Rafael Duffie

Rafael Duffie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Art & Design, specializing in 3D modeling, digital sculpting, character modeling, world building, game art, development, and design. By simplifying intricate ideas and processes, he fosters a learning environment that maximizes student engagement and understanding.

Rafael introduces students to industry standard software like Autodesk Maya, Maxon ZBrush, the Unreal Engine, and Adobe Substance 3D Painter, which allows users to paint directly on 3D models. These tools enable students to explore and create in ways that significantly advance their artistic abilities. Rafael highlights Maya as one of the most versatile traditional 3D applications, empowering students with tangible skills that prepare them for careers in art-related fields and beyond.

With mastery in pipeline integration and the 3D production process, Rafael emphasizes the importance of a streamlined workflow in digital content creation, drawing on his real-world production experience at companies that have worked on popular movies and TV shows like Bones, Game of Thrones, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Black Box, and AMC's Turn. He guides students through the intricate steps of the production pipeline, which is the series of phases required to transform an idea into a finished 3D project. This includes essential stages like modeling (creating the digital shapes), texturing (applying surface details and colors), rigging (preparing models for animation), animation (bringing characters and objects to life), enhanced by integrating motion capture to add realistic movement and convincing locomotion to created models, lighting (the use of virtual lights to enhance the mood and visibility of scenes) and real-time rendering (the process of generating images on the fly for immediate feedback and interactivity), illustrating how both techniques contribute to a polished final product. Rafael, ethically and responsibly, leverages AI technologies to enhance his workflow, utilizing tools that optimize processes, automate repetitive tasks, and improve the quality of his work. By illustrating how these stages interconnect and contribute to producing high-quality, cohesive work, Rafael helps students appreciate the collaborative nature of 3D production and prepares them for real-world applications in the industry.

Rafael’s teaching philosophy stems from his passion to create and to give back. Coming from a background of limited opportunities, he enlisted in the US Navy to make college possible, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree, as well as a master’s degree. His personal maxim is, "Practice makes proficient. Proficiency builds confidence. Confidence breeds mastery." His journey, shaped by navigating systemic racism and socio-economic challenges, informs his deep commitment to social justice, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. As a person of color and mixed race, Rafael strives to foster an inclusive classroom environment where every student, regardless of background, is valued. His students will always receive his best, inside and outside the classroom.

Rafael is committed to the institution of learning, thriving in diverse environments, believing that everyone, regardless of their background or status, has something valuable to contribute to academia.