Looks like you have JavaScript disabled. For the full Twine experience, you will need to re-enable it.

Hi, I’m Justin Knause, a senior environment and layout artist based in Hawthorne, CA. I specialize in creating cinematic and real-time 3D environments and sequences that support storytelling, composition, and performance. I thrive on collaborating with directors, production designers, and lighting teams to craft readable, emotionally resonant spaces. I’ve built and lit sets, props, and LiDAR-based assets for film, live events, and exhibitions, and I’m comfortable moving from concept to final render. I value clear communication and creative leadership across departments.…Hi, I’m Justin Knause, a senior environment and layout artist based in Hawthorne, CA. I specialize in creating cinematic and real-time 3D environments and sequences that support storytelling, composition, and performance. I thrive on collaborating with directors, production designers, and lighting teams to craft readable, emotionally resonant spaces. I’ve built and lit sets, props, and LiDAR-based assets for film, live events, and exhibitions, and I’m comfortable moving from concept to final render. I value clear communication and creative leadership across departments.

Justin Knause

Designer, 3D Designer, Visual Effects Artist, +4





Hi, I’m Justin Knause, a senior environment and layout artist based in Hawthorne, CA. I specialize in creating cinematic and real-time 3D environments and sequences that support storytelling, composition, and performance. I thrive on collaborating with directors, production designers, and lighting teams to craft readable, emotionally resonant spaces. I’ve built and lit sets, props, and LiDAR-based assets for film, live events, and exhibitions, and I’m comfortable moving from concept to final render. I value clear communication and creative leadership across departments.…Hi, I’m Justin Knause, a senior environment and layout artist based in Hawthorne, CA. I specialize in creating cinematic and real-time 3D environments and sequences that support storytelling, composition, and performance. I thrive on collaborating with directors, production designers, and lighting teams to craft readable, emotionally resonant spaces. I’ve built and lit sets, props, and LiDAR-based assets for film, live events, and exhibitions, and I’m comfortable moving from concept to final render. I value clear communication and creative leadership across departments.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Justin Knause, a senior environment and layout artist based in Hawthorne, CA. I specialize in creating cinematic and real-time 3D environments and sequences that support storytelling, composition, and performance. I thrive on collaborating with directors, production designers, and lighting teams to craft readable, emotionally resonant spaces.

I’ve built and lit sets, props, and LiDAR-based assets for film, live events, and exhibitions, and I’m comfortable moving from concept to final render. I value clear communication and creative leadership across departments.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Work Experience

Senior Environment & Layout Artist at Lightsstorm Entertainment

April 1, 2025 - October 8, 2025

Designed and assembled cinematic 3D environments, establishing composition, staging, and camera language in collaboration with directors and production designers. Developed layout sequences and shot blocking to visualize storyboards, refine camera motion, and define the film’s visual rhythm. Partnered with Lighting and Previs teams to establish atmosphere, time of day, and mood through lighting and post-process techniques. Created and optimized sets, props, and LiDAR-based assets for real-time and high-resolution workflows within Wētā’s proprietary engine. Guided camera placement, lens choice, and depth composition to support visual storytelling, continuity, and emotional impact. Integrated hero assets and character action within dynamic environments to ensure readability and cinematic flow. Collaborated across departments to maintain consistent narrative tone, scale, and spatial logic throughout sequences. Supported Simulcam and real-time visualization workflows to streamline li

Previs Visualization & 3D Artist at Knause Productions

March 1, 2017 - October 8, 2025

Founded and operated a freelance studio specializing in 3D previsualization, layout, and lighting design for film, live events, and exhibitions. Produced photorealistic lighting renders and real-time mockups that communicated mood, atmosphere, and spatial flow to clients and production teams. Modeled and textured architectural environments, props, and set pieces, emphasizing accurate scale, material response, and interaction with light. Delivered visual concepts that guided production decisions, bridging creative direction with technical feasibility.

Previs Visualization & 3D Artist at NVE: The Experience Agency

January 1, 2017 - October 8, 2025

Developed 3D visualizations and cinematic layouts for branded environments, interactive installations, and live event spaces. Created presentation-ready renders and spatial mockups used for client pitches and production approvals. Collaborated with creative directors and production designers to translate concept art into cohesive 3D scenes that informed full-scale builds.

Previs Artist / Lead Rigger & Lighting Technician (Freelance) at Fourth Dimension Events and Innovative Stage Consultants

February 1, 2017 - October 8, 2025

Designed and visualized stage layouts for high-profile events including red carpets, award shows, and corporate productions. Provided hands-on rigging and lighting support, integrating 3D designs with real-world logistics. Adapted staging and lighting solutions to dynamic production requirements while ensuring safety and performance.

Senior Environment & Layout Artist at Lightstorm Entertainment

April 1, 2025 - October 8, 2025

Designed and assembled cinematic 3D environments, establishing composition, staging, and camera language in collaboration with directors and production designers. Developed layout sequences and shot blocking to visualize storyboards, refined camera motion, and defined the film’s visual rhythm. Partnered with Lighting and Previs teams to establish atmosphere, time of day, and mood through lighting and post-processing techniques. Created and optimized sets, props, and LiDAR-based assets for real-time and high-resolution workflows within Lightstorm’s proprietary engine. Guided camera placement, lens choice, and depth composition to support storytelling, continuity, and emotional impact. Integrated hero assets and character action within dynamic environments to ensure readability and cinematic flow. Collaborated across departments to maintain consistent narrative tone, scale, and spatial logic throughout sequences. Supported Simulcam and real-time visualization workflows to streamline

Previs Artist at Knause Productions

March 1, 2017 - October 8, 2025

Founded and operated a freelance studio specializing in 3D previsualization, layout, and lighting design for film, live events, and exhibitions. Produced photoreal lighting renders and real-time mockups that communicated mood, atmosphere, and spatial flow to clients and production teams. Modeled and textured architectural environments, props, and set pieces, emphasizing accurate scale, material response, and interaction with light. Delivered visual concepts that guided production decisions, bridging creative direction with technical feasibility.

Previs & 3D Artist at NVE: The Experience Agency

January 1, 2017 - October 8, 2025

Previsualization Artist / Lead Rigger & Lighting Technician (Freelance) at Fourth Dimension Events and Innovative Stage Consultants

February 1, 2017 - October 8, 2025

Designed stage layouts for high-profile events including red carpets, award shows, and corporate productions. Provided hands-on rigging and lighting support, integrating 3D designs with real-world logistics. Adapted staging and lighting solutions to dynamic production requirements while ensuring safety and performance.