Nathan Vanwyngarden

About Nathan Vanwyngarden

Hi, I’m Nathan VanWyngarden, a Principal World Architect and environment artist with over 17 years of experience in game development. I currently work at Zenimax Online Studios, where I’ve contributed to The Elder Scrolls Online and an upcoming project across multiple roles, from environment artist to world builder to managing teams of artists.My expertise spans worldbuilding, level design, lighting, asset creation, and procedural systems. I’ve collaborated closely with engineers, designers, and outsourcing partners to build immersive, engaging worlds that strike a balance between gameplay, performance, and visual storytelling. My work has contributed to major content releases including One Tamriel, Elsweyr, Greymoor, High Isle, and many of ESO’s launch and DLC zones.I’m passionate about crafting spaces that feel alive, from initial concept and biome development to final polish, marketing imagery, and live player experiences. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation from Full Sail University, and thrive in creative environments where storytelling, collaboration, and iteration come together.

Experience

1. Principal 3d Artist

   Sackbird Studios

   Oct 2025 — Present · Baltimore, MD, US

   I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined an ambitious group of developers and friends to form a new studio! I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute as an artist in multiple ways and help bring our shared creative vision to life.

Education

• Full Sail University

  BS, Computer Animation

  2006 — 2008

Skills

• After Effects
• Photoshop
• Game Development
• Character Animation
• Zbrush
• Mental Ray
• Unreal Engine 3
• Layout
• Environment Art
• World Building
• Uv Mapping
• Computer Animation
• Texturing
• Modeling
• 3d Studio Max
• Maya
• Video Games
• Game Design
• Lighting
• Animation