About
Ryan E. Grady is an Illustrator and Concept Artist based in Raleigh, NC. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art at Appalachian State University and her Master of Art + Design from NC State University. She is currently an Associate Professor of Simulation and Game Development at Wake Technical Community College, teaching primarily art courses. She also works as a contract artist, most recently serving as a Concept Artist for the TTRPG "Our Brilliant Ruin" by Studio Hermitage. During her time teaching at Wake Tech, she has completed two externships with local companies; a 3D Modeling externship with Lucid Dream VR and a Photogrammetry Externship with RTI International. She also was co-PI for WTCC’s National Science Foundation project “Developing Certificates in Technical Art & Photogrammetry and Technical Animation”. When she is not teaching, Ryan is working on her self-published comic series “Daughters of Atlas”, which as of now has two issues in circulation, and on her visual novel "Lythe The Forgetful Witch".
Skills
Software proficiency
Experience
• Designed robust course curriculum for Simulation and Game Development department including Art for Games, Graphic Design Tools, Character Development, and 3D Modeling classes (revamped Character Development course to capture en-hanced student engagement)
• Excelled as Co-Principal Investigator on grant award by the of the National Science Foundation; instituted certification pro-gram for technical art & photogrammetry and technical animation
• Earned swift promotion from Instructor to Assistant Professor
• Amplified opportunities for students to exhibit their work via game development art exhibits and contests
• Orchestrated dynamic Game Development Art Exhibit in collaboration with Imurj (Raleigh gallery)
• Coordinated East Coast Game Conference art contest• Produced and delivered concept art/illustrations for props, weapons, general illustrations for a new Intellectual based on the creative brief and art direction.
• Collaborated with the art team to ensure the artistic direction aligns seamlessly with project goals.
• Implemented and incorporated feedback from Art Director and Creative Director and communicated with key stakeholders to confirm task direction and consistency of work.
• Maintained a keen eye for aesthetics and understanding the technical aspects of the production pipeline.• Worked closely with software engineers to produce final animations in formats for integration into game compilation.
• Conducted modeling and texture optimization for real-time 3D game applications.
• Interpreted concept art and sketches to create innovative virtual characters.• Earned placement in the prestigious Wake Tech College externship program; enhanced and expanded contemporary indus-try skills and methods—and introduced them to students back in the classroom.
• Leveraged photogrammetry technology to produce compelling 3D models.
• Established significant understanding and familiarity with software and technical processes of photogrammetry.• Built 3D models for simulation prototype, and implemented them into Unity, in partnership with Lead Programmer
• Produced four engaging illustrations designed for use as part of company's marketing efforts
• Worked with other artists, animators and programmers to execute projects on time and within budget constraints.• Directed observational drawing course designed specifically for Textile program students; instructed on use of contour, perspective, value, and drawing tools to translate real-life subjects into detailed drawings
• Secured research assistantship for progressive ASPECT project (funded by National Science Foundation); forged solid col-laboration with team to create simulation and instruct middle school students on the concept of buoyancy
• Designed project's character and environment concept art; produced a 2D prototype of the interaction
• Conceptualized and built environment 3D assets for the game and 3D model for the main character
Designed storyboards to demonstrate senior designer's vision to review board.-Conceptualized and built environment 3D assets for the game and 3D model for the main character
Youth Digital Studios’ summer program involves traveling to different local schools and teaching the studio's unique curriculum over a week at each school.
This position entails delivering Wake Tech’s curriculum in the Simulation and Game Development
department. It includes two sections of the course “Art For Games”. Art For Games in an introductory drawing and 2D Design course for the Simulation and Game Development students.The Animation Instructor for the DesignLab creates and leads a seminar to introduce students to the animation discipline.