Technical Artist, Kimoon Jang_장기문 Details
Class Intro
If you’re prepping for a career in the gaming industry, a 3D character artist, or aspiring to become a technical artist, then this class is for you.

Class Perks
Get These Coloso Exclusives
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Unlimited Access to All 28 videos -
Shader Sample Files -
Modeling Resources
Expert Technical Artist
Kimoon Jang's Portfolio
Why Take This Class?
For 3D artists, portfolios often fall short of in-game quality.
Studying game engines empowers you to bring your vision directly into a game, allowing you to craft the skills you'll need in the industry.
Among various game engines, Unreal Engine stands out as a free tool capable of developing AAA-quality games on multiple platforms.
It's easier to work with than complex shader code, making it artist-friendly.
Once you understand how resources function, you'll save time on unnecessary tasks. Mastering the engine can even cut down your overall production time.
In this class, I’ll thoroughly cover the basic principles of using shaders in Unreal Engine.

11 Class Exercises
Part 1: Knowledge
You'll learn how to navigate the engine's features and make the most of different art assets.
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Understanding Unreal Engine's Fundamentals and Unique Advantages
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Mastering Technical Art
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Application and Utilization of Epic Resources
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Expertise on Shaders and Resources
Part 2: Training
You'll study shader creation and explore various methods for utilizing resources, both basic and advanced.
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Training Module 1: Applying High-Quality Resources
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Training Module 2: Building Shaders in Unreal Engine
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Training Module 3: Production of Various Usable Materials
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Training Module 4: Production of Interesting Special Materials
Part 3: Converging
You'll learn how to apply different effects in the context of game development.
Together, we'll examine future career and educational paths, exploring the opportunities provided by Unreal 5's tech demos.
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Advanced Module 1: Creating Character-Related Effects
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Advanced Module 2: Variation Design and Production
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Advanced Module 3: The Future of Unreal Engine 5 and Technical Art
Kimoon Jang
Technical Artist
Hello, my name is Kimoon Jang, and I’m a technical artist.
I began my career in program development in 2002 and have since transitioned into the role of a technical artist.
I've gained years of expertise while working at various companies, including Nexon Mobile, Netmarble Games as an art director, and NCSOFT as a technical artist.
In this class, I've structured the content to go beyond mere overviews, diving into the functional aspects of different engines, their purposes, and how to use them in future projects.
I've also included insights into frequently encountered real-world situations and collaborations, helping you better understand other roles and effective teamwork.
I'm confident that the Unreal Engine expertise I've gained over the years will shape this class into a valuable learning experience.

Recommendation
Class Recommended
by Experts in the Field
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Seonghee Kim
Art Director at Netmarble NexusKimoon Jang's lessons on Unreal Engine stand out for their clarity and depth, offering you a wealth of useful tips.
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Seongwook Kim
Senior Environment Artist at NCSOFTI’ve long benefited from extensive support in the areas of engines and development. I’m delighted that this class is ideal for beginners. I'm certain this will be an invaluable opportunity, especially for those who haven't yet encountered Unreal Engine.
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Sehoon Kang
Principal Character Artist at X.D NetworkA go-to AAA quality technical art class that you can consult for every project deadline. I firmly believe this will serve as an essential guide for beginners in technical art who are looking to grasp the nuances of working with Unreal Engine graphics.
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Hyeonwoo Lim
Art Director at JoycityIf you need an understanding of development in general, then this is the technical artist you must meet. The technical artist who has been essential in real-world development.

Kimoon Jang
Technical Artist
[Current]
KR Studio Lead Character Technical Artist at Blizzard Entertainment
[Previous]
NetEase Games
Expert Technical Artist
Total War Battles: WARHAMMER
NCSOFT
Lead Technical Artist
Lineage2M
4:33
Producer/Technical Artist
New Projects, Battle of Arrow 2, Boxing Star
Netmarble
Assistant Director/Producer/Technical Artist
Rush N Krush, Rush N Krush Global
Nexon
Senior 3D Artist/Technical Artist
New Projects in the Japanese Business Office
Class Highlights
From Basic Unreal Engine Concepts to Epic's Asset Utilization
Epic Games provides an abundance of free assets via its marketplace. These resources are beneficial for both project creation and educational purposes. I'll be incorporating these assets throughout the class.

A Tailored Approach for Shader Beginners
The technical aspects of the engine can be difficult for many artists. But through focused learning on shaders, you'll find it's possible to create various effects without intricate coding, making engine mastery enjoyable.
* Free modeling resources from 3D Character Artist Rosa Lee are readily available for use in Unreal Engine.

Essential Technical Skills for Aspiring Technical Artists
In today's artist landscape, artists with technical knowledge have a significant competitive advantage. A technical artist at top game companies NCSOFT, Nexon, and Netmarble will comprehensively teach you both the theory and practice of essential technical skills.

Class Details
You'll Learn
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How to Skillfully Maneuver Unreal Engine in a Professional EnvironmentWe'll cover the engine's key functionalities commonly used in industry practices, and what you need to consider when working with it.
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How to Use Various Epic AssetsLearn how to effectively leverage a wide range of resources provided by Epic Games for your studies and personal projects. Through hands-on exercises, we'll explore these assets, apply different features, and learn how to customize them.
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Tips on PBR Techniques and NPRLearn the basic knowledge of PBR shaders, the skills necessary for preparing as a technical artist, and concepts about non-photorealistic rendering (NPR).
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Creating High-Quality Character ResourcesIn this class, you'll learn how to apply and adapt the high-quality character resources provided, exploring various ways to use them in Unreal Engine.
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Basics of Shader FunctionsLearn to utilize Unreal Engine's robust shader functions to enhance the quality of your assets.
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Mastering Advanced Shader EffectsUnderstanding character FX and hands-on exercises for creating various forms of advanced shader effects like glow, petrification, and teleport effects.
Curriculum
In-Depth Look
SECTION 01. Unreal Engine
01. Orientation
- Instructor Introduction
- Class Introduction and Objectives
02. Explanation of Game Engines and Installation
- Engine Installation
- What Is a Game Engine?
- Why This Class Is Essential for Practical Work
- Job-Ready Knowledge
- Resources and Shaders
- System Requirements for Using Unreal Engine
03. Characteristics of Unreal Engine and Unity
- Understanding Shaders
- Mobile-Specific Features
- Differences Between Unreal Engine and Unity
- Key Features of Unreal Engine
04. Shaders and Technical Artists
- About Shader Work and Employment
- If You Aspire to Be a Technical Artist
- The Role of a Technical Artist
- About Shader Applications
05. Basics and Interface of Unreal Engine
- Learning Execution and Basic Operations
- UI Overview Focused on Professional Applicability
- Menu Items Commonly Used in Different Job Roles in Professional Settings
- Additional Useful Features and Options
06. Installing External Resources and Environment Overview
- Installing Sample Resources and Levels
- Importing Resources
- Examining Various Environmental Elements
- The Role of Shaders Used in Levels
- Background Resource Structures
07. Description of File Properties and Modeling Tools
- File Types and Features
- Methods and Explanation for Extracting FBX
- Unreal Engine Import Methods and Explanation
- Similarities between 3ds Max and Unreal Engine Terminology
- Mesh Characteristics and Differences
08. Characteristics of Resources and Engine Application
- Content and File Management
- Examining Characteristics through Sample Resources
- Folders, Naming, and Version Control
- About Redirectors
- Differences from Unity’s Resource Structure
- Resource Structure Explanation
- Understanding Texture Uses and Channels
SECTION 02. Resource and Rendering
09. Understanding Shader Principles
- Understanding Shader Structure
- Enhancing Basic Understanding of PBR (Physically Based Rendering)
- Interactions and Roles of Light and Material
10. Unreal Engine Rendering Pipeline
- In-Depth Exploration of Unreal Engine Rendering Pipeline 1
- In-Depth Exploration of Unreal Engine Rendering Pipeline 2
- In-Depth Exploration of Unreal Engine Rendering Pipeline 3
11. Principles and Features of 3D Resources
- Types of Meshes and Matrix Operations
- Learning Types and Uses of Textures
- Utilization of Mask Maps and Vertex Colors
12. Structure of Characters and Unreal Engine Shaders, and Translucency
- Attributes of Player Characters
- Attributes of NPCs and Monsters
- Attributes of Bosses
- Understanding Material Production Management
- Practical Uses of Opaque and Transparent Materials
SECTION 03. Shader
13. Explanation of Unreal Engine Materials and Shader Features
- About Material Statistics and Shader Complexity
- Understanding Draw Calls
- Registering Basic Textures in Materials
- Material Parameter Creation
- Differences between HLSL Code and Nodes
14. Basic Understanding of Materials and Shader Creation
- Texture Connections and Material Attributes
- Understanding Metals, Non-metals, and Fresnel
- Material-Related Cautions and Various Offsets
15. Examining Material Details
- Material Domains
- Shading Models
- Transparency and Other Options
16. Basic Formula Usage
- About the Most Frequently Used Formulas
- About Interpolation
- Characteristics of Functions by Type: UV, Math, Vectors, Etc.
- Understanding and Applying Normals
- Understanding Various Formulas for Applications
- Pros and Cons of Code and Nodes, Additional Explanation
17. Completion of Basic Material and Sample Character Application
- Defining Basic and Advanced Techniques
- Creation of Universal Basic Shaders
- Direction of PBR
- Cautions When Using Textures
- Effects and Types Based on Parameter Changes
18. Concept and Application of Parenting - Use of Instances and References
- Methods for Extending Special Effects
- Features Often Used in Professional Settings
- Expanding Basic Types Using Existing Formulas
- Parenting Management Techniques
- Features and Precautions of Instances
19. Material Functions and Shader Modularization
- Material Functions and Structure
- Modularization of Basic Shaders
- Examples of Module Applications
- Shader Management Methods
20. Application and Feature Expansion of Existing Materials
- Examining Post-processing
- Techniques That Make a Difference in Materials
- Hands-on Features and Principles of Material Representation
- Special Material Creation
- Shader Modularization
21. Techniques for Creating Advanced Material Shaders
- Utilizing Depth Information
- Creation of Water Visual Effects
- Creation of Decal Visuals
- Techniques That Can Be Applied, Understood, and Learned in Professional Settings
22. Improving Sample Modeling Quality Through Shaders
- Utilizing Vertex Color Masks
- Application of Noise Textures
- Expression of Weathering
- Application of Rusted Bronze Expression
SECTION 04. Advanced Applications
23. Analysis of Unreal Engine Sample Scenes and Application of Shader Effects
- Shader Analysis of Sample Scenes
- Alternate Methods for Creating Shaders
- About Terrain Expression
24. Creating Character Variations
- Study of Variation Structures
- Creating Mask Textures
- Utilizing Vertex Colors
- Creating Variations Using Shaders
25. Character Direction and FX 1
- Effect Creation Using Existing Functions
- Creation of FX
- Application of Texture Blending Effects
SECTION 05. Additional Topics
26. Character Direction and FX 2
- Creation of Miscellaneous State Effects
- Creation of Teleport Effects
- Utilization of Material Parameter Collections
27. Unreal Engine 5 Tech Demo Experience
- Experience an Unreal Engine 5 Tech Demo
- Application to Exercise Material 5
28. The Future and Technical Artistry of 3D Artists
- Mobile Specifics and Optimization Tips
- Portfolio and Points for Adapting to Professional Work
- Vision and Projections for 3D Artists
- Skills and Directions That 3D or New Artists Should Have in the Absence of a Technical Artist
- Current Value and the Future of Technical Artists
Interview with
Technical Artist, Kimoon Jang

Why choose Unreal Engine to learn shaders?
I chose it because it is almost the only general-purpose engine that can develop AAA-level games across various platforms. Although art has various genres, Unreal Engine makes it easy to implement realistic expressions that are currently on trend. It also has the advantage of making it easier for artists to create shaders in a more learnable node format, rather than complex shader code.
Who should take this class?
Those who want to get to know game engines, those with experience in 3D other than traditional game 3D, or those who are learning game 3D and studying engines for professional use. I will explain the parts that you might have glossed over in terms of attributes or functions in simple terms so that you can build a foundation for self-study rather than just gaining knowledge or skills.
What will students gain from this class?
This class should significantly increase your familiarity with Unreal Engine and lessen any fear or aversion to acquiring other engine features or documents. I also included my knowledge in the class so that you can understand the universality of engines, not just a specific one, and find solutions regardless of the engine.
Required Programs
This course will use
- Unreal Engine 4.26
- Photoshop 2021
- 3ds Max 2020
Please purchase and install these program(s) for an optimized lecture experience.
[Software Recommendations for Students]
- Unreal Engine 4.26 (Free Software)
- Photoshop CS4 or Newer
- 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya, or Blender
(Compatible FBX files will be provided, and 2018 and 2019 versions for 3ds Max will also be available.)
* Recommended system specs for using Unreal Engine:
Link
*These programs and/or materials will not be provided with the lecture.

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