Environment Artist Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements

ENVIRONMENT ARTIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Updated: Jun 04, 2025 - The Environment Artist with expertise in creating high-quality, efficient environment assets, a deep understanding of architectural design, lighting, and mesh modeling is demonstrated. Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Maya, Zbrush, and Photoshop, alongside experience with Unity Engine, ensures the ability to create visually stunning and performance-optimized environments. Strong communication and problem-solving skills enable effective collaboration within teams, delivering exceptional 3D assets and textures for multiple published game titles.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Environment Artist Resume

3D Modeling
Texturing
Unity
Art Direction
Outsourcing
Environment Staging
Project Management
Quality Control
Asset Optimization
PBR Texturing

Mentoring
Communication
Problem-Solving
Feedback Acceptance
Training
Best Practices Support
Artistic Collaboration
Research and Innovation
Player Experience
Creative Vision

Summary of Environment Artist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Environmental Design with 3 years of Experience

Experience using modern production techniques, including PBR workflow using Substance Designer/Painter for production-ready assets.
Experience with texture/ material authoring packages (Substance Designer/ Painter, photoshop, etc.) in a production environment.
Experience with major 3D software packages (Maya and ZBrush) in a production environment.
Experience working with Photogrammetry assets.
Experience creating and auditing packages for outsourcing.
Understanding of Asset Budgets and Optimization for Unreal Engine 4.
Excellent communication, collaboration, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Self-motivated problem solver, ability to work well independently.
Online portfolio (including notes on contributions towards images).
Experience in the games industry as a senior environment artist.
Excellent time management and work discipline.
Expert knowledge in major software tools (Photoshop/Max/Maya/Substance/ZBrush).
Expert knowledge of Unreal Engine 4.

2. BA in Fine Arts with 4 years of Experience

Strong foundation knowledge in traditional arts, including but not limited to figure drawing and environmental and/or architectural illustration
Solid understanding of the aesthetics of the environment, function vs. form relationships, as well as what makes a game level fun and intriguing
Expert at improvising visual direction when lacking a specific concept or design
Solid understanding of color theory and the ability to create balanced and appealing scenes
Able to create current-gen materials and textures.
Proficient knowledge of Photoshop, Z-Brush, Maya, and/or other 3D software packages
An aptitude and desire to identify and solve technical issues related to workflow, rendering, and performance
Excellent understanding of art pipelines and workflows
Can effectively collaborate with game designers and programmers.
Appreciation of how the design and composition of an environment affects gameplay
Experience in the game industry, specifically modeling, texturing, and lighting environments
Experience using proprietary editors, software, and tools

3. BS in Game Design with 5 years of Experience

Good understanding of modern art production pipelines 2D and 3D
Successfully shipped more than one game and have an impressive portfolio
Good visual storytelling and excellent communication skills to set up the right mood for motivating players to dig more into the game
Prior experience working on Unity game projects
Outstanding 3D skills will be a plus for this role
Always be ready to face the artistic and technical challenges when developing a new game
Enjoy working with a team that keeps pushing its boundaries in a highly competitive industry
Great interpersonal skills, ability to collaborate with other team members, managers and producers to understand the high-level requirements and meet those objectives with the optimal user-centred solution
Fluent in English, and strong verbal and written communication skills
Expert knowledge in the creation of PBR materials
Experience with the Unity3D game engine
Experience with the Unreal 4 game engine
Ability to give, and receive positive and constructive feedback
Good problem-solving and communication skills

4. BA in Digital Arts with 4 years of Experience

Experience in video games, film/television or equivalent.
Experience in working with external teams.
Good awareness of real-time graphics issues.
Ability to model, sculpt and texture a wide range of environments.
Strong understanding of the high poly to low poly workflow.
Strong experience with Maya or other 3D software packages, Z-Brush and Photoshop.
Familiarity with managing projects using project management tools (I.e. Jira, Confluence, Excel, etc.)
Experience in designing, developing, and shipping major game systems in a published game or entertainment with market or critical acclaim.  
Demonstrated exceptional visual and technical understanding in sculpting, 3D modeling, texturing, materials creation, baking maps, lighting, and post effects. 
Expert in Material creation using Substance Designer, Quixel, and Substance Painter.
Strong 2D and 3D artistic skills, with demonstrated excellence in compositional and visual storytelling skills.  
Strong technical knowledge to ensure assets are optimal for performance and memory.  
Leadership and Management experience.

5. BS in Architecture with 3 years of Experience

Experience working on current-gen consoles
Extremely proficient in the creation of high-quality, clean, and efficient environment assets
Experience working in-engine to implement and achieve desired look
Skill at balancing art quality and performance within the game engine
Strong application and knowledge of Maya, Zbrush, Photoshop, and/or other art creation tools
An eye for attractive environments and texture creation
Knowledge of architecture and architectural design, environment lighting, dense mesh modeling, and normal map creation
Strong communication skills and a high attention to detail
Experience creating environment art for multiple published video game titles
Exceptional understanding of current 3D art techniques and practices, and the ability to quickly and efficiently communicate these to a team in an adaptable, straightforward way
Mastery of industry standard creative software such as Maya, Photoshop, Zbrush, Substance
Experience with projects using the Unity Engine
Creative flair and ability to communicate visual ideas to others quickly and effectively
Expert in the creation of high quality, high-resolution 3D assets, UV maps, textures, and other content, matching all technical and artistic requirements

6. BS in Computer Graphics with 4 years of Experience

Environment art experience in the areas of entertainment and/or games
Ability to effectively collaborate with concept artists, programmers and technical artists
Self-motivated, ambitious and disciplined personality with the ability to identify with work
Extensive knowledge in Maya, 3DS Max or Blender
Experience with Unreal Engine 4, Substance Designer or VR/AR would be a plus
Great understanding of form, shape, structure and silhouette regarding modeling
Comfortable with giving and receiving feedback
Ability to multi-task and work well under strict deadlines
Excellent communication skills in English
A strong ability to create believable environments within a games engine.
Ability to derive a well structured lowpoly model from the high poly model.
Strong understanding of efficient UV layout, PBR pipeline and modular level creation methods.
Strong knowledge of 3dsmax, Photoshop and Zbrush / Mudbox.
Ability to manage and supervise junior artists and willingness to carry out mentorship tasks.
A strong understanding of shader functionality.

7. BA in Animation with 5 years of Experience

High level of proficiency in Maya, ZBrush and Substance Designer/Painter
Demonstrate expertise of texturing using both procedurally generated and hand painted techniques in a PBR workflow
Strong understanding of modularity and the use of trim sheets for optimal level building
Able to work from photo reference or concept art, as well as ability to interpret design intention when concept is unavailable
Flexibility to adapt asset creation to any art style
Knowledge in traditional art principles and theory of function, form, shape, proportions, and color, etc.
Knowledge of other industry standard tools, such as World Machine, Speed Tree, Marvelous Designer, etc.
Strong knowledge of technical game art theory (memory limitations, streaming, collision, texel density, polycount, and optimization, etc.) to create assets that meet performance requirements
Ability to work autonomously and manage workload independently with limited assistance or direction, as well as strong collaboration with all team members
Experience creating high-quality 3D architecture, environments, and levels for AAA games.
Ability to execute highly detailed, photo-realistic environments, helping to set the bar for other artists at the studio.
Ability to receive, give, and apply feedback effectively while maintaining a positive attitude.
Highly proficient in Maya or 3ds Max, Photoshop and Substance Painter.
Strong understanding of lighting, color and scene composition.

8. BA in Visual Arts with 4 years of Experience

Ability to mentor and potentially lead other artists in the development of skills
Exceptional communication skills
Ability to communicate and collaborate across multiple locations effectively
Recent use of industry standard game editors
Ability to inspire and bring out talent in others
Classic drawing or painting techniques with the ability to sketch out ideas on paper
Good sense of spatial composition and proportions
Understanding of basic architecture
Advanced understanding of physically based material creation, with preference given to those who are adept in material creation.
Proficient in next-gen asset creation.
Experience with a level editor (i.e. Unreal, Unity, Frostbite, Radiant, etc.)
Experience as an environment artist on commercial game projects
Experience in creating high-quality modular environment kits and environment layouts in Unreal Engine 4 or Unity, with a focus on in-engine presentation and gameplay.
Excellent knowledge of 3DS Max and general 3D art skills, as well as strong artistic fundamentals as applied to environment art
Ability to sculpt environment props in ZBrush or similar programs

9. BS in 3D Modeling with 5 years of Experience

Excellent environment 3D art creation skills.
Ability to grasp new programs and systems quickly.
An interest in learning to understand and work within the restraints of the medium.
Ability to work with a high degree of self-direction and motivation.
Comfortable working in a team setting, under deadlines and time constraints.
Familiarity with 3ds Max (or similar) and Photoshop.
Strong communication and time management skills.
Able to prioritize and multi-task.
Creative nature with strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent understanding of PBR workflows and able to author textures and material using Substance Designer, Painter, and Photoshop.
A strong sense of aesthetics, quality and style, with an interest in adapting to different art styles based on the project
Strong communication and organizational skills
Strong ability to self-direct and problem solve, proactive in seeking feedback and support
Able to provide feedback to colleagues in a positive, supporting and constructive manner

10. BA in Interactive Media with 4 years of Experience

Experience in creating voxel-based environments
Understanding of how level design and level structure influences player behaviour
Interest in and understanding of a broad variety of game genres and styles
Demonstrable experience with Crayta
Experience working with UGC editors (eg Roblox) or Unreal Engine 4
Experience working on Game as a Service titles
Ability to work efficiently within a small team
Able to work with style variety and feeling comfortable thinking creatively and outside the box
Experience in participating in ongoing discussions regarding workflow and techniques that result in refining methods used in the studio
Experience in the video games industry or other relevant industries
Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Zbrush and the Substance suite
Game engine experience with Unreal Engine
Exceptional visual and technical understanding of 3D modeling and texturing
Ability to build 3D scenes for environments based on concept art and reference imagery

11. BS in Environmental Science with 5 years of Experience

Proficient in the creation of high-quality game-ready assets using Maya, Zbrush, Photoshop, and Substance Painter
Experience working on console or PC games
Experience working in-engine to achieve the desired look
Skill at balancing art quality and performance within the game engine
An eye for attractive environments and texture creation
Knowledge of architecture and architectural design, environment lighting, dense mesh modeling, and normal map creation
Strong communication skills and a high attention to detail
Ability to work with a high degree of self-direction
Superb high and low polygon modeling skills
Strong understanding of material, shader and texture workflows and tools
Experience with modern DCC's required (Maya, Blender, ZBrush, Substance Designer)
Strong knowledge of modern game asset development principles and process
Strong time management and communication skills

12. BA in Illustration with 3 years of Experience

Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to create interesting, detailed and visually appealing environment
Ability to adapt to new processes and pipelines
Good working knowledge of industry leading 3D modelling packages
Good understanding of composition and visual storytelling
Good knowledge of level editors
Good understanding of Physically Based Rendering systems
Familiarity with data management software (such as Perforce etc.)
Good gameplay and level design knowledge
Knowledge of the video game industry and awareness of typical video game development processes
Exposure to industry game engines and production pipelines
Knowledge of optimization techniques (e.g. 3D Studio Max)
Experience in both hard surface and organic modeling
Experience working in Adobe Photoshop

13. BS in Landscape Architecture with 4 years of Experience

High level knowledge of Adobe software such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
Technical and functional knowledge in 3D graphics
Solid experience in hard surface modeling, shaders and rendering in Maya, ZBrush or 3DS Max, organic modeling and topology of environmental assets
Material and Texture creation skills in Photoshop, Substance Designer/Substance Painter and Zbrush.
Able to set up UVs, create textures and materials and apply these to 3D Models
Experience working in the Unreal Engine preferred
Scene assembly, materials, lighting, terrain sculpting experience
Professional maturity, team player, while also being adaptable and flexible.
Understanding of PC and console development for open world games
Experience playing RPG games
Experience in other areas of game development
Knowledge of Camtasia, Unity, Houdini, Perforce, Jira, CrazyBump

14. BS in Industrial Design with 3 years of Experience

Experience in game development as an environment artist, with shipped titles on PC, console, and mobile
Experience in concepting, modeling, and texturing environmental assets using Maya, Zbrush, Photoshop, and Substance Designer/Painter
A strong understanding of form, structure, and silhouette
Hands-on experience with one or more world-building editors (e.g., Unity, Unreal, home-grown)
Self-motivated, excellent communication skills, and a great team player
Comfortable with ambiguity, a lightning-fast pace, and a high degree of ownership
Experience working with a wide variety of game platforms
Additional skill sets in illustration, character creation, and animation/rigging
Technically proficient and able to quickly learn and master new pipelines and toolsets
Interest in creating fun experiences for cycling, running, and overall fitness
Experience of recreating real-life motorsport environments for real-time video games.
Excellent Modelling, UVW and Texturing skills.
High levels of competence with 3ds Max, Photoshop and Substance packages.
Experience creating photo realistic materials common around race circuits such as roads, concrete walls, foliage, terrain etc.

15. BA in Media Arts and Animation with 4 years of Experience

A strong portfolio illustrating proficiency as an Environment Artist
Good understanding of Maya/Max, Substance Designer/Painter, and Z-Brush/Mudbox
Experienced in generating PBR materials and shaders
Good Unity/Unreal experience including asset import and management, optimization, material, lighting and baking
Experienced in working on current-generation games
Effective communicator with art staff and team leads
Highly motivated and proactive
Able to collaborate and contribute effectively in a team environment
Experience in a game production environment
Ability to meet deadlines
Fluent in English, both verbal and written
Expert levels of High and Low polygon modelling.
Expert level of Maya/Max, Photoshop, Zbrush sculpting experience.
Have experience of production level shader work.
Strong understanding of the creation of physical based shaders.

16. BS in Digital Media with 5 years of Experience

Asset creation abilities across a broad range of subject matter, e.g. hard surface/architecture / organic assets/vegetation.
Experience creating complex terrains, using hand-authored and/or procedural workflows and tools.
Ability to paint photorealistic PBR surfaces, ideally using Substance Painter.
High-fidelity modeling skills (using Maya or similar), as well as high-to-low poly baking experience.
Experience breaking down levels/scenes into efficient asset sets and components.
Knowledge and experience with content-driven game engines (e.g. Unreal, Frostbite, Unity, GtkRadiant).
Experience with Proprietary Game engine and assets.
Experience collaborating directly with designers, engineers, and Tech Artists.
Photogrammetry and Substance Designer experience is a plus.
Experience briefing, delegating and directing work to other Artists (working with external / OS vendors is a plus).
Examples of levels and assets that were created/owned from start to finish.
Sets, assets, and environments that demonstrate an understanding of, real-world construction, material properties, and organic wear and tear.
Work examples demonstrating composition and visual storytelling skills.
Examples of assets and/or levels that demonstrate effective world-building and content-creation processes, including modular construction and efficient distribution of detail.

17. BS in Urban Planning with 4 years of Experience

Knowledge of Photoshop, Substance Painter, Maya, Zbrush and/or other 3D software
Knowledge of architecture and natural scenery including form, color, and composition
Experienced managing and maintaining entire world assets
Experienced multi-tasking and adapting to change
Willingness to consistently improve skill level through feedback and research
Experience working with Unreal in a professional environment
Architectural background or experience in a related field
Good understanding of 3D art fundamentals of modeling, materials and game limitations
Good proficiency with 3ds Max, Blender, Substance Suite and Terrain Generation tools Great communication and time management skills
Games industry experience with at least one game credit.
Experience with the Unreal 4 game engine.
Experience with UE4/Unity and Animation

18. BA in Graphic Design with 3 years of Experience

Strong proven production art experience in the gaming industry
Experience mentoring and leading a team of junior artists
Proven ability to create exceptional stylized and realistic worlds
Outstanding skill in a digital sculpting package
Exceptional knowledge of 3ds Max and or Maya
High-level expertise in Substance painter
Significant Unreal 4 development experience with at least one released title
A great eye for detail, natural flair and a strong understanding of composition and color theory
Excellent verbal and written skills, and be able to both take critique and give feedback internally and externally in a professional manner
Diligent self-management around both individual and team tasks, schedules and budgets
Strong organizational skills with adherence to optimization and asset management

19. BS in 3D Art and Animation with 4 years of Experience

An interest in either the more artistic and creative or technical and pipeline-related sides of game development
A strong ability to create believable modular environments within a game engine
Ability to derive a well structured lowpoly model from a high-poly model, and vice versa
Understanding of efficient UV layout, PBR pipeline and modular-level creation methods
Knowledge of content creation software such as Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Photoshop, Substance and Zbrush
Good understanding of shader functionality.
Good English communication and writing skills
Experience in videogame development or large scene development for real-time applications
Understanding of current artistic/technical requirements for video game production pipelines
Experience working collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams to envision, plan, schedule, execute and optimize environments that support and enhance simulation needs
Experienced in creating open-world environments starting from roads, sidewalks, and markings, all the way to adding vegetation and street debris.
A strong portfolio demonstrating expert craftsmanship with a track record of creating immersive environments
Mastery of industry-standard software like Maya, ZBrush, and Substance
Solid experience working with either game engines or any city-building engines implementing 3D work into the pipeline.

20. BA in Visual Communication with 3 years of Experience

Professional experience and understanding of stylized art style.
Passion to learn and teach new methods and techniques.
Advanced knowledge of Maya and or 3DS Max, Photoshop.
Strong understanding of Unreal Engine.
Comfortable working quickly within an iterative development process.
Comfortable receiving and giving constructive criticism and making artistic adjustments.
Ability to lead small teams.
Shipped titles using Unreal across multiple platforms.
Strong Understanding of Substance.
Experience in AAA high-fidelity digital game development specifically contributing to Environment Art, hard surface modeling, terrain, architecture, shaders and materials.
Strong communication skills, and an excellent team player attitude.
Creative initiative and vision to work from a concept image to build and create assets of high visual quality.
Knowledge of next-generation asset creation pipelines and tools.
A portfolio showcasing an outstanding eye for lighting, materials, color theory, detail, and visual hierarchy.
Problem-solving and prototyping ability.
Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with game designers, programmers and other art team members

21. BS in Computer Science with 4 years of Experience

Proven track record in at least 3 shipped titles (preferably AAA).
Excellent 3D art skills.
Excellent compositional, world building skills and all-around artistic expertise and flare.
Expertise in 3ds Max or Maya (or both)
Knowledge or use of Zbrush
Expertise in Photoshop and other technologies utilised in the production of game art.
Knowledge of Substance Painter / Designer is a plus.
Expertise or knowledge of implementing artwork into Unreal Engine 4 or Unity.
Familiarity with developing games in a multi-platform, multi-project environment.
Ability and eagerness to learn and adopt new software, tools and technologies.
Able to work with a high level of motivation and self-direction.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent time management skills.
Ability to follow processes and pipelines, and evangelize best practices.

22. BA in Creative Technology with 3 years of Experience

Experience for console and\or PC game
Experience in specializing technical art for real time games on console and PC
Experience in developing in Python, HLSL or C++
Understanding of asset and world building construction processes and methods
High degree of knowledge in state-of-the-art workflows and game engine editors like (UE4, Unity, Frostbite, etc.)
Understand foundational art skills like light, shade, color, form and detail
Knowledgeable with industry standard software like Maya, Blender, Houdini, Substance Designer, Zbrush
Highly organized with excellent spoken and written communication skills
Excellent Time management, Creative Process and Production Process skills
Experience developing with C#, C++ and\or LUA
Experience working with large and diverse teams while developing at scale
Experience working on FPS or sci-fi games

Relevant Information

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