Hi! My name is Russell Williams and I’m a technical artist with expertise in rigging, modeling, animation, and cinematography.

Immersion should exist in every detail, no matter how small. And this is why I love rigging! When I rig an asset, I consider how it will be perceived throughout production all the way to the end user, game player, or film critic.  Let me explain. I’m the sort of person who plays a game or watches a film…without traditionally playing the game or watching the film. I start asking questions. If an object is squishy and I throw it against a wall, do I hear the right kinds of sounds and did the object move realistically?  I ask questions about light, sound, color and see if I can tell how the camera reveals the story through its lens and movement. When I look through my own digital lens, I ask questions about my perceived experience and how I might convey this to the viewer. Do the characters deform correctly? Do they share affinity with their background? Are those leading lines detracting or helping to emphasize the focus of the shot? How am I framing my intentions and why is the camera moving? Most importantly, how well does the movement of the asset sell the shot? How can I rig this thing to be intuitive for animators and sell immersion to the end user? I love anticipating immersion within the user’s exploration by pushing my rigs, models, and camera to their limits. I enjoy visiting and creating possibilities that account for the smallest level of detail and if I’ve done my job correctly, nobody will ever know! Nothing will be out of place. 

A little about me. I’m changing my career into my passion.  I’m currently finishing my Master’s in game production at the University of Texas at Dallas. Growing up I found every available minute I could spare to focus on creating worlds through games and animation.  When I was 6, I designed my first board game and programmed my first video game by 11.  We didn’t have game or animation classes where I went to school so it has taken me a while to change career paths but there is no stopping me now. 

I have a background in logistics and I’m currently working in DFW.  I spent some time in the military and as a Captain I had the privilege of meeting people from all over the world.  We are all different, we all learn in various ways and have our own perceived notions about the world. Which brings me to my point. I get along with everyone I work with. I learn from my mistakes, hold myself accountable, and move on. I do not hold grudges and pride is a non-factor. I’m usually the leader in University projects but I would be just as happy in a support role. I generally get excited about other student’s projects and try to offer experience when necessary. I’m a perfectionist when it comes to evaluating my personal work and I can take and give constructive criticism with the best of ‘em. 

Having experience in the university games environment, I know there is so much more I must learn about the real studio context.  I’m excited to learn from professionals within the industry and bolster my skills. I can’t wait to enter the field, be a contributing part of a creative team, and broaden my horizons.