Student Experience: Eli Gershtein

Eli Crater Gershtein is a technical artist who specializes in creating real-time visual effects for the video game industry. With more than four years of experience, he has contributed to AAA Games as a Service (GaaS) titles, thriving in dynamic, cross-functional team environments alongside artists, designers and engineers. His work focuses on developing and optimizing VFX assets and pipelines using tools like Unreal Engine and Houdini, with a strong foundation in procedural workflows, shader development and scripting.

Eli brings a unique perspective to his role, stemming from a 12-year background in archaeology. This previous career provided a deep, practical foundation in technical analysis, research, and photogrammetry, skills he now applies to digital creation.

This blend of scientific precision and artistic vision allows him to be an innovative and versatile problem-solver. He is passionate about leveraging his diverse experience to build immersive, high-quality game worlds and enhance the player experience through compelling visual effects.

Eli on what ignited his passion for game design: "I took a VFX that completely sparked my curiosity and I went full throttle into technical art and VFX."

Watch Eli's full interview with Dallas College Game Design.

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