Gatis Kurzemnieks
Gatis Kurzemnieks is a seasoned Technical Artist specializing in Houdini, Unreal Engine, Unity, C++, Python and shaders. Currently based in Brussels, Belgium, he brings a wealth of experience in computer graphics and game development.
Gatis holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science from the University of Latvia. His academic journey continued with studies in 3D Animation at Hochschule Luzern in Switzerland and Visual Communication at Latvian Academy of Art, earning him a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
His career began in game development, where he contributed to game graphics and 3D game engine programming for PC and Xbox 360. Transitioning into digital advertising, Gatis worked as a creative director and designer. He later joined OLV, focusing on Unity development, visual effects, and serving as a 3D generalist for high-profile clients such as Microsoft, REI, and the Seattle Seahawks.
Gatis further expanded his expertise in TV production, working on the animated series Zapovednik as a technical artist proficient in Unity and Unreal Engine. His tenure at Ubiquity Inc. involved contributions to 3D product visualization and motion design before embarking on a successful freelance career. As a freelance technical artist, he collaborated with industry leaders such as The Mill and Rascal Post.
Currently, Gatis applies his skills at award winning visual effects studio Pixomondo as an Unreal Engine technical artist and developer, contributing to innovative projects in virtual production and beyond.
Work experience
2022-present: Unreal Engine Technical artist, VFX artist at Pixomondo
2020-2022 Freelance Technical Artist, 3D Generalist (The Mill, Rascal Post, Pixomondo, AngryMob Games …)
2018-2020 CG Artist at Ubiquiti Networks, Internal Design team
2017-2018 Real time Unity/Unreal based production artist for TV series Zapovednik
2015-2017: 3D/2D generalist, Technical supervisor and VR developer at OrangeLV
2013-2015: 3D/2D generalist, motion designer, developer at Modern Media
2011-2012: Creative director and Art lead at digital agency Digibrand
2009-2011: Flash/social game developer at InnoWate with focus on game engine and 3D graphics R&D
2005-2009: Game engine programmer (C++) for XBox 360 at CTXM
2001-2002: Character and game level 3D modeller and animator at Sybersoft
Education
2012/2013: Hochschule Luzern, Switzerland, 3D animation department
2009-2013: Bachelors degree, Latvian Academy of Art, Visual communication department.
2007-2009: Masters degree in Computer Science, University of Latvia
2003-2007: Bachelors degree in Computer Science, University of Latvia
Awards International ZOOTRÓPIO Film & Video Festival, 2012, Animation: Overall Best! for History of Levitation
Skills
Software skills: Houdini, Cinema 4D, Maya, Blender, ZBrush, Unity 3D, Unreal Engine, BlackMagic Fusion, Substance Toolset
Programming skills: C/C++, Python , C# (Unity), Shaders
Professional interests: Technical Art, Houdini, 3D graphics and VFX, Real-Time graphics and Game programming, Pipelines and automation.