrated

- The rise of freelancing & contract work

- The huge gap in education around optimization

- How soft skills often matter more than raw talent

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & disclaimers

01:10 Discovering games as a career

03:00 ADHD & VFX: A perfect match

07:00 The myth of “industry-standard” tools

10:15 Combining art & programming

14:00 Learning Houdini & procedural workflows

18:00 Why portfolios need novelty

22:00 The lack of optimization training

25:00 Freelancing as the future of work

29:00 Soft skills over pure technical skill

33:00 Final advice: Stay curious & keep learning

Welcome to The Generalists Podcast! Today I’m joined by Zoë Klein, Lead Technical & VFX Artist. Co‑founder of SpookiCG, who shares her journey through VR, technical art, and creating healthier workplaces in gaming.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Zoë on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeklein-spookicg/

SpookiCG Studio: https://spookicg.com/

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & VR beginnings

03:15 Education & mentorship

07:40 Founding SpookiCG for a better culture

12:05 Generalist skills in tech art

16:30 Tackling gender imbalance & toxicity

21:10 Leadership with empathy & adaptability

25:45 Industry-wide call for inclusivity

29:00 Closing thoughts & next steps

Keywords: Zoë Klein, tech art career, VR technical artist, SpookiCG, women in games, women in tech, indie studio leadership, game dev diversity

Tags:

#TechArt #VRGameDev #WomenInGaming #SpookiCG #IndieDev #GameDev #DiversityInGames

What if lighting could tell stories, guide players, and even reflect your deepest experiences?

In this episode, we talk with Maria Yue a Principal Lighting Artist, BAFTA member, and creative force behind the lighting in games like Far Cry 4, Gears 5, and many more.

Maria’s journey started in photography and stage design, far from the world of games. But when she saw "lighting artist" in the credits of Mirror's Edge, everything clicked. Since then, she’s been shaping emotional, immersive environments in AAA games across China, the UK, the US, and Germany.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Maria's Website: https://mariayue.com/

Maria's Blog: https://www.artstation.com/xiaowantou/blog

Maria's Discord Server: https://discord.gg/NqGDnyNeMN

Maria Yue's Courses:

- Journey of Illusion Course (free): https://www.artstation.com/marketplace/p/Yw9wa/the-journey-of-illusion-chapter-1?

- Journey of Illusion Course 2: utm_source=artstation&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=homepage&utm_term=marketplace

https://www.artstation.com/marketplace/p/Gb6Ob/the-journey-of-illusion-chapter-2?utm_source=artstation&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=homepage&utm_term=marketplace

- UE4 Advance lighting design: https://www.artstation.com/marketplace/p/bpdJd/ue4-advance-lighting-design?utm_source=artstation&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=homepage&utm_term=marketplace

00:00 Intro & Maria’s creative roots

03:20 Role of lighting artists (“makeup” for environments)

08:00 Technical-artistic trade-offs & performance

12:45 Working across UK, US, China & Germany

17:30 Personal health journey & mindset

22:10 Learning fundamentals & photo-based lighting

26:00 Multidisciplinary workflow: VFX, camera, composition

30:00 Navigating global studio cultures

33:40 Lighting pipeline & production crunches

38:10 Building community: BAFTA & Discord

42:00 Maria’s advice to aspiring lighting artists

45:00 Closing thoughts & next steps

game lighting artist, Maria Yue, lighting in video games, unreal engine lighting, real-time lighting, VFX and lighting, game development podcast, women in games, BAFTA games, Far Cry 4 lighting, game art pipeline, emotional storytelling games, 3D lighting workflow, game lighting design tips, game industry diversity, creative resilience, AAA game lighting

Today’s guest is Coralline Charrier, a real-time VFX artist who transitioned from 3D animation to VFX in games. We cover the REAL journey of breaking into VFX as someone mid-career, the mental load, teaching yourself efficiently, and learning how to learn.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links & Resources mentioned

- Coralline on Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/coralline_charrier

- Caroline on BSKY: https://bsky.app/profile/coradventure.bsky.social

- Caroline on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/coralline.charrier/

- Caroline on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coralline-charrier-ba2a2159/?locale=en_US

- Coralline on X: https://x.com/Coralline_Cha

- Ultralearning (Book Recommendation)

- VFX Apprentice: https://www.vfxapprentice.com/a/39323/54Tqp7Ae

- RTVFX Discord (For real-time VFX artists): https://discord.com/invite/v5Tw35kRK2

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Kora’s Story

03:00 Animation Background → VFX

07:30 How Online Communities Help (or don’t)

14:00 Teaching Yourself Real-Time VFX from Scratch

19:00 The Struggle of Self-Learning While Working

26:00 Why Online Courses Don’t Always Work

32:00 Learning Efficiently: Ultra Learning, Planning & Execution

42:00 Why Environmental Effects Matter

50:00 Kora’s Final Advice to VFX Beginners

55:00 Wrap-up

Keywords:

real-time vfx, how to learn vfx, animation to vfx, VFX learning efficiency, vfx career journey, how to teach yourself vfx, learning real-time vfx efficiently

Hashtags:

#VFX #RealTimeVFX #LearnVFX #GameDev #TheGeneralistsPodcast

In this episode of The Generalists, I sit down with Michał Potakowski (aka Manus) a senior real-time VFX artist who's worked on The Witcher: Monster Slayer, Immortal: Gates of Pyre, and more. He is part of FX Chamber and also works with Mad VFX.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

Michał on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micha%C5%82-potakowski-49bb35166/

Michał’s Portfolio: https://www.artstation.com/manusvfx

Jack: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

We discuss:

Why optimization in real-time VFX is critical

The lack of educational resources for mobile and VR FX

The lonely road of being a solo VFX artist

Building healthy communities in gamedev

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Meet Michał

01:00 – Early Days in VR & Mobile

04:00 – What They Don't Teach About Optimization

07:00 – FX for VR, Mobile, and PC

10:30 – GPU vs CPU Explained

13:00 – Implementation vs Creation in FX

16:00 – Networking Inside Studios

21:00 – The VFX Role is Misunderstood

28:00 – Tutorials and the Learning Trap

35:00 – Why Research Skills Matter

42:00 – Community & Real-Time VFX Discord

47:00 – Rethinking Junior vs Senior Titles

53:00 – Final Thoughts & Words of Advice

real-time vfx, game dev podcast, vfx artist interview, unreal engine vfx, unity vfx, mobile game fx, vr vfx, vfx optimization, tech art, fx chamber, vfx career advice, generalist game dev

real-time vfx,vfx artist interview,game vfx,unity vfx,unreal engine vfx,vfx career journey,learning vfx from scratch,beginner vfx tips,vfx workflow,vfx artist story,zana vfx,shader programming,game development pipeline,career change into vfx,vfx community,discord for artists,creative industry tips,vfx artist advice,real-time vfx pipeline,vfx inspiration,women in vfx,indie game vfx,vfx career switch,Ai vs artist,podcast,realtime vfx podcast

#GameDev #RealTimeVFX #VFXArtist #UnrealEngine #Unity3D #GameDesign #VisualEffects #VFXPodcast #TechArt #MobileGames

In this episode, I sit down with Razvan Ciobanu, aka Rez, founder of @voxyde , a leading platform teaching stylized VFX using Houdini and Nuke.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

- VOXYDE: https://voxyde.teachable.com/a/aff_fj9p6mg4/external?affcode=2090249_b6u56ogs

🚨Use VX20JACK for 20% off!🚨

- Razvan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/razvan-ciobanu-6b0724174/

- Jack: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro: Meet Rez

03:40 Why Houdini?

06:00 Houdini’s Learning Curve (ADHD-Friendly Approach)

13:00 Building Voxyde: Rez’s Journey into Teaching

20:00 The Collaboration Over Competition Mindset

27:00 Using Houdini + Nuke for Gorgeous Results

36:00 The Harsh Reality of the VFX Industry

41:00 The Real-Time VFX Conversation

50:00 Rez’s Future Plans for Courses

58:00 Free Courses Available + Closing Thoughts

Houdini VFX tutorial, stylized VFX, real-time VFX, learn Houdini, visual effects career, Voxyde, VFX courses, Nuke compositing, gamedev VFX

real-time vfx,vfx artist interview,game vfx,unity vfx,unreal engine vfx,vfx career journey,learning vfx from scratch,beginner vfx tips,vfx workflow,vfx artist story,zana vfx,shader programming,game development pipeline,career change into vfx,vfx community,discord for artists,creative industry tips,vfx artist advice,real-time vfx pipeline,vfx inspiration,women in vfx,indie game vfx,vfx career switch,Ai vs artist,podcast,realtime vfx podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Mustafa Al-Aobaidi, VFX Artist founder of Mad VFX @mad-vfx the learning platform focused on realistic VFX for games. Mustafa shares his full journey: from Iraq to Syria and then to the US, all the way to real-time VFX, and building a platform to teach production-ready VFX to the next generation of artists.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

- Mad VFX: https://courses.mad-vfx.com/?ref=c2474d

🚨USE JACK20 TO GET 20% OFF! 🚨

- Mad VFX Discord: https://discord.gg/txhpRwfETf

- Mustafa on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mustafa-alobaidi

- Jack: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

We dive deep into:

- How Mustafa built a career in VFX

- Why environment effects are key in AAA production

- Why learning realism in VFX is the secret weapon nobody teaches

- Mad VFX's future plans for production-focused education

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & Mustafa’s Background

03:00 Discovering Real-Time VFX

07:00 The Importance of Self-Research

11:00 Landing His First VFX Jobs

18:00 Burnout in the Industry & Lessons Learned

30:00 Why Realism in VFX is Underrepresented

42:00 How Mad VFX Was Born

50:00 Realism vs Stylization Debate

58:00 Where to Find Mustafa & Mad VFX

59:30 Outro

Keywords

real-time vfx, vfx career advice, mad vfx courses, battlefield vfx, learning vfx for games, production vfx, houdini vfx, game development podcast

Hashtags

#RealTimeVFX #GameDev #MadVFX #VFXCareer #TheGeneralistsPodcast

Links:

- Steam Deadly Delivery: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3743090/Deadly_Delivery/

- Meta Deadly Delivery: https://www.meta.com/experiences/deadly-delivery/8778947438836641/

- Melle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-bartl-7a170/

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SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

.

Description:

Hey everyone, Jack here. I'm sitting down with Melanie (Melle) Bartl, the co-founder and art director of the incredible Austrian Studio, Flathead Studio. We go deep on her journey from a university project that accidentally went viral to building a sustainable indie studio.

We unpack the creative process behind their unique, hand-painted VR game "We Are One," the business realities of securing funding, and their marketing genius for the upcoming "Deadly Delivery." If you're an indie dev, an artist, or just curious about the real work that goes into making innovative games, this conversation is a masterclass in balancing creativity with smart business.

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Here is the revised, briefer and shorter chapter list, keeping the same consistent H:MM:SS format:

00:00:00 - Meet Melanie Bartl (Flathead Studio)

00:02:14 - From University Project to Viral Hit

00:09:07 - Core Idea: Time Loops & Determinism

00:10:13 - The "Ugly" Prototype

00:12:10 - Choosing VR Innovation

00:15:47 - The Gummy Bear Oracle & Creative Drive

00:18:19 - Surviving the Struggle & Finding Funding

00:21:23 - Pivot from Art Project to Business

00:22:38 - Free Demo Hits 200k Downloads

00:24:25 - The Perfect Founder Dynamic

00:26:01 - Building a 6,000-strong Community

00:27:52 - Marketing Strategy

00:29:47 - Market Analysis: Lethal Company Inspiration

00:32:13 - Unique Art of "We Are One"

00:33:28 - Watercolor Textures & Hand-Drawn Lines

00:38:22 - Why Traditional Art is the Future

00:39:25 - Handmade Art Pipeline

00:41:16 - How Limitations Spark Creativity

00:43:36 - The Viral TikTok Outline Debate

00:47:04 - Deadly Delivery Release Date Announcement

00:48:16 - Trailer Breakdown

00:49:53 - Scripting a "Funny" Trailer

00:52:40 - Using Austrian Folklore

00:56:49 - The 5 Art Pillars for "Deadly Delivery"

01:01:25 - Asset Pipeline & Efficiency (Shaders)

01:06:49 - A Hopeful Look at the Indie Future

01:09:40 - The Volatile VR Market Reality

01:10:55 - The Future of VR & Cross-Platform Dreams

01:14:22 - Final Advice: Magic Outside Your Comfort Zone

Quynh shares her journey from coding to VFX artistry, working on titles like Hamster Hustle.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

- VFX Apprentice: https://www.vfxapprentice.com/a/39323/54Tqp7Ae

- Quynh Ton on Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/quynhton

- Quynh Ton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quynh-n-ton/

- Hamster Hustle on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3597930/Hamster_Hustle/

- Magesbox: https://www.magesbox.com/works

- Mentioned in the podcast: Dante https://www.artstation.com/dantezieher

- Jack Gutmann: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

We talked about:

- Mentorship magic with Jason Keyser

- Solving motion sickness in VFX design & shape language secrets

- Team dynamics: Bridging art/code without reinventing the wheel

- Using Discord communities for remote accountability

- AI's threat to junior artists + pixel art's enduring value

- Overcoming imposter syndrome: "Apply even if you feel 60% qualified!

Timestamp

00:00 - Artistic roots & career pivot

10:54 - Teamwork in game dev

18:20 - Art background → VFX style

33:48 - Motion sickness solutions

42:33 - AI impact discussion

48:50 - Beating imposter syndrome

#VFXArtist #GameDev #Mentorship #VFXCommunity #IndieGames #TechArt real-time VFX, game effects artist, VFX career, Unreal Engine, Unity VFX, visual effects tutorial, game design, technical artist, VFX Apprentice, art mentorship, indie game development, remote work in gaming, imposter syndrome, AI in gaming

In this episode, I sit down with Robin Wouters, also known as VFX-Labs, a freelance real-time VFX artist with over 13 years of industry experience, including time at Guerrilla Games (Killzone, Horizon). We go deep into his journey: From starting in concept art and illustration to finding his true creative calling in real-time VFX.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

- Robin on Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/robinwouters

- Robin on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinvfxlabs/

- Jack the Generalist: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

Robin shares how working as a generalist shaped his skillset, why VFX felt like the thing, and how a background in design thinking (form follows function) gives his effects meaning, not just spectacle. We get into what makes effects feel good in games, the hidden link between animation principles and explosions, and the underrated challenges of UI VFX.

This is a conversation about VFX, but it’s also about learning how to think as a creative, why real-time VFX artists are generalists in disguise, and why community and sharing matter more than ever. We even talk about the future, why the industry needs better mentorship systems, more collaboration, and dedicated spaces for real-time VFX artists to gather, grow, and build together.

Hashtags:

#RealTimeVFX

#VFXLabs

#RobinWouters

#VisualEffectsArtist

#GameDevPodcast

#UnityVFXGraph

#FreelanceVFX

#IndieGameDev

#VFXCareerTips

#ConceptArtToVFX

Tags & Keywords:

real-time vfx,vfx artist interview,game vfx,unity vfx,unreal engine vfx,vfx career journey,learning vfx from scratch,beginner vfx tips,vfx workflow,vfx artist story,zana vfx,shader programming,game development pipeline,career change into vfx,vfx community,discord for artists,creative industry tips,vfx artist advice,real-time vfx pipeline,vfx inspiration,women in vfx,indie game vfx,vfx career switch,Ai vs artist,podcast,realtime vfx podcast,

What happens when a 3D generalist discovers the magic of VFX and decides to go freelance?

In this episode, we delve into the journey of Marijn Tollenaar, a freelance visual effects artist known for his work on games like Fablecraft, From Space, and Devil Jam. Starting as a Generalist Artist, Marijn transitioned into VFX, seeking creative freedom and new challenges.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

Marijn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marijn-mt-fx/

Marijn on ArtStation: https://www.artstation.com/marijntollenaar

We discussed these points:

- The transition from studio work to freelancing

- The pros and cons of freelance life in the gaming industry

- Managing contracts and client expectations

- Ownership of VFX work and the nuances involved

- Technical tools like Houdini, Unity’s VFX Graph, and Unreal Engine

- The importance of continuous learning and adaptability

Marijn shares insights into his creative process, We started likening VFX creation to crafting a pizza, combining various ingredients (skills) to produce compelling effects. We also explore his experiences with projects that showcase diverse styles, emphasizing the need for versatility in the VFX industry.

Whether you're an aspiring VFX artist or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving world of game development and the role of visual effects.

________________________________________________________________

Tags

#FreelanceVFX

#UnityVFX

#VisualEffectsPodcast

#VFXCareerTips

#IndieGameDev

#ProceduralTexturing

#UnrealEngineVFX

#VFXFreelancer

#CreativeJourne

#Real-timeVFXPodcast

Keywords

real-time vfx,vfx artist interview,game vfx,unity vfx,unreal engine vfx,vfx career journey,learning vfx from scratch,beginner vfx tips,vfx workflow,vfx artist story,zana vfx,shader programming,game development pipeline,career change into vfx,vfx community,discord for artists,creative industry tips,vfx artist advice,real-time vfx pipeline,vfx inspiration,indie game vfx,vfx career switch,Ai vs artist,podcast,realtime vfx podcast

In this episode, I talk with Crisley a Brazilian real-time VFX artist whose story starts far from the tech hubs, deep in the north of Brazil, where internet was a luxury and game development felt out of reach. What followed was a self-made path: from studying design and learning Unity alone, to landing VFX jobs, moving across cities, facing instability, and finding her place in a growing, global VFX community.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

We get into what it means to build a career from scratch when you're not in the "right place" or don’t have the "right background." Crisley shares lessons learned from years of working solo and on teams, from embracing imperfection to creating reusable effects systems that actually help games ship. We also talk about the emotional side—comparison, burnout, impostor syndrome and the power of community, collaboration, and speaking up, especially as a woman in games.

This one’s for anyone who's ever felt behind or unsure if they belong in the industry. It’s proof that resilience, communication, and showing up are what actually build a creative career.

#realtimevfx

#VFXArtistJourney

#GameDevPodcast

#WomenInGameDev

#UnityVFX

#VisualEffectsCareer

#IndieGameVFX

#VFXCommunity

#BrazilianGameDev

#VFXGeneralist

#Realtimevfxpodcast

#vfxforgames

I sat down with Anna Mauro, a Brazilian real-time VFX artist who made a fearless jump from publishing into the world of real-time VFX at the age of 30, with no formal art background. Just drive, curiosity, and a love for building stories through movement and light.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

- Anna Mauro's Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/anacjmauro/albums/8506780

- VFX Apprentice: https://www.vfxapprentice.com/a/39323/54Tqp7Ae

And as always we also dig into the difference between AI art and human intention, and why the little imperfections we bring to our work matter more than ever. If you're figuring things out, feeling behind, or just need a reminder that it's not too late to start something new this one’s for you.

Join The Generalists Discord: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

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#RealTimeVFX

#VFXCareer

#GameDevCommunity

#WomenInVFX

#VFXArtistLife

#LearnVFX

#ShaderArt

#CreativeCareers

#VFXWorkflow

#UnrealEngineVFX

In this episode we have a concise dive into the evolving role of Creature Effects (CFX) in VFX, featuring insights from Jarrod, a Lead CFX Artist at a London studio, on his career path, the impact of tools like Houdini, cross-studio collaboration, budgeting hurdles, and hands-on learning advice for aspiring artists. Learn how dedicated CFX teams have emerged over the past decade, why experimentation and community sharing accelerate skill growth, and how the industry’s shift toward contract and remote work shapes today’s creative pipelines.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Highlights

🎨 Growing Recognition: CFX roles have gained significant recognition in the last decade, evolving from side tasks into dedicated teams within studios.

💡 Skill Development: Emphasis on time, experimentation, and tools like Houdini as essential for growth in the CFX community.

🤝 Collaboration: CFX artists often collaborate across studios, enhancing knowledge sharing and skill development.

📈 Budget Challenges: Intricate nature of creature effects leads to budgeting challenges, requiring effective inter-departmental communication.

🛠️ Hands-On Learning: Aspiring CFX artists are encouraged to engage in practical projects rather than solely relying on formal education.

🎮 Industry Evolution: The conversation reflects on the industry’s shift post-pandemic towards contract work and the necessity for adaptive skillsets.

🌍 Community Support: Highlighting the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge for growth within the creative community.

Key Insights

💼 Recognition of CFX in the Industry: Jarrod's perspective underscores a pivotal moment in the visual effects industry where CFX has transitioned from an underappreciated role to a respected field. This recognition fosters dedicated teams and resources, indicating a shift in industry standards.

📚 Importance of Experimentation: The rise of advanced software tools like Houdini has catalyzed an environment where trial and error become integral to skill acquisition in CFX. This reflects broader trends in creative industries where digital tools shape the learning and creative process.

🤗 Collaboration Over Competition: A recurring theme in the discussion is the collaborative spirit among departments in the VFX pipeline. This challenges traditional notions of rivalry, suggesting that collective goals drive production success rather than individual accolades.

💬 Communication is Key: Jarrod's emphasis on effective communication highlights the interconnectedness of the VFX processes. Clear communication ensures timely asset delivery, reinforcing that CFX artists require insights from multiple departments for optimal outcomes.

⏳ Prioritizing Hands-On Experience: The discussion hints at a growing skepticism towards formal education in fast-evolving fields. Prioritizing practical work aligns well with contemporary career paths, reflecting the

In this pixel-powered episode, we chat with @onetupthree (aka Tuppy), a stylized Real-time VFX wizard and secret game dev powerhouse. From coding to conjuring flame-bending flipbooks, Top breaks down the art of creating jaw-dropping effects in Unity, Godot, and Unreal, all while juggling YouTube stardom and secret side games. Expect deep dives into shader sorcery, procedural textures, game jam drama, and a touch of Elden Ring nerdery.

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- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

This one’s spicy, like hand-painted fire magic!

In this episode, we dive deep with Gabriel Aguiar, the mastermind behind real-time VFX tutorials on YT and the indie game "Rabbit's Tale." From quitting his job to creating a YouTube channel and launching a studio, Gabriel shares how he accidentally became the go-to guru for game effects.

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- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Warning: may cause an uncontrollable urge to open Unity and make some sparks fly!

On this episode of The Generalists Podcast, host Jack_The_Generalist sits down with 3D Artist Heather Courage to discuss her artistic journey, from her beginnings at @Cgspectrum to being awarded Excellence and @TheRookiesCo Awards 2024 Draft. Specializing in stylized characters, Heather shares her creative process, challenges, and what it takes to stand out in the competitive world of 3D art.

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- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

In this episode of The Generalists Podcast, we sit down with Jasmin Habezei Fekri. She is a Senior 3D Environment Artist with a stunning portfolio that spans from indie game studios to big studio names. This episode is packed with valuable tips for anyone in the 3D art. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that bridges 2D and 3D artistry.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

🌐 Links mentioned in this episode:

- Light & Color Artbook: https://www.amazon.com/Color-Light-Realist-Painter-Gurney/dp/0740797719

- Jasmin on Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/curlscurly

🔴 Catch the podcast live on Discord every Friday:: Discord: https://discord.gg/6mMGB2s4 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jack_the_generalist

🌲The Generalists Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

In The Generalists Podcast, we dive deep into the personal journeys of multidisciplinary artists and developers, focusing not only on their skills but on the challenges and triumphs they've faced along the way.

Tune in for insightful conversations and inspiration for your own creative journey!

Tags: Exploring Stylized 3D Art with Jasmin Habezei Fekri | Environment Artist's Journey | Jasmin Habezei Fekri Talks Game Development | Stylized 3D Art Insights | The Art of Creating Stylized 3D Worlds | Jasmin Habezei Fekri Interview | Mastering Environment Art & Stylized Design | Jasmin Habezei Fekri's Tips | From Realism to Stylized Art | Jasmin Habezei Fekri's 3D Art Expertise | #Stylized3DArt, #EnvironmentArt, #3DEnvironmentArtist, #GameDevelopment, #SubstanceDesigner, #IndieGameDev, #3DArtTutorial, #CGArt, #DigitalArt, #JasminHabezeiFekri

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Constantine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constantine-t-3931261aa/

What does a Project Manager in the game industry actually do? If you think it's just scheduling and emails, this conversation with Constantine from Wargaming will change your perspective.

We pull back the curtain on one of game dev's most vital yet misunderstood roles. Constantine breaks down how his job is really about unblocking talented people and holding the chaos at bay, managing communication, scope, and risk so that artists, programmers, and designers can do their best creative work.

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- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

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In this discussion, we cover:

The core difference between a Project Manager and a Producer.

Why soft skills are the ultimate hard skills for managing creative teams.

Practical approaches to scope creep, conflict resolution, and risk management.

The underutilized superpower all teams should leverage their PM for.

The realities of player perception, market unpredictability, and project heartbreak.

00:00 - Intro

01:14 - Perception vs. Reality of the Job

03:38 - Producers vs. Project Managers

06:51 - The Importance of Communication

08:05 - Soft Skills as Hard Skills

12:58 - Knowing a Little About Everything

16:06 - Underutilized Role: Risk Management

19:07 - Managing Personalities & Conflict

22:02 - What to Expect from Team Leads

23:22 - Essential Tool: Mastering Jira

27:02 - Estimating New & Unknown Projects

29:22 - Dealing with Tech Team Bottlenecks

32:13 - Favorite Phase: Prototyping

35:21 - Player Perception & Market Realities

41:59 - Cancelled Projects & Industry Heartbreak

45:59 - Game Pricing & Market Adaptation

47:50 - Networking & How Hiring Really Works

49:48 - Where to Find Constantine & Outro

In this episode of The Generalists Podcast, we sit down with Simon Schreibt. He is a detail-oriented creator focused on digital content and visual effects. With a background in many software and practices, he specializes in VFX artistry. Simon is passionate about exploring and documenting new practices and techniques from other talented artists or himself on his blog [ https://simonschreibt.de ] 👈.

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- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

🌐 Links mentioned in this episode:

-💥VFX Apprentice: https://www.vfxapprentice.com/a/39323/54Tqp7Ae

- http://simonschreibt.de/gat/homeworld-2-backgrounds/

-https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1EYEG95Dxc8YVk9UBw1tbUOMd6kQpXL3MnbWTAyGI42U/edit#slide=id.p - https://youtu.be/QTj1Y4JW-KI?si=LVyUMFL_x_tnxRJw

- http://simonschreibt.de/gat/dead-space-3-diffuse-reflections/

- https://simonschreibt.de/gat/the-unreal-stencil-dragon/

- this is the video was talking about: 3D (!) backgrounds in trick film from 1930s https://www.tiktok.com/@brenlovesfilm/video/7402566993590619424

🌲The Generalists Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist

In The Generalists Podcast, we dive deep into the personal journeys of multidisciplinary artists and developers, focusing not only on their skills but on the challenges and triumphs they've faced along the way. Tune in for insightful conversations and inspiration for your own creative journey!

Grayson is a passionate creator who thrives on developing tools and watching fellow artists bring them to life. With a solid foundation from the Gnomon School of VFX, Grayson began his career as a modeling and prop artist.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Relevant Links:

• DoubleJump Academy's Workshop - Houdini for Games in Unreal - Use 15% off by using JACK15 discount code: Here
• Grayson Cotrell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grayson-cotrell-00400a1bb/
• The Generalists Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist
• Watch the Generalists Live on Discord every Friday: https://discord.com/invite/6mMGB2s4

Today I’m joined by Aleksandra Rutkowska, Senior Technical Artist at Twin Harbor. Alexandra bridges art, code, and performance, specializing in shaders, VFX, and UI.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links:

- Ben Cloward’s Shader Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/@BenCloward @BenCloward

- Real-Time Rendering (Book): https://www.realtimerendering.com/

- Applied Mathematics for 3D Graphics: https://www.essentialmath.com/book.htm

- Shader Toy: https://www.shadertoy.com/user/iq

- GDC Vault (free talks): https://www.gdcvault.com/free

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro & who Alexandra is

02:00 From architecture to games

07:00 Bravery in applying for jobs

10:00 Gender imbalance & application bias

14:00 Why AAA is risk-averse

16:30 The future is freelancing

20:00 Juniors & industry stagnation

25:00 How nature inspires technical art

28:00 Learning shaders (HLSL, Shader Graph)

35:00 Recommended resources & books

40:00 Signed Distance Fields & future innovations

42:00 Closing thoughts

In this episode, we’re hanging out with Sylvia, a Game VFX Artist who’s working on No Straight Roads 2 and has been in the game scene for over 6 years!

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- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Sylvia's Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/sylviaysy

Sylvia's Linkedin: / sylviaysy

No Straight Roads 2 trailer: • NO STRAIGHT ROADS 2 - Announcement Trailer

I dont think I can find anything I said its impactful enough for shorts but I did the timestamp stuffs 🤣

Timestamp

00:00:00 - How Sylvia got started with VFX in games

00:10:30 - First switch game she worked

00:11:46 - Switch Limitations and how she worked around it

00:17:02 - Trick to create optimized randomize flame particles

00:25:36 - Picking up Soft Skills, setting expectations, talking to clients

00:31:25 - Equip yourself with more skills, back up plans

00:34:09 - Dont put all your eggs in one basket, grow yourself

00:38:27 - Ethics on contract, freelances

00:40:41 - Learn things the hard way , but what are the boundaries

00:46:00 - Never do things for free and without a written contract first.

00:50:00 - Why black and White are important

00:56:15 - Future as a VFX artist, in and out of industry, other sources of income

00:58:35 - Art is just a source of income, a jobber

01:01:17 - We are all disposable, what are the plans?

01:03:15 - Don't burn Bridges , reputation is important

01:07:00 - Know your rights , get uncomfortable first, ask the uncomfortable questions

01:09:00 - Shout out to No Straight Roads 2

Hey everyone, Jack here. I sat down with the incredibly talented technical artist Finley Southwick for a deep dive that went everywhere from the nitty-gritty of building game vistas and using Houdini, to why math is secretly the coolest tool in game development, and how unconventional education paths can shape a creative career. We also get real about breaking into the industry, the magic of solo dev, and why preserving old games matters. If you're curious about the blend of art, tech, and problem-solving that makes games tick, you’ll love this chat.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Connect with Finley:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finley-southwick-0058521b1/

- Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/finleysouthwick

- Play "Mold" on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3785750/MOLD/

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Welcome

00:03:06 - Homeschooling

00:10:22 - Industry Role

00:13:57 - Vistas

00:19:53 - Elden Ring

00:27:22 - Rendering

00:31:52 - Shaders

00:37:28 - Houdini

00:46:32 - Why Tech Art

00:49:28 - Solo Projects

00:57:18 - Racing Games

01:06:53 - Accessible Math

01:20:36 - Tutorial Problem

01:48:08 - Community

01:58:06 - Wrap Up

Hey everyone, Jack here. I sat down with the unstoppable Joseph Azzam a Tech Artist who's worked at Epic Games and Romero Games, and is now the driving force behind the Arabic Games Conference.

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- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Links and Resources Mentioned:

- Arabic Games Conference: https://arabic.games/

- Joseph's Portfolio: https://worldvoid.notion.site

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:06 - The Arabic Games Conference Mission

04:41 - The State of Game Dev in the Arab World

08:16 - The Life of a Constant Traveler

12:15 - The 3-Year Plant Watering System Saga

19:30 - How Joseph Became a Tech Artist

21:00 - The Real Impact of AI on Creativity

29:07 - The "Fearless Learning" Mindset

31:06 - "Tech Artists Don't Need Tutorials, They Need Therapy"

32:05 - Getting into Unreal Engine

34:07 - A Deep Dive into Arab Food & Culture

47:29 - The Ideal Future for Arab Game Developers

53:47 - Hiring Secrets: What Studios Really Look For

01:16:45 - How to Not Take Job Rejection Personally

01:21:54 - Final Advice for Aspiring Developers

Hey everyone, Jack here. In this episode of The Generalists, I'm joined by Steven Cheung, a Senior VFX Artist with years of experience on AAA titles.We talk about why your mindset is your most powerful tool. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the reality of a career in game VFX beyond the flashy reels.

.

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- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

.

Timestamps:

00:07:06 – Finding the Path: Why VFX?

00:11:52 – The Moment of Clarity: A Demo That Changes Everything

00:15:12 – Learning the Unknown: Strategies for Filling Knowledge Gaps

00:27:34 – The Heart of the Job: The Critical Role of VFX Integration

00:38:16 – Professionalism: Handling Rejection and Industry Noise

00:45:20 – Beyond the Hype: A Nuanced Take on AI and Art

00:55:34 – The Journey Never Stops: Embracing Growth and Shortcomings

.

.

.

Topics we cover:

- Building a VFX career without a traditional technical background

- The crucial role of mentorship and asking the right questions

- VFX Integration: The most important, least-taught skill

- Navigating rejection and industry negativity professionally

- A nuanced conversation on AI's place in a VFX artist's toolbox

- Why being a good collaborator is as critical as being a good artist

In this episode, I’m joined by Sisilia Nedyalkova, a 3D Environment Artist, to talk about what it really takes to build environments for games and break into the industry.

We discuss:

• How environment artists approach building game worlds

• The difference between art school and learning online

• Portfolio advice for aspiring game artists

• The mindset needed to improve as an artist

• Challenges of entering the game industry

• Environment art workflows and tools

• Learning 3D art through personal projects

If you're interested in environment art, game art, or starting a career in the games industry, this conversation dives into the realities of the craft and the journey behind it.

_________________ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ______________________

Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

_________________ Find The Guest on These Links ______________________

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sisilia-nedyalkova-3d-artist/

Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/sisinedyalkova

________________ Find Jack on These Links ______________________

https://discord.gg/jC7YEsvwWp

https://www.instagram.com/jackthegeneralist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-gutmann/

______________________ Timestamps ______________________

00:00 – Introduction

02:00 – Becoming a 3D Environment Artist

08:30 – Learning 3D art and building a portfolio

15:00 – Breaking into the game industry

22:00 – Environment art workflow

30:00 – Challenges for new artists

40:00 – Advice for aspiring game artists

______________________ Tags ______________________

#gamedev #environmentart #gameart #3dart #indiedev #artstation

In this episode of The Generalists w/Jack Podcast i have a Christina (aka Castpixel), an art-director i had the absloute honor working with on Australia Did It. She shares her journey through art and some valuable tip as a Generalist herself.

Hope you like this one as much as I did!

Wishlist Australia Did It on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2396130/Australia_Did_It/

_________________ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ______________________

Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

_________________ Find The Guest ______________________

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-antoinette-castpixel-neofotistou/

https://bsky.app/profile/castpixel.bsky.social

________________ Find Jack on These Links ______________________

https://discord.gg/jC7YEsvwWp

https://www.instagram.com/jackthegeneralist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-gutmann/

______________________ Timestamps ______________________

00:00:00 – Intro & Christina’s background

00:02:20 – Working together on Australia Did It

00:06:15 – What an Art Director actually does

00:11:00 – Generalist vs specialist

00:15:40 – Making creative decisions

00:20:10 – Leading art direction in a team

00:25:30 – Challenges in production

00:30:00 – Communication & alignment

00:34:20 – Growing as an artist

00:39:10 – Industry insights & lessons

00:44:00 – Advice for artists

00:48:30 – Final thoughts

______________________ Tags ______________________

#gamedev #artdirector

In this episode, I sit down with Robbie Storm, VFX Artist and teacher at Breda University of Applied Sciences, to talk about what it really takes to become a VFX artist in game development.

We dive into:

- How VFX is taught in a structured environment

- The difference between self-taught and guided learning

- What students struggle with most

- Building strong fundamentals in VFX

- Preparing for a career in the game industry

- This is a long-form conversation for game developers and artists who want something thoughtful to listen to while working.

_________________ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ______________________

Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

_________________ Find The Guest ______________________

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbie-storm/

https://www.buas.nl/en/dna

________________ Find Jack on These Links ______________________

https://discord.gg/jC7YEsvwWp

https://www.instagram.com/jackthegeneralist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-gutmann/

______________________ Timestamps ______________________

00:00 – Intro & Robbie’s background

02:15 – Teaching VFX at BUas

06:10 – What students struggle with

10:45 – Self-taught vs structured learning

15:20 – What makes a good VFX artist

20:05 – Fundamentals vs flashy effects

24:40 – Common beginner mistakes

29:10 – How to learn VFX properly

33:50 – Portfolio expectations

38:20 – Preparing for the industry

42:45 – Student mindset & growth

47:30 – Advice for aspiring VFX artists

52:10 – Final thoughts

______________________ Tags ______________________

#gamedev #vfxartist #techart

In this episode, I sit down with Nadir Latif to talk about working in game development, dealing with unclear direction in projects, and staying consistent even when motivation fluctuates.

We dive into:

The reality of working on poorly managed projects

Staying productive when vision isn’t clear

Balancing passion projects with studio work

Mental state, routine, and long-term growth

Finding your footing in the game industry

This is a long-form conversation for game developers and artists who want something thoughtful to listen to while working.

_________________ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ______________________

- Join as a member and get all the extended cuts (20-30 min longer) + 3 episodes in advance for 2$ a month: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-qLOykb5dVM04Vkb3LUmXw/join

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

_________________ Find The Guest ______________________

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadirlatif532/

________________ Find Jack on These Links ______________________

https://discord.gg/jC7YEsvwWp

https://www.instagram.com/jackthegeneralist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-gutmann/

_________________ Resources Mentioned ______________________

Books:

- The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3396933-the-art-of-game-design

- Game Feel:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3385050-game-feel?ref=nav_sb_ss_2_9

- Game Balance:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32586834-game-balance?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_12

- Significant Zero:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32920234-significant-zero?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_15

- Game Mechanics - Advanced Game Design:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13705461-game-mechanics?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_23

______________________ Timestamps ______________________

In this episode, I sit down with Victoria Lyons (Senior Technical Artist) to talk about what technical art really is, how to break into the role, and how artists can start thinking more technically.

We discussed:

What a Technical Artist actually does day-to-day

How to move from art → tech art

Learning C++ and engine fundamentals

Mentorship, workshops, and helping others level up

Building confidence in both code and creativity

_________________ Resources Mentioned ______________________

Dev Pods: https://www.devpods.gg/

@TheCodingTrain (YouTube)

@codebreakthrough (YouTube)

@TechArtAid Applying for a Technical Artist Job

Introductory C++

https://youtu.be/9Myk2vcK8s8?si=FfO_njX5ewAfdKqT

Unreal Engine 5 Course

https://www.udemy.com/course/unreal-engine-5-the-ultimate-game-developer-course/?

_________________ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ______________________

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

________________ Find Jack on These Links ______________________

https://discord.gg/jC7YEsvwWp

https://www.instagram.com/jackthegeneralist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-gutmann/

_________________ Find The Guest on These Links ______________________

Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-lyons-830026176/

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/victorialyons

Website: https://victorialartwork.wixsite.com/victoria-lyons

Pixel Box Workshops: https://luma.com/Pixel-Box

1-on-1 Mentoring: https://calendly.com/victoria_lyons/tech-art-training

______________________ Timestamps ______________________

00:00 – Intro

02:10 – What a Technical Artist actually does

05:40 – Art vs Code

09:15 – How Victoria broke into technical art

14:30 – Learning C++

19:20 – Getting comfortable inside the engine

24:10 – Confidence & impostor syndrome

29:45 – Mentorship & teaching others

34:30 – Pixel Box workshops

39:10 – Advice for aspiring Technical Artists

44:20 – Portfolio & job applications

49:15 – Recommended learning resources

55:40 – Dev Pods & community learning

______________________ Tags ______________________

#technicalart #vfx #unreal

In this episode of The Generalists Jack the Generalist chats with Paulina Miciulevičiūtė (a Senior VFX artist). She started in QA at Unity and worked on projects like Valorant. We dig into practical advice for getting into VFX, why node-based tools (Shader Graph / VFX Graph) are a great starting point, when to learn HLSL, and why understanding optimization will save your career.

What you will passively learn listening to this episode:

- How Paulina moved from QA to VFX

- Start with node tools and slowly learn HLSL / shader code

- Remote work, team culture, and avoiding burnout as an artist

SUPPORT THE CHANNEL

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

Find Jack on These Links

https://discord.gg/jC7YEsvwWp

https://www.instagram.com/jackthegeneralist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-gutmann/

Find The Guest on These Links

- Paulina on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-miciulevi%C4%8Di%C5%ABt%C4%97-6b340b11b/

- Paulina's portfolio: https://paulinavfx.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by Grayson Cotrell, technical artist and destruction specialist, to break down how real-time destruction actually works in modern games.

Grayson shares how he builds AAA-quality destruction systems, how to make game effects feel alive, and why blueprinting might be the most important skill for technical artists today.

If you’re a game dev, technical artist, VFX artist, or someone curious about real-time procedural systems this one is packed with insight.

We dive deep into:

• Houdini to Unreal Engine workflows

• Importing simulations (FBX, VDB, VAT)

• Blueprint systems for interactive destruction

• Niagara particle layering

• Real-time vs pre-simulated effects

• Cinematics for game VFX

• Mentorship vs recorded courses

• Time management for large creative projects

• How to stay consistent (even 20 minutes a day)

_________________ COURSE AT DOUBLE JUMP ACADEMY ______________________

The Real-Time Destructiom Course: https://doublejumpacademy.teachable.com/a/aff_gg65yh1h/external?affcode=1768064_qhpnr4-x

_______________________One On One Mentorship at Vessel Forge _______________________

https://vesselforge.com/services/technical-art-mentorship/

_________________ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ______________________

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

________________ Find Jack on These Links ______________________

https://discord.gg/jC7YEsvwWp

https://www.instagram.com/jackthegeneralist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-gutmann/

_________________ Find The Guest on These Links ______________________

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grayson-cotrell-00400a1bb/

https://www.artstation.com/graysontheplug

______________________ Timestamps ______________________

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:02:00 – Building a complete destruction course

00:06:30 – 20 minutes a day philosophy

00:12:00 – Mentorship vs recorded courses

00:18:00 – Blueprint systems in Unreal

00:24:00 – Houdini to Unreal pipeline

00:30:00 – VDBs, VATs & optimization

00:38:00 – Real-time vs cinematic VFX

00:46:00 – Multiplayer destruction challenges

00:55:00 – Making effects feel alive

01:02:00 – Why VFX is the ultimate generalist role

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Candell, creator of BunderKin talk about what it really takes to build an original IP across TV and Games.

We dig into Stephen’s creative process, the realities of turning a personal vision into a scalable project, and the hard decisions that come with building something outside the traditional studio system. This conversation is for game developers, game artists, and anyone curious about how worlds are built from the ground up.

If you’re interested in game development, #gameart , #indiegames , worldbuilding, or creative ownership, this one’s for you.

_________________ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ______________________

- Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW

- Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop

________________ Find Jack on These Links ______________________

https://discord.gg/jC7YEsvwWp

https://www.instagram.com/jackthegeneralist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-gutmann/

_________________ Find The Guest on These Links ______________________

Bunderkin

- https://www.studiozubio.com/bunderkin

- https://www.instagram.com/bunderkin/

- https://www.youtube.com/@bunderkin

Stephen Candell

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scandell/

______________________ Timestamps ______________________

00:00 – Intro

02:10 – What is BunderKin?

08:45 – Building an original IP

18:30 – TV vs GameDev

32:15 – Scope, ambition, and sustainability

48:00 – Advice for game artists & devs

______________________ Tags ______________________