Creating a 3D Prop in Unreal Engine
From working at an insurance company to pursuing a career in Game Art

Christianna’s Term I Project Rendered in Unreal Engine 5.3
Today we introduce you to current Game Art Program student Christianna Alfonso. Christianna joined the Game Art Program to pursue her passion for games after working as a graphic designer for over 20 years and as a creative director at an insurance company.
In this interview, Christianna shares the process of creating a 3D prop in Unreal Engine for her term 1 capstone project, as well as insights into her Vertex School experience so far.

Christianna’s Term I Project Rendered in Unreal Engine 5.3
1. Please introduce yourself. What companies have you worked for? Did you have any 3D experience before enrolling in the Game Art Program?
Hi, I’m Christianna, a current Vertex School Game Art Program student. In the past, I worked as a graphic designer for over 20 years. My last title was Creative Director, working in the marketing department of an insurance organization (boring!).
Before starting with Vertex School I had around 10 years of self-guided Blender 3D experience, mainly practicing with tutorials from CGcookie.
2. Why did you decide to join Vertex? What skills did you want to level up?
I joined Vertex to learn the workflow of creating 3D assets for video games. I was also drawn to the benefit of being guided by mentors who have experience working in the field.
3. What is the name of your project? What term did you make it in? Who were your mentors?
For my term 1 capstone project I created an N64 console. My mentor for this project was Andrew Baker, he has experience working at both Traega Entertainment and Pixomondo.

Low Poly Blender Model
4. How did you start working on this project? What concept did you use?
I had the physical console and I measured the dimensions as I modeled it. I also used references from N64 consoles for sale on eBay for references of damage and wear.

N64 Console for Sale on eBay
5. How did your mentor help you with this project? What advice was most helpful from your mentor?

Substance Painter Texturing
6. What was most and/or least challenging about this project?

High Poly Model with Color IDs, Modeled in Blender
7. Are you satisfied with this project? Are you surprised that you were able to create this?
8. How would you describe your Vertex experience in general so far?
I am very happy with my experience at Vertex so far and I feel that I will be prepared to enter the workforce with the processes and workflows I am learning.
Check out the full project on Christianna’s ArtStation!

90’s Style Advertisement (post-prod Photoshop)
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1. Submit our quick and easy application
2. Schedule your interview with an admissions officer
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