Maria Duarte

Available to hire

I am a devoted artist and gamer with a traditional arts background and a strong focus on 3D computer animation.

About

I am a devoted artist and gamer with a traditional arts background and a strong focus on 3D computer animation. Over 13+ years in the video game industry I’ve worn many hats—from concept art and 2D artist roles to UI/UX design, asset creation, and project leadership. I’m passionate about crafting visually engaging game worlds and supporting teams to ship high-quality art and learning content. I’m now seeking a concept art role in the gaming industry to leverage my hands-on artwork skills, mentorship experience, and collaborative design mindset.

  • Joined March 2025

Languages

  • PortugueseFluent
  • EnglishFluent
  • FrenchIntermediate
  • ItalianBeginner
  • Spanish; CastilianBeginner

Industry experience

  • Gaming
  • Education
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Software & Internet
  • Professional Services

More experts in Aveiro, Portugal

Projects · 3

Blood Elf Rogue Dagger Concept and 3D model Fanart

I tried to create a World of Warcraft inspired Blood Elf dagger that would look like a starter weapon for a rogue blood elf. illustrator For more details on this project check my portfolio here: https://www.twine.net/signin

  • 3D Designer
Character design artwork: Simic Hybrid Drakewarden Ranger D&D

Simic Hybrid Drakewarden Ranger D&D I designed a character that I played in a short D&D campaign. I played a ranger of the simic hybrid race and had the following features: shared DNA with her Drakewarden drake both had DNA mixed with aquatic creatures which I used as visual inspiration the main character had the simic hybrid upgrades of water breathing and manta glider wings it was great to play around with the skin colour based on exotic fish and sea slugs illustrator

  • Artist
  • Artworker
  • Concept Artist
Alexia Path of the Beast Barbarian

I loved trying to render and bring to life my own Dungeons and Dragon character Alexia using Procreate and Photoshop. illustrator For more details on this artwork check my portfolio here: https://www.twine.net/signin

  • Concept Artist

Work experience· 5 roles

Associate Learning and Development Specialist and Art Mentee · Blizzard EntertainmentNov 2022 – Mar 2024 · 1 yr 5 mos

Developed internal CS training content, led UI/UX design and acted as project manager for Diablo franchise eLearning projects; designed and created art assets for training, branding two CS teams, analyzed trainee survey results, maintained stakeholder engagement, and served as Product Subject Matter Expert for Diablo training content. Won internal CS art competition mentorships with Senior 3D Character Artist Christopher Chang and Art Director Kari Sutherland for Diablo IV. Mentorship included low-poly dagger modelling with hand-painted texture and character design projects.

Portuguese Customer Support / Localization Specialist and External Publisher · Blizzard EntertainmentOct 2017 – Nov 2022 · 5 yrs 2 mos

Provided global customer support in Portuguese (PT & BR) and English; managed localization and translation of support articles, FAQs, and in-game content for Portuguese-speaking communities; assisted the L&D department with UI/UX designs and art assets.

2D Freelance Artist · NetiQet LabsNov 2016 – May 2017 · 7 mos

Created illustrations and main concepts; delivered final vector and digital artwork; led design from hand-drawn concepts to final digital assets.

Game Artist · Mobile PieJan 2015 – Dec 2015 · 1 yr
Game Artist, Lead Artist · Beefjack StudiosMar 2012 – Aug 2012 · 6 mos

Education· 7

Higher Diploma in Science in 3D Computer Animation · Dundalk Institute of Technology (Dundalk, Ireland)2019 – 2021

Results: First Class Honours Modules taken: Game and Level design, Concept Art, 3D Modelling in Maya, Blender and Zbrush, Rigging, UV Texturing, 3D art and Animation, Storyboarding, Environment Art, Character Design

MA in Digital Media · : London Metropolitan University (London, UK)2011 – 2012

Focus: Game Design, Concept Art, 3D, Flash Animation, project Management,

5-year BFA in Painting (pre-Bologne degree) · Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lisbon (Portugal)2002 – 2008

Focus: Digital Art, Anatomy, Drawing, Painting and Mosaic

Higher Diploma in Science in 3D Computer Animation with First Class Honours · Dundalk Institute of Technology2019 – 2021

Certifications and awards

IELTS Language Certificate2030 – 2026
Train the Trainer Certification2030 – 2026
KCS v6 Fundamentals Certification2030 – 2026
Maya and After Effects Certificate2030 – 2026

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