My name is Katerina, I am a computer graphics artist and an instructor in CGI and visual effects.
As an artist, I create digital sculptures—characters, portraits, avatars, as well as textures and materials for 3D models. I most enjoy the process of sculpting and creating textures. In my work, I like to experiment with color, textures, abstraction, and simple forms.
I have been working at HSE since 2020. I initially taught design technology, and later became a second-year student coordinator. In 2026, I was the coordinator for the first cohort of diploma students graduating in CGI and visual effects.In addition to my main role at HSE, I worked as an invited instructor for the «Unreal Engine Artist» professional development program and taught After Effects classes at the HSE Art and Design Kids School. Working with diverse audiences, from children to adults, taught me how to connect with everyone individually.
From 2018 to 2025, I balanced teaching with work at the WATT computer graphics studio and freelancing. I collaborated with other studios and CG specialists. This allows me to incorporate modern industry workflows into my teaching, moving beyond theory alone.In 2024, I presented a paper titled «3D Portrait: Tools, Stylization, and Unreal Engine» at the RED conference.In my work, I utilize Unreal Engine 5, Maya, Adobe programs, and neural networks to create video and imagery. I am proficient in both traditional hands-on work and workflows involving artificial intelligence.
Teaching CGI is not just about learning buttons in the software; it’s about introducing students to the logic of production pipelines. For me, it is crucial that students understand how the industry actually operates.
My Works
In this project, I investigated the plasticity of the cat’s form and attempted to translate the texture of a pencil into 3D using textures created in Procreate.
A fan art project inspired by bbno$ songs, featuring a stylized model of the rapper as the protagonist. My contribution involved end-to-end character creation and developing the concept for the series of images.
Project — a speculative exhibition exploring the possible life forms that could inhabit exoplanet TOI-700d, which is located 100 light-years from Earth within the habitable zone of a red dwarf star. Due to tidal locking, the planet always presents one side to its star, dividing its world into two extremes: a scorching dayside and an eternal, icy nightside. We presented various forms of life that might adapt to these extreme conditions—ranging from colossal, wild creatures to sentient beings dwelling in the dark.My contribution: sculpting and texturing the character ALIEN 03.
Tenet of the Spark
A single-player action-adventure game about Will—a boxer who confronts street gangs and the ghosts of his past, harnessing ancestral power.In this project, I was involved in creating the character textures for the game.
Moonwalker
An experimental project for Decon, created by the creative team WATT Studio in collaboration with director Oleg Uruzaykin. The trailer showcases the potential of Metahuman technology in a sci-fi thriller—a battle scene unfolds in an abandoned lunar complex, rife with dangers and secrets.In this project, I was responsible for creating and developing the characters.
