Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio

Digital/Practical Prop Designer
I'm a 3D artist specializing in props and materials, with an interest in both practical fabrication and virtual production.

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Demo Reel - July 2026 Shaders and Tools

I'm a technical artist who builds production-ready tools and materials, and I occasionally teach how I solved interesting problems.

#Blender #UE5 #UnrealEngine #SubstancePainter #SubstanceDesigner #Shaders #Tools #TechnicalArtist #DemoReel #ShowReel #Portfolio

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

The Battlefront saga may be heading back to the galaxy far, far away. According to reports, EA is bringing together DICE, the studio behind Battlefield, and Respawn Entertainment, known for Apex Legends and the Star Wars Jedi series, to work on a new project believed to be #StarWarsBattlefront3.

EA has confirmed that the two studios will collaborate on a future project, while multiple sources cited by Variety identify it as the next Battlefront installment. However, the game's title and development details have not been officially confirmed.

The potential reunion is exciting news for fans who have been waiting since 2017's Star Wars Battlefront II for a new entry. DICE's large-scale multiplayer expertise combined with Respawn's shooter design and Star Wars experience could make for an impressive galactic battlefield.

Could this be the comeback the franchise deserves? And what features would you want to see in the next Battlefront?

Read More: https://t.co/b8pSI63Vvm

#StarWars #Battlefront3 #Gaming #GameDevelopment #Respawn #DICE

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Unity is making game development iteration faster with MethodReload, an experimental feature designed to reduce waiting time when editing gameplay code.

Instead of triggering a full domain reload for every small change, developers can update tagged C# method bodies while the game is running. Changes can take effect in seconds, both inside the Unity Editor and on connected development devices, including IL2CPP builds.

The workflow is straightforward: tag methods with [MethodReload], start the watcher, and edit your code. The feature also supports a CLI workflow for developers who prefer working in the terminal or integrating iteration into automated pipelines.

There are limitations: only supported method bodies can be updated, and the interpreter handles a subset of C#. Larger structural changes still require normal compilation and reloading.

Available experimentally for Unity 6.0 and later, MethodReload could be a valuable addition to workflows where rapid testing and iteration matter most.

Read More: https://t.co/KbkHNHyUkd

#Unity #GameDev #GameDevelopment #Programming #IL2CPP #IndieDev

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

What happens when AI meets 3D creativity? This week’s #MotionMondays from School of Motion spotlights EVRN, a new approach to building 3D scenes from a single 2D image.

The workflow explores how artists can transform a still image into a 3D environment, opening up new possibilities for scene creation, camera movement, and visual experimentation. It’s an exciting look at how AI tools are beginning to reshape traditional 3D production workflows.

For motion designers and VFX artists, the big question is how these emerging tools fit into established creative pipelines. Can AI speed up early-stage visualization while still giving artists meaningful control over the final result?

As generative technology evolves, experimentation and artistic judgment remain essential to creating compelling work.

Explore the latest tools, techniques, and creative developments shaping the motion design industry in this week’s roundup.

Read More: https://t.co/iTtVxRRAfp

#MotionDesign #AI #3DAnimation #VFX #CGI #DigitalArt

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

A heartbreaking end to a legendary chapter in gaming. Electronic Arts is shutting down BioWare, the iconic studio behind #MassEffect, #DragonAge, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The closure also brings an end to early development on the next Mass Effect game.

Founded in 1995, BioWare helped define modern role-playing games through unforgettable characters, branching narratives, and player choices that shaped entire worlds. Its influence on storytelling in games spans more than three decades.

The decision comes amid broader restructuring at EA, with approximately 400 jobs reportedly affected across the company. For developers and fans alike, the closure marks a significant loss for an industry already navigating rising production costs and changing business priorities.

BioWare's legacy lives on through the worlds it created and the players who made them their own. But one question remains: What happens when the studios that shaped gaming history can no longer secure their future?

Read More: https://t.co/Z5LqTxu1Fe

#Gaming #GameDevelopment #RPG #VideoGames #GameDev #BioWare #EA

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

How do you bring the unknown to life on screen? Digital Domain takes us behind the scenes of its visual effects work for #DisclosureDay, revealing the craft behind Steven Spielberg’s latest sci-fi mystery.

From the intense train sequence to the film’s otherworldly alien imagery, the breakdown showcases how artists combine digital environments, creature work, and seamless compositing to create cinematic moments that feel grounded in reality.

The magic of great VFX lies in more than what audiences see. It’s also in the invisible details, precise integration, and creative collaboration that make extraordinary events feel believable.

For VFX artists and film enthusiasts, this breakdown offers a closer look at the artistry and technical problem-solving behind large-scale science fiction filmmaking.

Discover how Digital Domain helped bring Spielberg’s mysterious world to life.

Read More: https://t.co/bP7ohn8NhQ

#DigitalDomain #VFX #VisualEffects #CGI #SciFi #Filmmaking #StevenSpielberg

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Want to add authentic vintage details to your 3D scenes without placing every asset by hand? These two Blender add-ons by artist G_ni make creating atmospheric poster-covered walls faster and easier.

Poster Print transforms image sheets into individual posters, letting you customize paper colors, add realistic aging and edge damage, and generate 4K texture atlases for your projects.

Poster Pin takes things further by scattering posters, Polaroids, notes, and doodles across walls. Add pins, tape, and strings, then fine-tune placement, size, surface contact, and shadows for a more natural look.

Together, these tools offer an efficient way to build layered environments packed with character, whether you're creating game locations, cinematic sets, or detailed interior renders.

It's a great example of how specialized tools can speed up repetitive tasks while leaving room for artistic control.

Read More: https://t.co/Z3KIQHbZvV

#Blender #3DArt #3DModeling #EnvironmentArt #GameArt #VFX #DigitalArt

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Night City isn't done evolving. CD Projekt Red is giving #Cyberpunk2077 another major free update, and Update 2.5 brings far more than a few cosmetic additions.

Players can finally dual-wield Power pistols and revolvers, customize their cyberware with new visual options, and explore fresh quests inspired by the upcoming Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2. The update also introduces new Tarot cards, clothing collections, hairstyles, and additional secrets to uncover.

One of the biggest additions is cross-platform mod support, letting players browse selected community creations directly in-game across supported platforms. On the technical side, expect expanded rendering features, improved ray tracing performance, DLSS 4.5 support on PC, and new graphics options for consoles, including an FOV slider.

It's another impressive example of how long-term support can keep a single-player game relevant years after launch.

Would you return to Night City for this update?

Read More: https://t.co/FzSCRtxkMV

#CDProjektRed #Gaming #GameDevelopment #VFX

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Looking to level up your animation workflow in Unreal Engine? Fab has you covered with 10 essential products designed to help animators work smarter, iterate faster, and bring characters to life.

From Epic Games’ Game Animation Sample Project and Zebra Character Sample to MetaHuman Animator’s markerless motion capture, these tools offer practical ways to explore modern animation techniques and streamline production.

Need more control over your characters? LCAT simplifies posing and rigging workflows, while Anim Tools helps process large animation sets. There are also specialized solutions for refining mocap, fixing root motion, animating vehicles, and creating natural turn-in-place movements.

Whether you're building cinematic sequences, developing games, or experimenting with new animation pipelines, these resources can help accelerate your creative process.

Discover all 10 picks and find the tools that fit your next project.

Read More: https://t.co/kmQRHKpkAo

#UnrealEngine #Animation #Fab #GameDevelopment #CharacterAnimation #MetaHuman #MotionCapture #VFX

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

What happens when AI learns to see through an artist’s eyes? In Dear Upstairs Neighbors, Pixar alum Connie He teams up with Google DeepMind to explore a new approach to animation, training custom Veo and Imagen models on her own concept art.

The six-minute short transforms the frustration of sleepless nights into a colorful, surreal journey, blending expressive visuals, abstract art, and carefully crafted comedic timing.

What makes this project compelling is not just the technology, but the creative process behind it. Through close collaboration between artists and researchers, Connie developed a workflow that supports her artistic vision rather than replacing it.

The result raises an important question for the future of animation: Can AI become a new creative medium shaped by human imagination, craft, and storytelling?

Read how art and machine learning found common ground.

Read More: https://t.co/kUhv2J7XTi

#Animation #AI #GenerativeAI #VFX #MotionDesign #GoogleDeepMind #ConnieHe

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Looking to bring your creative ideas to life with AI-powered 3D filmmaking? Autodesk Flow Studio offers tools for 3D asset generation, AI rigging, markerless motion capture, animation, and scene creation in one connected workflow.

With plans ranging from Free to Enterprise, creators can choose the capacity that fits their projects and budgets. Paid subscriptions start at $7/month with annual billing, while the free tier includes 300 monthly credits. Eligible students and educators can also access a dedicated free Education plan with 2,100 monthly credits.

Need more advanced VFX workflows? Higher tiers unlock features such as 4K exports, MetaHuman animation support, USD scene exports, and increased production capacity. You can also export projects into tools like Maya, Blender, and Unreal Engine, depending on your plan.

Discover which subscription suits your workflow and creative ambitions.

Read More: https://t.co/g4n6jZ89fo

#Autodesk #FlowStudio #VFX #Animation #AI #3DAnimation #MotionCapture #Filmmaking

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

The sands of Arrakis are calling once again. The new trailer for #DunePartThree teases a haunting return to Denis Villeneuve’s epic universe, where Paul Atreides faces the immense burden of imperial power. Set nearly two decades after his rise, the next chapter promises political unrest, betrayal, rebellion, and shifting allegiances.

Based on Frank Herbert’s Dune Messiah, the film looks set to explore the darker consequences of absolute power, expanding the saga’s scope with breathtaking visuals and cinematic ambition.

Behind the scenes, an accomplished visual effects team, led by supervisors Paul Lambert and Mag Sarnowska, brings this vast universe to life. Studios including DNEG, Wylie Co. VFX, Rodeo FX, and Territory Studio contribute to the film’s extraordinary visual storytelling.

Directed by Villeneuve, #DunePartThree arrives in US theaters on December 18, 2026. The desert’s next chapter promises to be as visually stunning as it is politically charged.

Read More: https://t.co/orPaBZKMZK

#Dune #VFX #VisualEffects #DenisVilleneuve

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

How has 3D level design evolved over the past 30 years?

From the original Tomb Raider to the upcoming Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, game design has transformed alongside advances in camera technology, graphics, and player expectations.

In a new interview with 80 Level, Crystal Dynamics Game Director Raul Siqueira discusses the challenges of modernizing Lara Croft’s iconic adventures while preserving what made the original experience special: exploration, environmental puzzles, and the thrill of discovering hidden paths.

One key takeaway? Great level design isn't just about guiding players to their destination. It's about encouraging them to observe, think, and understand the world around them.

With optional hints and exploration assistance, Legacy of Atlantis also aims to balance accessibility with player freedom.

As technology advances, the art of creating immersive, memorable spaces remains at the heart of game development.

Read More: https://t.co/6wXpYlu4cT

#TombRaider #LevelDesign #GameDevelopment #GameDesign #UnrealEngine #Gaming

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Substance 3D Painter 12.2 is here, bringing a useful upgrade to 3D texturing workflows.

The latest update lets artists paint baking cages directly onto their models, giving them more control over mesh baking and helping address common issues with normal maps and other baked textures.

This addition can make it easier to fine-tune complex assets, reduce projection errors, and achieve cleaner results without relying entirely on external modeling tools.

For 3D artists working on game assets, props, and detailed environments, greater control over baking means a smoother workflow and more time to focus on the creative details that matter.

Small workflow improvements can make a big difference in production, especially when precision and consistency are essential.

Discover what's new in Substance 3D Painter 12.2 and how the update could improve your texturing pipeline.

Read More: https://t.co/MjSbSDy8Qo

#Substance3DPainter #AdobeSubstance3D #3DArt #Texturing #GameArt #3DModeling #DigitalArt

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

How do hardware companies like Arm collaborate with game developers to push gaming technology forward?

In a new Game Developer Podcast episode, Peter Hodges, Arm’s director of ecosystem strategy for developer platforms, discusses how close collaboration between toolmakers and developers helps optimize performance and improve game development workflows.

The conversation explores Arm Neural Technology and how mobile developers can accelerate lighting workflows and support more lights using tools such as Unreal Engine’s MegaLights.

It’s a look at how hardware innovation, software tools, and developer feedback come together to unlock new possibilities for real-time graphics, mobile gaming, and more efficient production pipelines.

The episode also touches on the creative side of technology, including the short film Lemon from 1969.

Discover how toolmakers and game developers work together to shape the future of interactive experiences.

Read More: https://t.co/yR23Yvz35T

#GameDevelopment #Arm #UnrealEngine #MobileGaming #RealTimeRendering #GameTech

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

How is AI changing the value of artists in the creative industry?

Ingi Erlingsson, co-founder of Golden Wolf and founder of SYSTMS, explores how AI is reshaping animation, motion design, and the business of creative studios.

As AI makes production faster and execution more accessible, the real differentiators may be an artist's taste, storytelling, creative intent, and ability to direct the process.

The conversation also tackles creative control, ethical AI training, and what these changes mean for artists' livelihoods.

In a world where technology can generate more in less time, what makes human creativity truly valuable? The answer may lie not just in making the work, but in knowing what is worth creating.

Read More: https://t.co/LoWndfio6S

#ArtificialIntelligence #AIArt #MotionDesign #Animation #CreativeIndustry #DigitalArt #FutureOfWork

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Plasticity 2026.2 is here, bringing powerful new features to hard-surface modeling and 3D design workflows.

The latest update introduces a new Assets system for creating and sharing reusable component libraries, making repetitive modeling tasks more efficient. Artists also get a Curvature Analysis shader to identify surface imperfections, improved alignment tools, and enhanced snapping and viewport controls.

For Studio users, the new surfacing constraints system helps maintain continuity between connected curves and surfaces during edits, offering greater control over complex geometry.

Additional improvements include better PolySpline editing, expanded file import support, and workflow refinements designed to make modeling smoother and more precise.

Whether you're creating product designs, mechanical components, or detailed concept art, Plasticity 2026.2 delivers useful tools to help streamline your creative process.

Read More: https://t.co/uSA9eHMcAr

#Plasticity #3DModeling #3DDesign #HardSurfaceModeling #CAD #DigitalArt #3DArtists

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

AI is reshaping the world of 3D animation and filmmaking, opening new possibilities for creators at every level. From generating 3D assets and building digital environments to accelerating previsualization and character development, AI is helping artists bring ideas to life faster.

But technology alone doesn't make a great film. Artistic vision, storytelling, and human expertise remain essential to creating compelling characters and unforgettable worlds.

As AI tools continue to evolve, filmmakers face exciting opportunities alongside important questions about creative ownership, production quality, and the future of artistic work.

How can creators embrace these tools while preserving the craft that makes filmmaking unique?

Explore how AI is transforming 3D animation and what it could mean for the future of cinema.

Read More: https://t.co/eKjGrrj7km

#AI #3DAnimation #Filmmaking #VFX #CGI #DigitalArt #FutureOfFilm

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Ready to level up your game development skills? Explore Unreal Engine 5 with a bundle featuring over 24 courses designed to help you build your skills and bring your creative ideas to life.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your existing workflow, this learning opportunity offers a chance to dive deeper into modern game development, explore powerful tools, and expand your technical and artistic capabilities.

From mastering essential techniques to developing more ambitious projects, investing in your skills can help turn your game development goals into reality.

Discover the bundle, explore the available courses, and find the resources that fit your learning journey.

Start building smarter, creating better, and taking your Unreal Engine 5 projects to the next level.

Read More: https://t.co/rTks4jbfEr

#UnrealEngine5 #GameDevelopment #GameDev #IndieDev #3DArt #LearnGameDev

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Ready to take your Unreal Engine skills to the next level? Epic Games is introducing the UEFN Professional Bootcamp, a learning opportunity designed to help creators strengthen their technical skills and prepare for the future of real-time development.

The program focuses on Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), offering creators a chance to deepen their understanding of professional workflows, interactive experiences, and the tools used to build immersive digital worlds.

The free online bootcamp is aimed at experienced game industry professionals, including artists, programmers, technical artists, designers, and producers. Participants will receive expert guidance, develop gameplay using Verse, and build and publish a playable Fortnite island to strengthen their professional portfolios.

Training runs November 30–December 4, 2026, followed by two weeks of independent project development. Applications close November 6, 2026.

With Epic bringing Unreal Engine and UEFN together in Unreal Engine 6, this bootcamp offers a practical way to explore emerging workflows and prepare for the next generation of game development.

Read More: https://t.co/J1NL4hwsli

#UnrealEngine #UEFN #UE6 #GameDev #Verse #EpicGames #GameDevelopment #IndieDev

[Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio @jsabbottcreates]

Some of the most impressive visual effects are the ones you never notice. In Mother Mary, BeloFX showcases the art of invisible VFX, demonstrating how subtle digital enhancements can support a film’s atmosphere without distracting audiences from the story.

From seamless cleanup and environmental adjustments to carefully integrated compositing work, invisible effects help filmmakers maintain visual continuity while preserving the authenticity of each shot. Every detail matters, especially when the goal is to make complex technical work appear completely natural.

BeloFX’s work highlights the collaboration between visual effects artists and filmmakers, showing how precision, restraint, and attention to detail can make a significant difference on screen.

For compositors, VFX supervisors, and aspiring artists, this breakdown offers a valuable look at the craftsmanship behind effects that blend effortlessly into live-action footage.

Discover the hidden artistry behind Mother Mary and see why invisible VFX remains an essential part of modern filmmaking.

Read More: https://t.co/VdL1MI3n96

#MotherMary #BeloFX #VFX #VisualEffects #Compositing #Filmmaking #CGI #VFXBreakdown