What does it really take to build a successful career in the video game industry? How do artists evolve from hobbyists into senior professionals working on some of the most ambitious projects in the world?

In this edition of Coffee With, we'll sit down with Daniel Castillo, Senior Environment Modeling Artist at Skydance, to discuss his professional journey, industry experiences, and the lessons learned throughout more than a decade working in 3D art.

Daniel's story began with traditional model making and miniature crafting, a passion that eventually evolved into a professional career in the world of digital art and video games. Throughout this session, he will share how he transitioned into the industry, the challenges he faced, and the experiences that shaped him into the artist he is today.

Topics covered during the session will include:

✅ His early beginnings in art, model making, and 3D.
✅ Building a long-term career in the gaming industry.
✅ Working across different studios, teams, and production environments.
✅ Professional workflows and day-to-day responsibilities as an Environment Artist.
✅ Advice for aspiring artists looking to take the next step in their careers.
✅ A live Q&A session where attendees can ask their own questions.

Whether you're a student, a junior artist, or an experienced professional looking for a fresh perspective, this is an opportunity to gain valuable insights from someone who has successfully turned passion into a long-lasting international career.

A relaxed and honest conversation about art, growth, production, and what it truly means to work in the video game industry.
During the session, we'll explore step-by-step how to work with lighting in both exterior and interior settings, analyzing the decisions to make in each case and how to adjust the light to enhance the visual clarity of the environment.

In addition, Alessandro will explain how to properly present an environmental lighting project, addressing key aspects that help a project stand out in a portfolio or professional presentation.

👉 This workshop is designed for artists who want to improve the visual quality of their scenes and better understand how lighting professionals work within the industry.