I'm an artist, writer and indie game developer who makes 2d/3d art, writes, designs gameplay and narratives, and produces sound and music. My studio Square Weasel Studio has published 2 games and has 2 more in development. I also mentor artists in my spare time. I've worked for GameArtBrain as well as a number of other independent clients since 2017.

Ze Hai Liu

I'm an artist, writer and indie game developer who makes 2d/3d art, writes, designs gameplay and narratives, and produces sound and music. My studio Square Weasel Studio has published 2 games and has 2 more in development. I also mentor artists in my spare time. I've worked for GameArtBrain as well as a number of other independent clients since 2017.

Next availability:
February 1, 2026

I’m an artist, writer and indie game developer who makes 2d/3d art, writes, designs gameplay and narratives, and produces sound and music. My studio Square Weasel Studio has published 2 games and has 2 more in development. I also mentor artists in my spare time.

I’ve worked for GameArtBrain as well as a number of other independent clients since 2017.

See more

Language

Chinese
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Custom Fabricator at The Fabricats
June 1, 2025 - Present
Create 3D models, textures and animation assets for escape room games and on-location entertainment experiences; design and fabricate custom artwork and props with 3D printers and CNC machines; maintain 3D printers and CNC machine; finishing, assembling and installing props, lighting, sound system, sensors, and other equipment.
Writer, Artist, Game Designer, Music Producer at Square Weasel Studio
June 1, 2020 - Present
Writer, Narrative Designer and Art Generalist on Chronicles of Taldun: The Remainder; driving world-building, gameplay design, and original music for the studio’s debut visual novel.
Game and Animation Art Instructor at Self Employed
December 1, 2024 - October 7, 2025
Self-employed instructor specializing in art and creative drawing, focusing on fundamentals, perspective, anatomy, lighting, form and composition—blended with game art and entertainment contexts. Develops courses and online resources.
Concept Artist / Illustrator at Remote (Zagreb, Croatia) / Freelance
June 1, 2020 - October 7, 2025
Concept art, character design, environment art, prop design and illustration for multiple clients; research and create design concepts from thumbnails to finished art.
Instructor - Concept Art at VANAS - Vancouver Animation School
June 1, 2016 - October 7, 2025
Online instruction providing feedback and critique on concept art best practices aimed at a game and animation industry career.
Game Artist / Outsourcing Management Artist at Aeria Games Europe GmbH
April 1, 2016 - October 7, 2025
Create concept art, character design, environment art, prop design and graphic design elements for mobile games; mentor new artists; review outsourced assets and provide direction.
Concept Designer / Illustrator at Oasis Design Works
June 1, 2014 - October 7, 2025
Participate in visual development and conceptual design of mobile games.
3D Asset Artist at Mr.X
January 1, 2011 - October 7, 2025
Model, texture and lookdev photoreal assets for feature films.
Modeler at IMAX
January 1, 2010 - October 7, 2025
Create model and animation assets for stereo3D conversion of feature films.
3D Game Art Instructor at Capilano University
June 1, 2007 - October 7, 2025
Design and teach a course covering fundamentals of 3D production for games, including modeling, texturing, materials, rigging, animation, lighting and rendering.
3D Asset Artist at Electronic Arts (EA)
May 1, 2006 - October 7, 2025
Create high resolution in-game assets for EA Sports franchise.
3D Asset Artist at Electronic Arts (EA)
June 1, 2004 - October 7, 2025
Create high resolution in-game assets for EA Sports franchise.
Custom Fabricator at The Fabricats
June 1, 2025 - Present
Create 3D models, textures and animation assets for escape room games and other on-location entertainment experiences. Design and fabricate custom artwork and props with 3D printers and CNC Machine. Maintain 3D printers and CNC machine. Finishing, assembling and installing of props, lighting, sound system, sensors, and other equipment.
Writer, Narrative Designer, Art Generalist and Music Producer at Square Weasel Studio
June 1, 2020 - Present
Writer, Narrative Designer, Art Generalist and Music Producer on the company's debut visual novel game Chronicles of Taldun: The Remainder.
Self Employed Game and Animation Art Instructor at Self Employed
December 31, 2024 - October 7, 2025
I specialize in teaching art and creative drawing in a fun, easy to approach method that involves drawing games. The games are simple enough to be enjoyable for children and adults alike. The skills taught cover perspective, anatomy, light and form and composition.
Concept Artist / Illustrator at Freelance
June 1, 2020 - October 7, 2025
Remote (Zagreb, Croatia) Freelance concept art and illustration work.
Instructor - Concept Art at VANAS - Vancouver Animation School
June 30, 2016 - October 7, 2025
Online instruction providing feedback and guidance to students on concept art practices aimed at a game and animation career.
Game Artist / Outsourcing Management Artist at Aeria Games Europe GmbH
April 30, 2016 - October 7, 2025
Create concept art, character design, environment art, prop design, graphic design elements for mobile games. Work with art lead to ensure design and production assets meet the stylistic requirements. Mentor new artists on work flow and best practices. Research and implement art direction and production techniques. As Outsourcing Management Artist, review and provide art direction, feedback, and revisions for outsourced art assets. Ensure that outsourced assets match outgoing briefs and meet production quality specifications. Provide feedback and assist with creation of briefs for outsourcing artworks.
Concept Artist at Oasis Design Works
June 30, 2014 - October 7, 2025
Participate in the visual development and conceptual design of mobile games.
Freelance Concept Designer / Illustrator at Freelance
August 31, 2013 - October 7, 2025
Conduct thorough research into the subject matter of design. Create conceptual designs from thumbnails, sketches to finished drawings, paintings and illustrations. Including texture spheres/callouts, detail perspective and orthographic model sheets, conceptual illustrations.
3D Asset Artist at Mr.X
December 31, 2011 - October 7, 2025
Model, texture and lookdev photoreal assets for feature films.
IMAX Modeler at IMAX
January 1, 2010 - Present
Create model and animation assets for stereo3D conversion of feature films.
3D Game Art Instructor at Capilano University
June 30, 2007 - October 7, 2025
Design and teach a course covering the fundamentals of 3D production for games, including: Modeling, texturing, materials, rigging, animation, lighting and rendering.
3D Asset Artist at Electronic Arts (EA)
May 31, 2006 - October 7, 2025
Create high resolution in-game assets for EA Sports franchise.
3D Asset Artist at Electronic Arts (EA)
June 30, 2004 - October 7, 2025
Create high resolution in-game assets for EA Sports franchise.
Custom Fabricator at The Fabricats
June 1, 2025 - Present
Create 3D models, textures and animation assets for escape room games and on-location experiences; design and fabricate custom artwork and props with 3D printers and CNC machines; maintain 3D printers and CNC machinery; finish, assemble and install props, lighting, sound systems, sensors and other equipment.
Writer, Narrative Designer, Art Generalist and Music Producer at Square Weasel Studio
June 1, 2020 - Present
Writer, Narrative Designer and Music Producer on the company's debut visual novel Chronicles of Taldun: The Remainder.
Game and Animation Art Instructor at Self Employed
December 31, 2024 - October 11, 2025
Self-employed instructor teaching art and creative drawing through drawing games that blend foundational art skills with game design and storytelling.
Concept Artist / Illustrator at Remote (Zagreb, Croatia)
June 1, 2020 - October 11, 2025
Freelance concept artist and illustrator delivering concept art, character and environment design for games.
Freelance Artist at Freelance
August 1, 2017 - October 11, 2025
Freelance illustrator and concept artist.
Instructor - Concept Art at VANAS - Vancouver Animation School
June 1, 2016 - October 11, 2025
Online instructor providing instruction, critique and feedback on concept art best practices for game and animation careers.
Game Artist / Outsourcing Management Artist at Aeria Games Europe GmbH
April 1, 2016 - October 11, 2025
Create concept art, character design, environment art, prop design and graphic design elements for mobile games; mentor new artists; review outsourced assets and assist with briefs for outsourcing.
Concept Artist at Oasis Design Works
June 1, 2014 - October 11, 2025
Participate in visual development and conceptual design of mobile games.
Freelance Concept Designer / Illustrator at Freelance
August 1, 2013 - October 11, 2025
Conduct thorough research, create conceptual designs from thumbnails to finished artworks including texture spheres, perspective and model sheets.
3D Asset Artist at Mr.X
December 31, 2011 - October 11, 2025
Model, texture and lookdev photoreal assets for feature films.
Modeler at IMAX
December 31, 2010 - October 11, 2025
Create models and animation assets for stereo3D conversion of feature films.
3D Game Art Instructor at Capilano University
June 1, 2007 - October 11, 2025
Taught fundamentals of 3D production for games including modeling, texturing, materials, rigging, animation, lighting and rendering.
3D Asset Artist at Electronic Arts (EA) - Burnaby
May 1, 2006 - October 11, 2025
Create high-resolution in-game assets for EA Sports franchises.
3D Asset Artist at Electronic Arts (EA) - Burnaby
June 1, 2004 - October 11, 2025
Create high-resolution in-game assets for EA Sports franchises.
Custom Fabricator at The Fabricats
June 1, 2025 - Present
Create 3D models, textures and animation assets for escape room games and other on-location entertainment experiences. Design and fabricate custom artwork and props with 3D printers and CNC Machine. Maintain 3D printers and CNC machine. Finishing, assembling and installing of props, lighting, sound system, sensors, and other equipment.
Writer, Artist, Game Designer, Music Producer at Square Weasel Studio
June 1, 2020 - Present
Writer, Narrative Designer, Art Generalist and Music Producer on the company's debut visual novel game Chronicles of Taldun: The Remainder.
Game and Animation Art Instructor at Self Employed
December 31, 2024 - October 11, 2025
I specialize in teaching art and creative drawing in a fun, easy to approach method that involves drawing games. The games are simple enough to be enjoyable for children and adults alike. The skills taught serve as a foundation for character design, environment art, comic book, animation, or concept art and illustration.
Concept Artist / Illustrator at GameArtBrain
June 30, 2020 - October 11, 2025
Freelance artist
Freelance Artist at Freelance
August 31, 2017 - October 11, 2025
Freelance illustrator, concept artist
Instructor - Concept Art at VANAS - Vancouver Animation School
June 30, 2016 - October 11, 2025
Instructor - Concept Art
Game Artist / Outsourcing Management Artist at Aeria Games Europe GmbH
April 30, 2016 - October 11, 2025
As a Game Artist, created concept art, character design, environment art, prop design, and graphic design elements. Mentored new artists, researched and implemented art direction and production techniques. As Outsourcing Management Artist, reviewed and provided art direction, feedback, and revisions for outsourced art assets and helped create briefs for outsourcing artworks.
Concept Artist at Oasis Design Works
June 30, 2014 - October 11, 2025
Participate in the visual development and conceptual design of mobile games.
Freelance Concept Designer / Illustrator at Freelance
August 31, 2013 - October 11, 2025
Conduct thorough research into the subject matter of design. Create conceptual designs from thumbnails, sketches to finished drawings and illustrations, including texture spheres/callouts, detail perspective and orthographic model sheets.
3D Asset Artist at Mr.X
December 31, 2011 - October 11, 2025
Model, texture and lookdev photoreal assets for feature films.
IMAX Modeler at IMAX
December 31, 2010 - October 11, 2025
Create model and animation assets for stereo3D conversion of feature films.
3D Game Art Instructor at Capilano University
June 30, 2007 - October 11, 2025
Design and teach a course covering the fundamentals of 3D production for games, including: Modeling, texturing, materials, rigging, animation, lighting and rendering.
3D Asset Artist at Electronic Arts (EA)
June 30, 2004 - October 11, 2025
Create high resolution in-game assets for EA Sports franchise.
3D Asset Artist at Electronic Arts (EA)
May 31, 2006 - October 11, 2025
Create high resolution in-game assets for EA Sports franchise.

Education

Diploma at Art Institute of Vancouver
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2004
Certificate / Program in 2D Entertainment Design at The Art Department
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013
2D Entertainment Design at TAD Entertainment Design
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013
Diploma, Game Art & Animation Production at Art Institute of Vancouver
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2004
2D Entertainment Design at TAD Entertainment Design
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025
Diploma, Game Art & Animation Production at Art Institute of Vancouver
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025
Diploma, Game Art & Animation Production at Art Institute of Vancouver
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2004
2D Entertainment Design at The Art Department
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2013

Qualifications

Game Art & Animation Production
January 11, 2030 - October 7, 2025
Game Art & Animation Production
January 11, 2030 - October 7, 2025
Game Art & Animation Production
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025
Game Art & Animation Production
January 11, 2030 - October 11, 2025

Industry Experience

Gaming, Media & Entertainment, Education, Software & Internet, Professional Services
    uniE621 Rising Phoenix Illustration
    This illustration was done as a test for a collectable card RPG. The brief called for something similar to MTG, with over the top, appealing female characters with the flare of magic and fantasy that was suitable for a mature audience. fantasy MTG cardgame
    uniE621 Elf Ranger Illustration
    This portrait was done for a TTRPG campaign. The commissioner wanted something loose, expressive, and organic, in order to fit their character. Even though it was done with a small budget, they were satisfied and delighted with the result. rpg dnd ttrpg game elf fantasy
    uniE621 Plant Healer Illustration
    This painting was commissioned by a shaman of shipibo lineage who works with Ayahuasca and other sacred plants. I incorporated the set of tools shamans used in healing ceremonies, as well as imagery and symbols that are sacred to their tradition. It took months of discussion and adjustments to hit the exact colours, shapes, and feeling she was looking for. In the end she was exceedingly happy with the result, and I had an amazing experience crafting the piece. shaman ayahuasca sacredmedicine shipibo
    uniE621 Character Portrait for TTRPG
    This image was done for a TTRPG. The developer needed to depict a water mage with god-like powers who was regal, powerful, and dominating. I proposed several design motifs to reinforce their character, which were adopted and resulted in something the client was very happy with in the end. ttrpg mage fantasy
    uniE621 Waking Phoenix
    This illustration was done as a test for a collectable card RPG. The brief called for something similar to MTG, with over the top, appealing female characters with the flare of magic and fantasy that was suitable for a mature audience. fantasy MTG cardgame
    uniE621 Digital Portrait for Narrative Game
    The developers of Imperial Grace - a hybrid of Visual Novel and management sim which is in early access on Steam commissioned a pair of portraits from me for their characters. They needed something that could fit in with their existing digital painting art style but with the textured look of something done more traditionally, like an oil painting. The pieces were intended to be made into prints as a part of the developers' kickstarter rewards. They were very happy with the paintings, and I had a blast designing brushes and processes to achieve the result they wanted. game digitalpainting portrait character painterly
    uniE621 Digital Portrait
    This portrait was a personal piece which was inspired after a month-long trip to Tibet. portrait digitalpainting illustration
    paper Illustrations

    Illustrations done for a variety of entertainment media projects and clients, including books, table top games, digital games,