Christopher Orth – Resume

SKILLS

Well rounded design skills from game, web and audio industries, excellent communicator, creative problem solving, leadership of creative teams, cross platform game development.

Software

Expert level user of: Unity3D, Maya, 3DS Max, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Motion, After Effects, OmniGraffle, Visio, Office Suites, Mac and Windows operating systems.  Also extensive experience using custom in-house game development tools at Sucker Punch, Gas Powered Games, and Foundation 9, and familiarity with UnrealEd and Neverwinter Nights toolsets.

Scripting

Have completed professional projects using a wide variety of scripting languages, including Unity3D, LUA, JavaScript, MEL, NWScript, HTML, CSS.  

Other

Audio recording / editing / mixing, music theory, MIDI, Logic 9, audio editors, synthesizer programming

CONTRIBUTIONS

LAKE WASHINGTON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Advisory Board Member / Multi-Media Department
2/11 – Current

Provide guidance and feedback on the curriculum for the Web, Print and Game programs.

EMPLOYMENT

WELL PLAYED GAMES
Creative Director / Owner
3/11 – Current

Formed and operate the  independent game company focusing on casual titles for iOS, Android, Web, Mac and Windows. 

SUCKER PUNCH PRODUCTIONS
Game Designer – Infamous for Playstation 3 / Sony
7/08-4/09

Contributed designs for game systems and game play areas for the open-world action title “inFamous” for the Playstation 3.  Prototyped using in-house tools and Maya, and worked with programming and art teams to bring designs to shippable quality.

GAS POWERED GAMES
Designer – Cancelled Wii Title for THQ
1/08-6/08

Collaborated on the design team to develop primary game puzzle mechanics, game economy, story progression, and area challenges/layouts.  Prototyped areas and game mechanics using 3DS Max and LUA. 

Designer – Space Siege
6/07-12/07

Designed and scripted game progression events to support story and dialog.  Worked with writers to appropriately scope and implement dialog solution for multiple plot lines.  Communicated game progression needs to art, programming and production groups.  Provided support and best practices guidance for junior level designers on workflow and area design to support story needs.

FOUNDATION 9 / AMAZE ENTERTAINMENT
Designer – Indiana Jones PSP
6/06-5/07

Created level designs and puzzles using Visio and MS Office, and implemented these designs from white box to shippable using Maya and in-house scripting tools (Inferno).  Worked with programmers and artists to develop and communicate standards for game mechanics and best-practice design methodologies.  Supported artists in learning and developing script-driven dynamic object rigs for interactive elements.

Designer / Technical Artist – Eragon PSP
9/05-6/06

Led the requirements gathering and development of designer tools and functionality, then communicated the results to programmers.  Maintained level structures, collision and navigation meshes, and dynamic object spawning for every area in the game.  Created dynamic object rigs and scripts for interactive elements.  Supported artists by creating tool based solutions in Maya using MEL.

Technical Artist – Sims 2 PSP
1/05-9/05

Using Maya and LUA, translated existing E.A. interactive assets into the Amaze technology base, then communicated those standards and led the development of new interactive assets.  Maintained level structures, collision and navigation meshes, and dynamic area creation for every area in the game.  Supported artists by creating script based solutions in Maya using MEL. 

Technical Artist – Various Projects
6/04-8/04

Using Maya and Photoshop, created multi-resolution art assets for next-generation game console title pitches.  Edited existing art assets for PS2/Xbox title.  Created script based artist solutions in Maya using MEL. 

CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS
Director of Web Services / Webmaster
9/99-9/01

While leading a team of web designers and content producers, determined the business strategy for Internal and External web presences for one of the largest operating foundations in the US, with 25 offices in 15 states.  Developed and communicated standards for web content development, guided the development and maintenance of web-related server systems, web-client standards, web-based database access resources, web-authoring support systems, high-level content, design standards, and related procedures and documentation.  Ensured that web content and services were continually evaluated and enhanced through steady interaction with customers and users.

INTERMEC TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Web Designer
4/98-8/99

Used content management tools to leverage the daily maintenance, upgrade and creation of new content for an 8,000+-page multi-national corporate web site, intranet, and extranet. Was responsible for design, code standards and implementation.  Reported to both the IS and Communications departments.

AWAKE MULTI-MEDIA
Graphic Designer, Multi-Media Artist
4/96-4/98

Creation of complete web sites with full multimedia content for businesses and individuals.  Worked with integration of MIDI and audio on the Web.  Design of promotional materials.  Digitally edited audio recordings.

PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN
Performer, Studio Recording, Live Sound Reinforcement
6/90 – 4/96

Performed live with various bands.  Owned and operated a large P.A. for live concert sound.  Recorded bands in studio using both digital ( ProTools / Logic Pro ) and analog systems.

EDUCATION

BELLEVUE COLLEGE
A.A. Degree In 3D Animation Graphics and Compositing
Graduated: Spring 2004
9/02-6/04

Completed a two-year degree in 3D Animation Graphics and Compositing while consistently achieving the Dean’s List honors.  Subjects included Digital Design and Storytelling, Scriptwriting, 3D Animation and Modeling, 2D Drawing for Animation, Animation Graphics, Video Editing and Compositing. 

SCHOOL OF VISUAL CONCEPTS
Seattle, WA
3/99-09/00

Studies in artistic concepts and practices, including drawing (perspective, proportion, inanimate objects and the human form), graphic design, painting and color theory. 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS

07/00
The Coaching Edge Training – Training to build competency using fundamentals of effective coaching interactions, including strategic processes for guiding partnerships, versatile coaching tools and a conscious, reflective coaching practice.   Presented by Interaction Associates. – Seattle, WA

06/00
Facilitative Leadership Training – Learned leadership skills used to tap the power of workgroup participation.  Topics included Stakeholder buy-in, pathways to action, desired outcomes, coaching, meeting planning, tools for reaching agreement, strategic moments, inquiry and advocacy techniques, rewards and feedback.   Presented by Interaction Associates. – Seattle, WA

02/00
Content Management Systems – Attended conferences to enhance knowledge of content management systems.  Topics covered design, preparation, deployment, and migration of legacy data to custom build and off the shelf solutions.   – San Francisco, CA / Atlanta, GA

11/99
Data Modeling Training – Studies in structuring and presenting data, including database schema. Presented by Dan McIalwain, Education and Training Center – Seattle, WA

10/99
Project Management Training – Studied the fundamentals of project management, including resource allocation, budgeting, time planning and critical path. Presented by Sam Huffman, Versatile – Seattle, WA.

03-05
Alias Maya User Group – Active member and contributor to the Washington Alias Maya User Group, until it was disbanded.

05/00-08/02
Poser Arcana – Successfully founded and authored “Poser Arcana” a free tutorial-based web site focusing on providing learning opportunities to the 3D hobbyist community. Poser Arcana was successfully sold to DAZ3D, after consistently receiving 500,000 hits per month for over a year.