Real-time art for games

SEGA Europe · Rovio · Wargaming · IO Interactive · Rare

Contact

Experi­ence

Click a role to see a detailed page for that period: the team, my responsibilities and the projects I worked on.

2025 — Now

Expert Game Artist

SEGA Europe
2020 — 2024

Lead Artist

Rovio Entertainment
2018 — 2020

Lead Artist

Wargaming Copenhagen
2016 — 2018

2D/3D Artist

Flashbulb Games
2014 — 2016

Artist → Lead Artist

Press Play
2010 — 2013

Lead Artist / Art Director

Haptico
2009 — 2010

Lead Artist

IO Interactive
2004 — 2009

Art Director & Co-Founder

Third Wave Games

Game developer making PC and console games, and high-quality prototypes for larger developers and publishers.

1996 — 2004

Senior Artist → Lead Artist

Rare Ltd.

Recommendations

What people
I've worked with say

During the period I worked with Johnni he was tasked with for a wide range of responsibilities. These included conceptual work, 3d modelling and texturing, managing a full production team of artists, and setting up and managing an outsourced pipeline and production. I am happy to say that Johnni performed all the above with a high level of competence. If I was to sum up Johnni in a few words: fast, pragmatic, high level of technical skills, very hard working and a great eye for aesthetics. If you get the chance hire him straight away!
Hugh GrimleyStudio Head at Rovio CopenhagenManaged Johnni directly · 2014
Johnni is the best artist I've ever had the pleasure of working with, and has immeasurably shaped my own career in the time I spent working alongside him. A gifted and tremendously talented artist, an all-round nice guy Johnni is a true inspiration to work with. I would love to be able to work alongside him again, some time in the future.
Jon EckersleyArt Director of Media MoleculeReported to Johnni directly · 2009
Johnni is an extremely talented artist, and has the charisma, the diplomacy, and the know-how to be an exceptional leader. I had the pleasure of working under and with him for about two years, and I only have good things to say about the experience. You'll be hard pressed to find a better artist once he gets his hands dirty himself, and he inspires those around him to give everything they got through excellent feedback and teamwork. I cannot recommend Johnni enough, and I am proud to consider him my friend.
Robert FriisFormer Art Director & Co-Founder at Ghost Ship GamesReported to Johnni directly · 2016
I've had the good fortune to work with Johnni Christensen as Lead Artist during our time at Press Play Games. Johnni is a rare talent who can deliver excellent quality in concept as well as 3D art. His extensive experience in game development shines through in the way he can construct a consistent art style across all disciplines, guiding his work and team from idea to in-game. Both as a person and an artist he inspires and delights.
Nikolaj Mårbjerg SeverinSenior Designer at LEGOReported to Johnni directly · 2016
Johnni is an incredibly skilled artist that I have had the pleasure working under at Press Play. Besides just knowing what looks good and delivering on it, Johnni has been in this game since polygons were counted in hundreds and not millions. This gives him experience and skills of the highest standard. It has been very inspiring working with and artist with such a solid foundation. Johnni is also a great colleague who always meets you with a smile. I can definitely recommend Johnni for your team.
Lasse ClevelandSenior 3D Artist at RealfictionReported to Johnni directly · 2016
I worked alongside Johnni for a number of years at Rare and he is without doubt the most talented person I have ever worked with. Johnni is a truly gifted artist with an amazing ability to perform every art discipline involved with game development exceptionally well; he simply has no weakness! Everybody had tremendous respect and admiration for Johnni which was due in large part to his warm and affable nature and his equitable treatment of graduates and directors alike. I highly recommend Johnni and yearn for the day when we can work together again and produce something amazing.
Keith RabbetteSenior Artist at Rare LtdWorked on the same team · 2008
Johnni is without doubt the best artist I have ever worked with. He exemplifies the complete artist and his skills encompass all areas from concept art to animation and modelling. Unusually for such a gifted artist he is also technically superb who brings his keen insight to any problem. And the best part is he's also a great guy who is a pleasure to work with.
Phil TLifelong coder, tech & product leaderWorked on the same team · 2006
I worked with Johnni for a number of years at Rare, and he will be sourly missed. Everyone liked working with him and his work was always of a extremely high standard. He's a true artist with many skills, but more than that a great team player. You couldn't ask for a better work colleague. I wish him the best of luck.
Michael CawoodCreative Director for Animation / VR ConsultantReported to Johnni directly · 2006

Personal
projects

Tech Art Director

AAA Title One

Unreal 5LumenLook dev
Lead TA

Stylized Water

HLSLShader
Tools

Asset Pipeline

PythonHoudini
R&D

Procedural Biomes

PCGHoudini Engine
Optimization

60 FPS on Console

ProfilingLODsBudgets
Rigging

Character Rig System

MayaControl Rig
VFX

Niagara FX Library

Niagara
Talk

GDC Talk

Speaking

Open to new roles

Let's build
amazing
games

Email me LinkedIn

About me

TODO(johnni): a short bio, written in the editor's About tab.