The Generalists with Jack Gutmann

In this episode, I’m joined by Sisilia Nedyalkova, a 3D Environment Artist, to talk about what it really takes to build environments for games and break into the industry. We discuss: • How environment artists approach building game worlds • The difference between art school and learning online • Portfolio advice for aspiring game artists • The mindset needed to improve as an artist • Challenges o...

In this episode of The Generalists w/Jack Podcast i have a Christina (aka Castpixel), an art-director i had the absloute honor working with on Australia Did It. She shares her journey through art and some valuable tip as a Generalist herself. Hope you like this one as much as I did! Wishlist Australia Did It on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2396130/Australia_Did_It/ _________________ S...

In this episode, I sit down with Robbie Storm, VFX Artist and teacher at Breda University of Applied Sciences, to talk about what it really takes to become a VFX artist in game development. We dive into: - How VFX is taught in a structured environment - The difference between self-taught and guided learning - What students struggle with most - Building strong fundamentals in VFX - Preparing for a...

In this episode, I sit down with Nadir Latif to talk about working in game development, dealing with unclear direction in projects, and staying consistent even when motivation fluctuates. We dive into: The reality of working on poorly managed projects Staying productive when vision isn’t clear Balancing passion projects with studio work Mental state, routine, and long-term growth Finding your foot...

In this episode, I sit down with Victoria Lyons (Senior Technical Artist) to talk about what technical art really is, how to break into the role, and how artists can start thinking more technically. We discussed: What a Technical Artist actually does day-to-day How to move from art → tech art Learning C++ and engine fundamentals Mentorship, workshops, and helping others level up Building confidenc...

In this episode of The Generalists Jack the Generalist chats with Paulina Miciulevičiūtė (a Senior VFX artist). She started in QA at Unity and worked on projects like Valorant. We dig into practical advice for getting into VFX, why node-based tools (Shader Graph / VFX Graph) are a great starting point, when to learn HLSL, and why understanding optimization will save your career. What you will pass...

In this episode, I’m joined by Grayson Cotrell, technical artist and destruction specialist, to break down how real-time destruction actually works in modern games. Grayson shares how he builds AAA-quality destruction systems, how to make game effects feel alive, and why blueprinting might be the most important skill for technical artists today. If you’re a game dev, technical artist, VFX artist,...

In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Candell, creator of BunderKin talk about what it really takes to build an original IP across TV and Games. We dig into Stephen’s creative process, the realities of turning a personal vision into a scalable project, and the hard decisions that come with building something outside the traditional studio system. This conversation is for game developers, game a...

What happens when a AAA character artist realizes their creativity no longer belongs to them? #gamedev In this episode, I sit down with Jonah Lobe @JonahLobeDraws artist #gameart, writer, former Bethesda creature designer (Skyrim, Fallout), and creator of the record-breaking graphic novel QUIET: Level One. We dive deep into: We dive deep into: Going from a specialist at a AAA studio to a generalis...

How does a life-altering sports injury lead to a 10-year career in game development? In this episode, I talk with senior game developer Justin Scott (Justinbieshaar) about his incredible journey from a hospital bed to working on titles like Monopoly for console. We dive deep into the mindset and philosophy needed to build a lasting career in tech: • The "Private Server" Start: How modding RuneScap...

Harry shares his unique journey from self-taught 3D modeling and programming to mastering shader coding (HLSL) and creating stunning visual effects. Learn practical advice on overcoming shader intimidation, boosting your coding skills, and the mindset needed to thrive in the technical art field. SUPPORT THE PODCAST - Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW - Get one o...

Struggling with scope creep, unclear feedback, or workload management? Learn how to collaborate effectively with a game producer. Veteran freelance lead producer Eline Muijres breaks down the producer’s true role; as a blocker-remover and advocate for your team. We cover practical strategies for artists and developers to build a smoother, more productive partnership with production. SUPPORT THE PO...

How do you go from playing League of Legends to creating the proton beam for Ghostbusters VR? In this episode, I sit down with Jack, a VFX artist at nDreams, to trace his journey from a university switch to a cross-country move for his dream job in the game industry. We dive deep into the unique challenges and creative solutions of making visual effects for virtual reality, where every particle an...

Links: - Steam Deadly Delivery: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3743090/Deadly_Delivery/ - Meta Deadly Delivery: https://www.meta.com/experiences/deadly-delivery/8778947438836641/ - Melle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-bartl-7a170/ . SUPPORT THE PODCAST - Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW - Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the....

Subscribe for more deep-dives into the careers, skills, and unseen forces that shape the games we love. Constantine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constantine-t-3931261aa/ What does a Project Manager in the game industry actually do? If you think it's just scheduling and emails, this conversation with Constantine from Wargaming will change your perspective. We pull back the curtain on on...

In this episode, we’re hanging out with Sylvia, a Game VFX Artist who’s working on No Straight Roads 2 and has been in the game scene for over 6 years! SUPPORT THE PODCAST - Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW - Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop Links and Resources Mentioned: Sylvia's Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/sylviays...

Hey everyone, Jack here. I sat down with the incredibly talented technical artist Finley Southwick for a deep dive that went everywhere from the nitty-gritty of building game vistas and using Houdini, to why math is secretly the coolest tool in game development, and how unconventional education paths can shape a creative career. We also get real about breaking into the industry, the magic of solo...

Hey everyone, Jack here. I sat down with the unstoppable Joseph Azzam a Tech Artist who's worked at Epic Games and Romero Games, and is now the driving force behind the Arabic Games Conference. SUPPORT THE PODCAST - Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW - Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop Links and Resources Mentioned: - Arabic Games...

Hey everyone, Jack here. In this episode of The Generalists, I'm joined by Steven Cheung, a Senior VFX Artist with years of experience on AAA titles. We talk about why your mindset is your most powerful tool. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the reality of a career in game VFX beyond the flashy reels. . SUPPORT THE PODCAST - Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_butto...

Johanna Pirker, computer science professor and researcher, joins The Generalists Podcast to discuss her work in games, VR education, and AI ethics. We explore her early days with DOS and Prince of Persia, the evolution of computer science education, and her groundbreaking VR projects. She also breaks down the real dangers and potentials of AI beyond the hypecovering bias, transparency, and how art...

Tim (schippj), Lead Artist. He shares his journey from freelance 2D artist to multi-disciplinary game dev pro. We dive into practical advice for artists looking to expand into engine work (Unity), how to communicate across teams, portfolio tips, and balancing creativity with mental health. Whether you're a concept artist, VFX designer, or just trying to stay relevant in a fast-moving industry, thi...

A new episode of The Generalists your honest and unedited game-art podcast. Important Links: Javier on Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/javi The course mentioned: https://artofjavi.com/ Javier on LinkedIn: / javibenitez SUPPORT THE PODCAST - Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW - Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop This was fun!...

What's up, Generalists! Jack here, I bring you another one! This time, I sat down with the incredible Valerie Belan a Lead VFX artist who's working in mobile gaming for years! SUPPORT THE PODCAST - Donate: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3VHRDYNMFJ3KW - Get one of the Courses: https://linktr.ee/jack.the.generalist/shop Links and Resources Mentioned: Valerie Belan's LinkedIn: https:...

Yo! Just dropped a fire chat with Nadine Gutiérrez Barcelona-born VFX Artist & Game Dev. breaks down her path into game dev, balancing technical art with creative vision. Learn why diversity fuels better games, how to leverage multiple skills without burnout, and practical tips for juniors. We also geek out on resources like Freya Holmer’s shader tutorials, GDC talks, and game jam strategies....

Yo! Just dropped a raw convo with Mandy Karlowski a Houdini FX artist who’s been melting CPUs and GPUs since 2011. We go deep on why Maya almost killed her passion, how Houdini saved her soul, and why perfectionism is the silent dream-killer. Plus: real talk on AI panic, freelance red flags, and why VFX is still a damn art-form. If you’ve ever felt stuck between passion and paychecks, hit play. SU...