Joe Taylor | Games Environment Artist

There is chaos in nature when left untouched. 'COLLAPSE' explores the remains of a grounded post-pandemic world.

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/oO9kKz

COLLAPSE is an Unreal environment inspired by The Last of Us  and Uncharted games. Based on a concept from Brian Higgins.

Download my sketchbook to see a full breakdown of creating COLLAPSE: https://www.dropbox.com/s/tmln4yqe0kdd3dp/Joe_Taylor_Collapse_Sketchbook.pdf?dl=0

My main focus for this piece was to learn modern techniques such as using trim sheets and tiling textures efficiently. It was also my first time using baked lighting or creating a modular environment, so I got to learn loads and develop my skillset further.

Credits:

Original concept by Brian Higgins: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/LkP50

All models and materials shown in any renders are mine. I used an Ivy Pack from Unreal Marketplace by SilverTm and a couple of megascans decals and grass meshes were used just to save some time creating the foliage.

'FORGOTTEN'  explores the safe space of a resting warrior, travelling in a grounded fantasy setting.

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/VdwJ58

FORGOTTEN is an Unreal environment, inspired by God of War. Original level layout and composition, not based on any particular concept.

Download my sketchbook to see a full breakdown of creating FORGOTTEN: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1ezavj54vof2vix/Joe_Taylor_Forgotten_Sketchbook.pdf?dl=0

My main focus for this piece was to experiment with a master material workflow. The environment runs from just a couple of materials, with several material instances. I also got to develop my composition skills as I wasn't working directly from any particular concept. I used dynamic lighting on this scene, as I'd used baked lighting for my collapse project and wanted to practice both.