Hi, I'm Kai-Lin Chuang
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Self-driven, curious, and passionate about coding, I enjoy solving problems and working with technology to build practical solutions.
About
With a background in Game Art and Production and a Master’s degree in Digital Media with a focus on animation, I’ve spent the past several years working in the animation, advertising, and game industries. While I’ve enjoyed crafting creative content, I’ve always had a strong curiosity for technology and how things work behind the scenes.
Driven by a desire to continuously learn and adapt, I recently shifted my focus toward the world of IT and cybersecurity. I’m particularly passionate about understanding how to protect digital systems and assets in an era of growing online threats. As part of this transition, I’ve earned the CompTIA A+ certification, and I’m actively building hands-on experience with IT systems and cybersecurity tools.
- Languages: Python, C#, C++, Bash, HTML/CSS
- Game Engines: Unreal Engine, Unity3D
- Art and Design: Adobe CC Suite, Maya, 3DS Max, Motion Builder, Houdini
- IT Tools & Platforms: Git, GitHub, JIRA, Synology NAS, VirtualBox, VMware
- Operating Systems: Windows 10/11, Linux Ubuntu, CentOS 9 (CLI & GUI), macOS
I'm excited to transition into the world of IT and cybersecurity, bringing with me a strong foundation in technical problem-solving and creative thinking from my years in the animation and video game industry. I'm passionate about technology, eager to learn, and committed to growing my skills every day as I take on new challenges in this field.
Work Experience
All9Fun Inc.
- Automated 3D asset pipeline workflows in Maya using Python and MEL scripts, significantly improving production efficiency and reducing manual workload across the team.
- Designed and enhanced real-time VFX using Unreal Engine Niagara and Adobe After Effects, delivering visually appealing motion graphics optimized for mobile game environments.
- Built modular systems in Unreal Engine using Blueprints to automate repetitive tasks and streamline scene setup, animation sequencing, and visual logic implementation.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with artists, programmers, and project managers to troubleshoot technical issues, align creative and technical goals, and deliver high-pressure projects on time.
- Worked on character rigging and created animations for game assets using Maya and Unreal Engine, ensuring clean deformation and compatibility within the game engine pipeline.
- Participated in internal R&D initiatives exploring AI-assisted content generation workflows, including model training and visual experimentation using tools such as Stable Diffusion and Midjourney.
- Created internal technical documentation and training resources, including step-by-step video guides, tutorials, and presentation decks, to support knowledge sharing for Unreal Engine and Maya toolsets.
- Tools: Unreal Engine, Unity3D, Maya, 3ds Max, Aftereffects, Premiere
Motion M VFX
- Completed AR and VR projects in Unreal Engine under strict deadlines, delivering high-quality visuals and optimized assets within tight production cycles.
- Handled fabric simulation, motion capture cleanup, character rigging, and scripting with MEL and Python to support animation workflows.
- Solved complex technical challenges by developing creative workarounds for Unreal Engine limitations in a high-pressure environment.
- Researched and tested Unreal Engine features such as Face AR, Groom, Control Rig, Cloth, and Water systems; provided development direction and technical planning for various projects.
- Documented tasks and production steps to share skills with coworkers and helped the company obtain project subsidy from the Ministry of Digital Affairs.
- Tools: Unreal Engine, Maya, Motion Builder, Python
SoliDesign Inc.
- Led asset management and produced animations for pachinko and mobile game projects, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
- Coordinated outsourcing resources, project schedules, and delivery timelines to maintain smooth production workflows.
- Created internal documentation for asset organization and production processes to enhance team communication and maintain file consistency across projects.
- Collaborated and communicated professionally with Japanese clients to understand and fulfill production requirements and ensure client satisfaction.
- Tools: Maya, 3ds Max
NetherRealm Studios
- Tracked, logged, and regressed bugs for Mortal Kombat and Injustice 2 across multiple mobile platforms using Jira, ensuring thorough issue documentation and timely reporting.
- Collaborated with developers to verify bug fixes and performed regression testing to maintain game stability and quality.
- Tools: Jira, iOS, Andriod
Zynga Inc.
- Developed animations for the slot games Spin It Rich and Hit It Rich using keyframe animation, particle systems, and the Animator system in Unity3D.
- Adapted quickly to a fast-paced production pipeline and collaborated effectively within a large-scale game development team.
- Strengthened communication and collaboration skills by actively engaging with team members in animation discussions, incorporating feedback, and seeking guidance to improve production quality.
- Tools: Unity3D
Philadelphia Media Network
- Assisted startup companies in the company’s incubation program with branding, UI design, and front-end development using HTML and CSS.
- Designed logos, UI layouts, and marketing graphics to support product vision and identity.
- Communicated directly with startup founders to understand their goals and visually translate them into effective designs.
- Tools: Photoshop, Illustrator, HMTL, CSS, Maya
Projects & Home Labs
YouTube channel sharing tutorials and insights from my Unreal Engine experience.
- Tools: Unreal Engine, Adobe Premiere, OBS
- Created and maintained a tutorial-focused YouTube channel to share my experiences and self-directed learning in Unreal Engine.
- Received positive engagement and comments from viewers seeking help.
- Prepared and documented each step of my tutorial process, focusing on clear, simple communication to ensure concepts were easy to understand.
- Provided solutions to different Unreal Engine challenges, contributing to the learning journey of artists and indie developers.
- While I haven’t updated the channel recently due to shifting my focus toward IT and cybersecurity studies, it remains a meaningful part of my growth and commitment to sharing knowledge.
A Python script for Maya to copy animation from one character to another
- Tools: Maya, Python
- Created a Python script in Maya to automate animation keyframe transfers between character rigs.
- Handled controller mapping with namespace support for referencing workflows.
- Built a simple, user-friendly UI using Maya’s cmds module.
- Wrote clean, modular functions for easy maintenance and scalability.
- Deepened knowledge of Maya's command system and transform hierarchies.
A bash script in Linux to create new users.
- Tools: CentOS 9, Bash Scripting
- Developed a Bash script to automate user account creation and password assignment on Linux systems.
- Implemented a random password generator as part of the script for secure credentials.
- Gained hands-on experience working in a Linux environment, managing users via the terminal.
- Validated user input to prevent errors and incorporated feedback to track if the user was successfully created.
My home network layout for IT lab testing and self-hosted services.
- Gained hands-on experience with physical network layout and cable management.
- Set up and configured a Synology NAS for storage, backup, and self-hosted services.
- Practiced deploying and managing virtual machines for Linux-based environments.
- Developed foundational understanding of router settings, IP addressing, and basic network configuration.
A NAS project that simulates a small business network.
A Python script used in Maya to export multiple 3D assets at once into fbx format.
- Built a custom Python tool for Autodesk Maya to streamline the asset export workflow using FBX format.
- Developed a user-friendly GUI with folder selection, export triggers, and path visualization using Maya's cmds module.
- Implemented auto-naming logic, dynamically naming each FBX file based on object names in the Maya scene.
- Automated repetitive export tasks, reducing manual work and human error in multi-object asset exports.
Skills
Programming Languages
Python
C++
C#
Shell Scripting
HTML5
CSS3
Game Engines, Art and Design
Unreal Engine
Unity3D
Adobe CC
Maya
3DS Max
Motion Builder
IT Tools & Platforms
Git
GitHub
Jira
Synology NAS
VirtualBox
VMware
Operating Systems
Windows 10/11
Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS 9)
macOS
Certification
Education
Pennsylvania, USA
Degree: Master of Science in Digital Media
Year of Graduation: June 2016
Pennsylvania, USA
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Game Art and Production
Year of Graduation: June 2015
American International School of Guangzhou
Guangzhou, China
Completed full 1st grade - 12th grade education with an International Baccalaurate (IB) diploma in high school
Year of Graduation: June 2011
Taipei, Taiwan
Degree: Python Training Course
Course Duration: Nov 11th 2020 - Dec. 17th 2020