Talent To The Word: Ruard Veerman
Ruard Veerman: 3D artist, programmer and a true Jack of all trades. From an early age he was immersed in art, creativity and IT through his parents. He studied International Game & Architecture Design at the NHTV University of Applied Sciences in Breda, and went home with a job at Zwartlicht; the team that later became StudioXR. No wonder then that today he contributes to the ins and outs of our team like a sort of Obelix fallen in magic potion.
Talent as the centerpiece
3D models, textures, riggs and endless scripts; for projects like VirtualCities: Groningen, we need it all at StudioXR. So we are extremely happy every time we find talent that can add to these needed skills.
“During my studies, my 3D work was used as promotional material for the course. Later it also appeared as reference material in the book Computer Graphics for Artists II: Environments and Characters, written by Andrew Paquette. When I found out during training that I also had some aptitude for programming work, I basically knew it … I was a real Jack of all trades.”
Virtual Cities: Groningen
With the development of VirtualCities: Groningen, Ruard’s talent really came to light. Days and weeks of programming work led to the framework on which this successful platform now runs. Recently, Damsterdiep was added with a Traffic Control System in which different scenarios can be played. Both citizens and project developers can now experiment with the flow of traffic and its influence on the livability of the area. Not a bad idea!
“As Virtual Groningen grew, I actually became more and more of a Lead Developer, but I also still enjoy working with 3D content.”
The bottom line…
We previously called Ruard a Jack of all trades; someone who easily and quickly switches between activities and work, as well as between clients. Because of his background in both the visual aspect and the technical backgrounds of various platforms, it is quickly clear to him where possibilities and limits lie. With this, it is often great to see him working with clients to figure out how to get the most out of them. And with software like Unity or Unreal, you guessed it: the sky is the limit. Ruard does not shy away easily.
“The Sky is the Limit, but that’s not always an exact science. Sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error, but you can overcome a lot in the concept phase. For example, you often know in advance whether your idea matches the client’s vision.”
Workable Logistics
But especially in a growing platform like Virtual Groningen, not everything goes smoothly. And even though nothing has ever really gone completely haywire, it is clear to Ruard that the biggest challenge of this kind of project for him is in keeping a huge (online) environment workable.
“The fastest shortcuts sometimes make for the longest road… So sometimes it’s just better to get yourself caught up in something and that’s when keeping an overview is crucial.”
StudioXR prides itself on a team bursting with talent. And you don’t just see that reflected in our people. Our collaboration, with each other but also with clients, is something we like to tell you about, but you can also see it in our products. Are you curious about what we can do for your project?