Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates) header
Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates) profile picture

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

United States
Joined July 2015
Photo by Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates)Photo by Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates)Photo by Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates)Photo by Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates)Photo by Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates)Photo by Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates)Photo by Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates)Photo by Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates)Photo by Jen | Olde Tinkerer Studio (@jsabbottcreates)Photo by 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
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Godot 4.8 Beta 1 is here, bringing the open-source game engine another step closer to its next major release! The latest development snapshot gives creators an early look at new features, improvements, and fixes across the engine. It’s an opportunity for developers to test upcoming changes, experiment with updated workflows, and help identify bugs before the stable release. Whether you're building 2D platformers, 3D adventures, or ambitious indie projects, Godot continues to evolve as a powerful, accessible option for game development. Keep in mind that this is a beta build, so projects may encounter bugs or unexpected behavior. Testing in a separate project and sharing feedback with the development team can help make the final release better for everyone. Curious about what’s changing in Godot 4.8? Check out the official announcement for the full breakdown. Read More: godotengine.org/article/dev-… #GodotEngine #GameDev #IndieDev #OpenSource #GameDevelopment #Godot
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Looking to create more natural-looking hair in Blender? A free Blender add-on offers a simple way to make hair meshes thinner toward the ends, helping artists achieve more realistic, polished results without manually adjusting every strand. Tapered hair geometry can make a big difference in character modeling, grooming, and stylized character creation, adding finer silhouettes and a more convincing finish to your work. For Blender artists working on game characters, cinematic assets, or animation projects, tools like this can help streamline workflows and improve visual quality. Even small improvements to geometry can have a noticeable impact on the final render. Check out the article to learn more about the add-on and how it can fit into your workflow. Read More: 80.lv/articles/get-this-free… #Blender #3D #3DModeling #CharacterArt #HairGrooming #CGI #GameDev
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What does the future of motion design look like inside a next-generation creative studio? School of Motion takes us behind the scenes with Already Been Chewed, exploring the creative culture, workflows, and visual experimentation that help set this studio apart. Known for pushing boundaries across motion design, animation, and visual storytelling, studios like ABC show how technical expertise and bold creative thinking come together to produce standout work. From innovative production approaches to the people driving the creative process, this studio tour offers a closer look at the ideas and environment shaping modern motion graphics. How will AI reshape motion design, and which skills will matter most? This behind-the-scenes look offers valuable insight into how experienced artists can adapt without losing their creative edge. Read More: schoolofmotion.com/blog/alre… #MotionDesign #AI #Animation #CGI #CreativeStudio #SchoolOfMotion
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Ready to build your first 3D scene in Autodesk Flow Studio? Autodesk’s latest tutorial introduces the 3D Editor Canvas, helping creators get started with scene building and explore how to bring their ideas into a 3D environment. Whether you're experimenting with virtual production, developing cinematic shots, or expanding your 3D workflow, learning the fundamentals can open up new creative possibilities. From understanding the interface to assembling your first scene, this guide offers a practical starting point for artists looking to explore Flow Studio’s tools and capabilities. The tutorial walks through creating a snowy street scene, animating a character with AI motion capture, directing camera movement, and using image and video generation to refine the final shot. A useful resource for artists exploring the intersection of 3D production and AI-assisted filmmaking. Read More: blogs.autodesk.com/media-and… #Autodesk #FlowStudio #3D #Animation #VFX #AI #VirtualProduction
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Middle-earth is on the brink of all-out war! The new trailer for #TheRingsOfPower Season 3 teases Sauron’s growing ambition as he seeks to forge the One Ring and conquer Middle-earth. Set several years after Season 2, the upcoming chapter explores the War of the Elves and Sauron, promising epic battles, stunning environments, and spectacular visual effects. The VFX production brings together an impressive lineup of studios, including DNEG, ILM, Rodeo FX, The Yard VFX, Untold Studios, MARZ, Lola VFX, Atomic Arts, and more. Production VFX Supervisor Jason Smith and Production VFX Producer James Yeoman lead the effort behind the scenes. With the conflict escalating and the fate of Middle-earth hanging in the balance, Season 3 is shaping up to be another massive cinematic fantasy experience. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 premieres November 11, 2026, on Prime Video. Read More: artofvfx.com/the-lord-of-the… #LOTR #VFX #VisualEffects #MiddleEarth #PrimeVideo
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GameMaker is making game development more accessible! Starting January 1, 2027, its new runtime, GMRT, will be free for commercial use, allowing developers to create and sell games without needing a Professional license. The update also gives developers across all subscription tiers access to the runtime’s source code, opening new possibilities for customization, experimentation, and community contributions. Games can be released across desktop, mobile, web, and GX Games without runtime fees. However, console exports will still require an Enterprise license and approved-developer status. With over 12 million downloads and acclaimed indie titles like Spelunky, DELTARUNE, and UFO 50 associated with the engine, GameMaker’s move could make it an even more attractive option for independent studios and aspiring creators. Could this change help more indie developers bring their ideas to life? Read More: 80.lv/articles/gamemaker-s-n… #GameMaker #GameDev #IndieGames #IndieDev #GameDevelopment
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Could Half-Life 3 finally be getting closer? The rumored project, reportedly codenamed HLX, has sparked fresh speculation after the name was mentioned in connection with a Valve employee. For years, fans have searched for clues about the next chapter in one of gaming’s most iconic franchises. While references to HLX have fueled hopes of a new entry, they are not official confirmation that Half-Life 3 is in development or nearing release. Valve remains famously secretive, leaving the community to piece together every potential hint. If HLX really is the long-awaited sequel, expectations will be enormous. Could Gordon Freeman finally return, or is this another round of rumors for fans to dissect? Until Valve makes an official announcement, the mystery continues. Read More: 80.lv/articles/rumored-half-… #HalfLife3 #HalfLife #Valve #GamingNews #PCGaming #Gaming
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Ready to push the boundaries of AI-powered game development? The 2026 Epic AI MegaJam is bringing creators together to experiment, innovate, and build exciting interactive experiences with Unreal Engine. Game jams are a fantastic opportunity to test new ideas, explore AI-driven workflows, and turn creative concepts into playable projects. Whether you're an experienced developer or an aspiring game creator, challenges like this can help sharpen your skills, expand your portfolio, and connect with the Unreal Engine community. AI is opening new possibilities for game design, from smarter interactions to faster prototyping and more dynamic experiences. The real challenge is using these tools creatively to build something memorable. Have an idea for your next game? This could be the perfect opportunity to bring it to life. Read More: unrealengine.com/news/2026-e… #UnrealEngine #EpicGames #AI #GameDevelopment #GameJam #IndieGames #UE5
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More lights don’t always mean better renders. Over-lighting your 3D scenes can flatten contrast, wash out materials, and strip away the depth that makes an image feel cinematic. The secret? Learn to control light with intention. Start with a clear key light, use fill light sparingly, and let shadows add depth and drama. Pay attention to contrast, reflections, and how light shapes your subject instead of illuminating everything equally. Whether you’re creating product renders, motion graphics, or cinematic environments, thoughtful lighting can make the difference between an ordinary render and a visually striking image. Sometimes, the best improvement you can make to your scene is removing a light rather than adding another. Master the art of lighting and let your 3D work shine. Read More: greyscalegorilla.com/blog/st… #3D #Blender3D #3DRendering #LightingDesign #MotionGraphics #CGI #DigitalArt
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CG artists, have you caught up on the latest software updates? From Autograph 2027.0 and Red Giant’s new AI-powered relighting to IlluGen 2.0’s advanced particle tools, there’s plenty to explore. Also worth checking: Moho 14.5’s real-time character animation, Nomad Sculpt’s improved modeling workflow, and NVIDIA RTX video effects now available in ComfyUI. Whether you work in VFX, motion graphics, 3D sculpting, or 2D animation, these updates could bring new possibilities to your creative workflow. Discover the tools you may have missed. Read More: cgchannel.com/2026/10/new-cg… #CGI #VFX #3DAnimation #MotionGraphics #DigitalArt #ComfyUI
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Film festivals are more than a premiere and a laurel on a poster. For emerging directors, they can open doors to funding, mentorship, distribution deals, industry connections, and future collaborations. From Sundance’s development labs to Cannes’ international marketplace, festivals can help filmmakers turn a first feature into a foundation for a lasting career. Grants and awards also provide practical support, helping directors develop their next projects and navigate the business of independent cinema. But one successful screening doesn’t guarantee long-term success. The real value lies in building relationships, finding the right partners, and keeping creative momentum alive long after the festival ends. For independent filmmakers, the goal isn’t just to get noticed. It’s to build a sustainable career without losing the unique voice that made their work stand out in the first place. How can film festivals do more to support directors beyond their debut? Read More: filmthreat.com/features/how-… #FilmFestivals #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #EmergingDirectors #IndieFilm
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An alleged trailer for BioWare’s canceled Mass Effect project has surfaced online, offering a glimpse of what could have been. Titled Mass Effect: Universe in the footage, the project reportedly featured an older Liara T’Soni, a new protagonist, and a galactic spy-thriller story set in a Milky Way rebuilding after the Reaper War. Instead of another galaxy-ending threat, the concept appears to focus on espionage, stolen intelligence, political intrigue, and familiar alien species. The footage remains unverified, and its working title may not have been final. It also shows no confirmed gameplay, potentially serving as a cinematic concept trailer. If authentic, this leak offers a fascinating look at BioWare’s ambitions for the franchise and makes the cancellation even more disappointing. Could this vision ever find a second life at another studio? Read More: 80.lv/articles/trailer-for-b… #MassEffect #BioWare #GamingNews #RPG #VideoGames #Gaming
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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: 80.lv/articles/respawn-dice-… #StarWars #Battlefront3 #Gaming #GameDevelopment #Respawn #DICE
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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: unity.com/blog/skipping-doma… #Unity #GameDev #GameDevelopment #Programming #IL2CPP #IndieDev
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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: schoolofmotion.com/blog/moti… #MotionDesign #AI #3DAnimation #VFX #CGI #DigitalArt
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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: cartoonbrew.com/business/ele… #Gaming #GameDevelopment #RPG #VideoGames #GameDev #BioWare #EA
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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: beforesandafters.com/2026/10… #DigitalDomain #VFX #VisualEffects #CGI #SciFi #Filmmaking #StevenSpielberg
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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: 80.lv/articles/blender-add-o… #Blender #3DArt #3DModeling #EnvironmentArt #GameArt #VFX #DigitalArt
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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: 80.lv/articles/cdpr-somehow-… #CDProjektRed #Gaming #GameDevelopment #VFX
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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: fab.com/o/news/ten-essential… #UnrealEngine #Animation #Fab #GameDevelopment #CharacterAnimation #MetaHuman #MotionCapture #VFX
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