Steven Sickles (919) 710-5805 • [email protected] • https://stxlstudios.artstation.com/

Senior Lead Learning Solutions Designer Proficient Designer/Artist with 20-plus years of development on eLearning, serious games and simulation projects. Contributed to the design and production of over 20 learning and entertainment applications for commercial, government, and medical institutions. Key skills include: ● Interactive Design ● VR, AR, XR ● Animation ● Visual Design ● 4 ● Concept Art ● User Interface Design ● Unity Game Engine ● 3D modeling/sculpting

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Relias, Morrisville, NC MANAGER OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY (Oct 2019 – Present) Manage a team of instructional technologists and lead development of learning modules in health care verticals using Storyline 360 and Xyleme. Coordinate with writers, content project managers, curriculum designers, and product managers to deliver high quality learning solutions. Initiate innovative interactive learning solutions using higher end technology including VR, AR, serious games, and simulations. Develop and implement process improvements and job aids.

Center for Innovation in Pharmacy Simulation (CIPS), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC TECHNICAL ART DIRECTOR (May 2016 – September 2019) Direct and lead all development of visual assets on projects running through CIPS. Translate client needs to visual design and final visual experience. Aid in the instructional design of various learning solutions. Create high quality 3D assets and animations. Visually design 3D characters, environments, and User Interface. Work with multi-disciplinary team to design and develop products. Estimate project time and costs. In-person meeting with clients and SMEs to determine project goals and requirements. Notable accomplishments: ● NXHUMAN simulation using Natural Language Processing and procedural facial animations. ● Research and develop art process for VR, AR, XR experiences. ● Work included in multiple East Coast Gaming Conference (ECGC) presentations.

Virtual Heroes Division, ARA, Raleigh, NC LEAD ARTIST (July 2007 – October 2015)

Steven Sickles (919) 710-5805 • [email protected] • https://stxlstudios.artstation.com/

Lead design and development of visual assets on all Unreal Engine projects. Translate client needs to visual design. Estimate project time and costs. Create character animations. Define and improve art pipeline. Notable Accomplishments: • Streamlining art • Moonbase Alpha game • PAR development pipeline • Combat Medic • My Patient, My Line for Unreal projects • Heuristica • MYCRAFT within government • Zero Hour: America’s • HumanSim: Sedation security protocols. Medic and Airway • Directed the • Pamoja Mtaani • 3DiTeams development of an • Mission Critical • Robotic – Surgery internal character Operator • Diabetes: Live creation tool. • ASCEND • Pivotal Decision

Web-Based Applications, Eugene, OR LEAD ARTIST (April 2004 – June 2007) 2D Flash Animations. Character and story design. Visual development and direction. Notable Accomplishments: • Lunar Logic: Commander Benchmark (April 2004 – March 2006) • Aggiro: Village (April 2006 – June 2007)

Sony Computer Entertainment America, Bend, OR SENIOR ANIMATOR (March 2003 – March 2004) Key-frame and animation lead. Character visual design and development. Environment visual design. Enhanced animation pipeline. Notable Accomplishments: • Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain

Midway Home Entertainment, San Diego, CA 3D ARTIST (March 1999 – November 2002) Key-frame and motion capture animation. Character visual design and development. 3D character modeling. Developed motion capture pipeline. Notable Accomplishments: • Gravity Games Bike: Street, Vert, Dirt • Freaky Flyers

Steven Sickles (919) 710-5805 • [email protected] • https://stxlstudios.artstation.com/

The Lightspan Partnership, San Diego, CA 2D Animator (April 1995 – November 1998) Traditional animation key-frame, in-between, clean-up for children’s elementary math modules on the Sony Playstation platform. Character visual design and development. Notable Accomplishments: • K9.5 1: Live in Airedale • Mars Moose Adventure: Walkabout 1 • Timeless Math 4: Lunar Base

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

College of San Mateo, San Mateo, CA Liberal Arts, 1990 - 1992

San Diego State University, San Diego, CA Liberal Arts, 1992 - 1995 Technical Skills Maya • Mudbox • Motionbuilder • Adobe Creative Cloud • Substance Designer • Storyline 360 (basic) • Microsoft Office Suite