Nice Shoes welcomes Dan Shimmyo as lead XR developer

Developer and CG artist Dan Shimmyo has joined Nice Shoes as its Lead XR Developer.

With over 15 years of experience across the industry, Shimmyo has a background in feature animation, working on films such as the Ice Age series and its spin-offs, the Rio series, Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who, The Peanuts Movie, Epic, and Ferdinand.

Sporting a keen eye for creative solutions, he has been an asset when it comes to automating numerous repetitive processes in animation, notable during his time at Blue Sky Studios as Materials Technical Director and Senior Fur Technical Director.

Following this career in feature animation, Shimmyo has now turned his attention to crafting VR experiences, sculpting, 3D modelling – using shader knowledge and programming to create the mechanics. In addition to his expertise across CG, he is well-versed in sound design, supplementing his ability to craft immersive worlds and experiences.

He previously collaborated with Creative Director Ninaad Kulkarni to build an immersive virtual showroom for Audi. The sleek AR experience allows users to place an Audi eTron in their parking spot, or on a desk, with real-time reflections, studio lighting, and sound effects – providing customers with a vivid and realistic experience in a time when in-person show rooms were inaccessible.