Dorian L’Heritier, Lecturer in Distance Learning Program – about the challenges and accomplishments in his career
Dorian L’Heritier is the Lead Artist at OSome Studio, a French game development studio, and a Lecturer in the Distance Learning Program at ARC Academy. With over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry, he has contributed to various projects, including TV series, mobile games, feature films, AAA games, advertising, and many more. He is currently working on an unannounced project that is expected to be released in late 2025. Read on to find out more about his career path and some of the challenges he has faced.
Why did you choose to do 3D Art professionally?
When I was younger, I used to play a lot of console games (like most people in this industry). During those long hours in front of the screen, what interested me the most were the graphics of the games and especially understanding how they were made. I’ve always been more fascinated by the development process than by the games themselves. Later on, after finishing my studies, I decided to do a preparatory course in applied arts. There, I was able to create my first 3D model, and I immediately knew that this was the path I wanted to follow.
Which projects you have worked on so far you are most proud of, and why?
The project I am most proud of participating in is Final Fantasy XV. Being in Japan, I wanted to work on a renowned Japanese franchise. I remember the game being announced during my studies, and at that time, I couldn’t imagine having the opportunity to work on it. Although I participated only for a few months on this assignment, it remains the first major Japanese project I had the chance to be a part of.
What are the most valuable lessons you have learned professionally?
One of the best lessons I learned was to never get defensive when a retake was requested! After spending several days or weeks on a model, we tend to overlook the obvious issues with a 3D asset. Embrace retakes positively, seeing them not as failures but as opportunities to improve the quality of your work.
Do you have a funny or interesting story about something that happened to you while working?
I remember working on a trailer for several months without knowing its exact purpose. After much anticipation, I found out it was a ‘fake trailer’ for an April Fools’ joke. The trailer generated such significant buzz that a game based on this fake ‘trailer’ was launched the following year.”
What would you like to convey to the students—personally and professionally?
The entertainment industry is highly competitive, with many aspiring to join it. However, if you’re skilled and have a desire to develop, there is room for you. Depending on the type of studio you aim to join, specializing early on can be crucial. I was either unable or unwilling to do this, which was a disadvantage early in my career.
If your dream is to become a leader in the gaming industry, take the first step towards achieving that goal by starting your journey at ARC Academy today. Apply by September 15 for one of the three distance learning programs – Game Design, Concept Art, or 3D Art, and study from the comfort of your home. The programs are two years long and focus on practical skills, with the final semester dedicated to developing a complete video game.
Find more details about the distance educational program here.
