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.…

Maria Duarte

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.…

Available to hire

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.

See more

Language

Portuguese
Fluent
English
Fluent
French
Intermediate
Italian
Beginner
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner

Work Experience

Associate Learning and Development Specialist and Art Mentee at Blizzard Entertainment
November 1, 2022 - March 1, 2024
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 at Blizzard Entertainment
October 1, 2017 - November 1, 2022
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.
Game Artist at Mobile Pie
January 1, 2015 - December 1, 2015
Concept and 2D artist for multiple projects including Go Jetters and Furchester Hotel; created high-quality concept art for pitches, UI designs, intro screen layouts and Flash animations; produced vector art and final 2D art illustrations; asset and environment artwork.
Game Artist, Lead Artist at Beefjack Studios
March 1, 2012 - August 1, 2012
Lead 2D Artist for several mobile games; led concept art, produced final 2D assets, created environment art, performed 2D animation and UI design; participated in QA testing for game level design.
2D Freelance Artist at NetiQet Labs
November 1, 2016 - May 1, 2017
Created illustrations and main concepts; delivered final vector and digital artwork; led design from hand-drawn concepts to final digital assets.

Education

Higher Diploma in Science in 3D Computer Animation at Dundalk Institute of Technology (Dundalk, Ireland)
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 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 at : London Metropolitan University (London, UK)
March 18, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Focus: Game Design, Concept Art, 3D, Flash Animation, project Management,
5-year BFA in Painting (pre-Bologne degree) at Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lisbon (Portugal)
December 1, 2002 - January 1, 2008
Focus: Digital Art, Anatomy, Drawing, Painting and Mosaic
Higher Diploma in Science in 3D Computer Animation with First Class Honours at Dundalk Institute of Technology
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2021
MA in Digital Media with Merit at London Metropolitan University
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012
BFA in Painting (pre-Bologna degree) at University of Lisbon
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2008
Erasmus Program Exchange at Accademia di Belle Arti di Torino
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2005

Qualifications

IELTS Language Certificate
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026
Train the Trainer Certification
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026
KCS v6 Fundamentals Certification
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026
Maya and After Effects Certificate
January 11, 2030 - May 7, 2026

Industry Experience

Gaming, Education, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services
    uniE621 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…
    uniE621 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…
    uniE621 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…