Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Smith.
Hi Chris, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Germany in the 80s and early 90s and was into comics and graffiti back then, which influences my art to this day. In ‘94 I moved to Dallas (where my dad lived) and began working as a freelance artist. I had mostly random jobs and it wasn’t until I went to the Art Institute of Dallas in 2004 that I really started my art ‘career’. I earned a 2-year game design degree, graduating with “Best Portfolio” of my class. Immediately after graduating, I was hired at a prominent game studio, 3D Realms, in Dallas – and have been in the game industry ever since. Currently, as a Lead 3D Artist at Cloud Imperium Games, my role is to develop and build spaceships for the PC game Star Citizen. Around 2017, I started to get back into graffiti and creating murals which has given me another great outlet to peruse beyond 3D art.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Naturally, it hasn’t always been a smooth road, and to this day the road is filled with potholes to deal with and navigate. For me, age, determination and experience played a big role while growing up as an artist. When I was young, I had a couple of vague ideas of what I wanted to do with my talent, but immaturity kept me from really perusing any of those goals. I tried working as a part-time freelance artist, but it was a struggle for me and never really took off in any meaningful way. Eventually, with the oncoming responsibility of a family, I started to get serious and pursue something more concrete. I was very lucky in my timing and excited to have found 3d game-art as a good career path to follow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional 3d artist and have been working in the game industry for the last 17 years. I currently work at Cloud Imperium Games, on a PC game called Star Citizen. As a lead 3d artist there I am known for/work on building and developing realistic spaceships for the game.
I think what sets me apart from others (in my industry) is that I bring a unique perspective to certain projects because I grew up with many different art influences besides game art.
On the side, I’m also a professional muralist/ painter and have several murals located around the city of Austin. I’m known for creating big illustrations of famous people along with my graffiti tag NEWS.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been an active kid, whether it’s in visual art or sports, I’m usually running around doing something physically active or creating something, or I have some ‘project’ I’m working on. I’m very easygoing and get along with most people (which is important in my career field).
I have a wife and two kids whom I love spending time with, as well as creating art and doing crazy things on bikes and skates!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://robertsspaceindustries.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/news1213/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDQ8dbE8qSo
