James Marsano
About James Marsano
James Marsano is a Senior 3D Character Artist specializing in consumer products at Riot Games, with a background in sculpture and character modeling. He has worked for various companies, including DC Comics and Kotobukiya, and provides mentorship to ensure product quality consistency.
Current Role at Riot Games
James Marsano serves as a Senior 3D Character Artist in the Consumer Product division at Riot Games. He has held this position since 2020 in Santa Monica, California. In this role, he specializes in engineering figures for 3D printing and oversees the post-cleaning processes of 3D printed models. His responsibilities include collaborating closely with concept artists to finalize digital sculptures for internal figure projects and working with product managers to address specific needs and modifications before production.
Previous Experience in Sculpting
Prior to his current role, Marsano accumulated extensive experience in sculpting across various companies. He worked at 株式会社Gecco (Gecco Corp.) as a Sculptor from 2017 to 2019 in Osaka, Japan, and at Kotobukiya Co., Ltd. for 11 months in Tokyo, Japan. He also held a position at Diamond Select Toys & Collectibles, LLC. for four months in Upland, California. Additionally, he operated Marsano Studio as a Sculptor from 2016 to 2020 in Upland.
Education and Training in Visual Effects
James Marsano studied at Gnomon School of Visual Effects from 2011 to 2014, focusing on Character/Creature Modeling and Texturing within the Entertainment Design and Digital Production program. He also attended Cerritos College in 2011 for 11 months, where he studied Fine Art. His educational background laid the foundation for his career in 3D character artistry.
Mentorship and Team Collaboration
In his current role, Marsano provides mentorship to his 3D coworkers, ensuring product quality consistency across the figure line. He collaborates with various teams, including concept artists and product managers, to refine sculptures and meet production requirements. His experience in the industry allows him to guide others effectively and maintain high standards in the creative process.
Expertise in 3D Design Software
Marsano has developed expertise in using Marvelous Designer for designing character outfits. This skill enhances his ability to create detailed and accurate representations of characters in 3D. His technical knowledge contributes to the overall quality of the figures produced in his current and previous roles.