2023 Senior Exhibition Artists 2023 Senior Exhibition Artists: James Ristaino

About James Ristaino

Hello, my name is James and I am currently pursuing a degree in Animation & Game Arts at UMASS Dartmouth. While I started out as a Computer Science major, I quickly realized that it wasn’t the right fit for me. It wasn’t until I enrolled in a Virtual Reality class that I discovered my true passion for Animation & Game Arts.  

Since then, my journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. I had the privilege of being part of an incredible team that worked on an education project for the university. Together, we created a Virtual Reality Hoover Dam experience that brought to life the construction of the historic landmark. It was a fantastic experience that I would gladly repeat.     

Working on projects like these is incredibly rewarding and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am grateful for everything that UMASS Dartmouth has taught me, and I owe a special debt of gratitude to my professors who have pushed me to always strive for excellence. As I prepare to graduate, I know that I am well-equipped to tackle whatever comes next.  

Statement

As a 3D artist, I am constantly fascinated by the power of digital tools to bring imagined worlds to life. I believe that art has the power to inspire, educate, and transform society, and my goal is to create works that engage and provoke viewers. I draw inspiration from a wide range of sources and am constantly seeking to push the boundaries of what is possible with 3D art. I am committed to producing the best possible work and am able to quickly learn and retain knowledge about 2D & 3D techniques. 

My passion lies in creating high-quality 3D models for game engines, including UV mapping and texturing. I have a natural talent for this work and derive great enjoyment from it. In addition, I have a strong interest in environment concepts and world building, and am eager to expand my 2D & 3D animation skills. I strive to be versatile so that I can tackle a wide range of projects. In my experience, I have found that my strongest works emerge from 3D modeling. If I ever had to choose one skill to stick with, it would be 3D modeling without a doubt.  

My love for Animation & Game Arts is unwavering, and I now see video games through a different lens. I take the time to explore textures and their level of detail in games to deepen my understanding of the medium. I am excited about what the future holds and am confident that my portfolio of 2D & 3D work demonstrates my ability to deliver and meet the demands of a studio.