Jamie Telford

Technical Artist · Game Technology & Simulation Specialist · Educator

A Technical Artist and Game Technology Specialist with over 25 years of professional practice and 7+ years of tertiary-level teaching experience. I bring a sophisticated blend of creative and technical expertise, with a proven history of delivering curricula in game production, technical art, real-time engine technologies (Unreal/Unity), and immersive media (VR/AR). My recent industry work has focused on 'applied serious-game' contexts—leading the development of large-scale interactive simulations, digital twins, and immersive experiences for major infrastructure projects.

Teaching & Academic Research

2017 - 2018
Senior Lecturer
Animation College & AMES Institute, Auckland
Developed and delivered curricula for AR/VR game production and engine technologies (Unreal/Unity). Led students through complete production cycles.
2015 - 2017
Lecturer
Media Design School, Auckland
Taught Advanced Rigging, Animation, and Technical Art. Supervised capstone projects including Sky Noon which launched on Steam.
2011 - 2013
Lecturer
Singapore Polytechnic
Taught 3D modelling, rigging, and animation. Integrated game engine workflows (UDK/Unreal).
2009
Research Assistant
Nanyang Technological University, ADM School
Contributed to research on PBR pipelines and interactive storytelling. Co-authored peer-reviewed paper.
2006 - 2008
Visiting Lecturer
Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore
Taught 3D modelling, rigging, and animation. Developed curriculum on interactive storytelling.

Industry & Technical Leadership

2025 - Now
Design Lead - Digital Innovation
Wellington City Council
Leading development of 'serious-game' applications and interactive digital twins using Unreal Engine.
2018 - 2025
Visualisation Lead
Aurecon Group, Auckland
Established 6-person Digital eXperience Team. Worked on major linear infrastructure projects across NZ and the $14.6B Auckland Light Rail project
2008
Technical Artist / Animator
kSatria Gameworks, Singapore
Lonewolf: Flight from the Dark (based on Gary Chalk's Lone Wolf gamebooks).
2003 - 2006
Animator / Technical Artist
Fuzzyeyes, Brisbane
Hot Dog King & Edge of Twilight (action-adventure game concept creator).



Published Titles

Edge of Twilight
Edge of Twilight (2016)
Fuzzyeyes Studios, Australia.
Original concept and design.
Hot Dog King
Hot Dog King (2006)
Fuzzyeyes Studios, Australia.
Rigging and animation.
Lone Wolf
Lonewolf: Flight from the Dark (2008, cancelled)
kSatria Gameworks, Singapore.
Rigging and Animation.

Professional Affiliations

Co-Founder & Chapter Lead, IGDA VAMR (Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality) 2016-2020 - organized workshops and facilitated knowledge exchange between academics and practitioners
Regular participant at NZGDC (New Zealand Game Developers Conference) and GCAP (Game Connect Asia Pacific)
Active collaboration with Epic Games Australia team on Unreal Engine development and best practices
Ongoing mentorship of former students through portfolio reviews, professional introductions, and career guidance

Education

Bachelor in Fine Arts (Communication Design)
Queensland University of Technology 2006
Diploma of Information Technology
TAFE, Brisbane 2001
Certificate III in Electronics Engineering
TAFE, Southbank Brisbane 1999