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Chris McKnight
Chris McKnight
3D Artist
Toronto, Canada

Summary

Make Art

Skills

3D ModelingHard Surface Modeling3D PrintingGame DevelopmentLevel DesignCompositingPBR Texturingimage

Software proficiency

3ds Max
3ds Max
Maya
Maya
Substance 3D Painter
Substance 3D Painter
Photoshop
Photoshop
ZBrush
ZBrush
Marmoset Toolbag
Marmoset Toolbag
Nuke
Nuke
Vegas Pro
Vegas Pro
Substance 3D Designer
Substance 3D Designer
Blender
Blender
Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine
Unity
Unity

Productions

    • Movie
      Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
    • Year
      2020
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      Avengers: Endgame
    • Year
      2019
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      The MEG
    • Year
      2018
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Legend 3D
    • Movie
      Captain Marvel
    • Year
      2019
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      Hobbs & Shaw
    • Year
      2019
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      Spider-Man: Far From Home
    • Year
      2019
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      Dark Pheonix
    • Year
      2019
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      Bumble Bee
    • Year
      2018
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      The Predator
    • Year
      2018
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      Ant Man and The Wasp
    • Year
      2018
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      Avengers: Infinity War
    • Year
      2018
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom
    • Year
      2018
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      A Wrinkle in Time
    • Year
      2018
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Legend 3D
    • Movie
      Black Panther
    • Year
      2018
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe
    • Movie
      Dolittle
    • Year
      2020
    • Role
      VFX Compositor
    • Company
      Stereo Deluxe

Experience

  • Creative Lead at Chaac Technologies
    Montreal, CA
    March 2022 - Present

    • Directed the creative department’s end-to-end processes within JIRA, effectively

    managing multiple projects simultaneously with unique timelines and deliverables.

    • Led a team of five artists, ensuring work met specifications and providing guidance

    through the review process. Fostered a collaborative environment that provided

    continuous avenues for learning and skill development.

    • Created and maintained an extensive library of custom shaders, tools, and prefabs,

    enabling the rapid creation of environments and scene elements.

  • Lead 3D Artist at Chaac Technologies
    Montreal, CA
    October 2020 - March 2022

    • Designed a comprehensive production pipeline for VR / Mobile platforms,

    creating an efficient management of assets across multiple Unity projects.

    • Crafted high-quality 3D models and textures for use in Unity, including realistic

    recreations of client specific machinery and locations for use in training modules.

    • Researched industry competitors and pioneering technologies to expand our

    knowledge base and drive meaningful improvements to enhance project outcomes.

    • Leveraged in-depth knowledge of game design principles and player behavior to

    develop impactful VR training programs, leading to a significant increase in student

    knowledge retention.

  • 3D Artist - VFX Compositor - Roto Artist at Stereo Deluxe
    Toronto
    January 2018 - Present

    • Developed detailed height maps utilizing 3DS Max and Nuke to facilitate high-quality stereoscopic conversions.

    • Reconstructed camera movements and character animations through a combination of traditional animation methods and advanced tracking techniques in Nuke.

    • Created low-poly models in ZBrush and 3DS Max, derived from high-resolution scans of actors and costume components.

    • Employed a variety of cleanplating and image processing techniques to address and fix visual artifacts introduced during the conversion process.

  • Depth Artist at Legend 3D
    Toronto
    October 2017 - January 2018

    • Developed custom height maps for use in the 3D conversion process, utilizing Nuke and internal proprietary tools.

    • Consistently addressed and implemented feedback from clients and executives, achieving quick and accurate turnarounds on adjustments.

    • Effectively managed multiple shots with tight ETAs, ensuring timely completion of production goals while maintaining high-quality standards.

    • Led the training of junior artists by designing a comprehensive toolkit that established standardized workflows and best practices, fostering skill development and team efficiency.

  • 3D Asset Artist at Kidzpace Interactive
    Collingwood
    October 2016 - May 2017

    • Developed quality models, textures, and animations for prototype scenes in Unity and Xbox Kinect environments, contributing to immersive user experiences.

    • Managed final exports and deliverables into build, proactively identifying and resolving visual and performance bugs to ensure optimal game functionality and user satisfaction.

    • Actively contributed to client-level SCRUM sessions, collaborating with designers and tech teams to refine the final product and enhance overall project alignment.

  • 3D Designer at Kaizen Fitness
    Mississuga, Canada
    October 2012 - February 2015

    “Chris has proven to be an excellent asset to our organization, and is exceptionally intelligent. His assignments were well executed, well supported, organized, and prompt. Chris is a vibrant thinker and would be an excellent asset to any organization.”

    - Edmund Nelson, President, Kaizen Fitness.

    • Worked in conjunction with Kaizen, fashioning concept designs and models for a tension device, with practical use in physiotherapy and general fitness.

    • Handled iterations of model assets from a precise design document. Ensuring consistent measurement, motion range, and fit throughout several complex parts, and variations.

    • Authored file exports, and high resolution renders for use in internal tech documentation, and generation of promotional materials.

    • Responsible for maintaining primary asset files throughout the design process. Consulted on vital changes, implementing adjustments across multiple models in a clean and organized manner.

    • Facilitated weekly meets to assess progress, focused on a long-term deadline. Actively advised on logistics and team strategies to ensure consistency within a given time frame.