Valerie Nelson

Valerie (Natsuhara) Nelson is a concept artist, illustrator, and quality assurance tester with a strong passion for bringing imaginative worlds and characters to life. With a Bachelor’s degree in Game Development from the Academy of Art University and advanced training from CGMA Master’s Academy, she has cultivated a versatile creative skill set spanning 2D concept art, 3D modeling, illustration, and production design. Currently, Valerie contributes to [P1] Games as an Art Director, Lead Artist, and 2D Concept Artist, where she helps shape the visual direction of original game projects while mentoring and collaborating with fellow artists.

Her professional experience also includes freelance concept art and illustration, QA testing with Experis Game Solutions, and teaching art with Young Rembrandts. She has worked on a wide range of projects, from indie video games to tabletop RPGs, and continues to explore her own biopunk graphic novel series, Laws of Evolution, where she leads world-building, writing, and design. Known for her adaptability, attention to detail, and collaborative approach, Valerie thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments and excels at bridging the gap between creative vision and technical execution.

Outside of her professional roles, Valerie is passionate about environmental and animal welfare, supporting organizations such as WWF and Greenpeace. She is dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and aspires to continue shaping innovative, immersive experiences that resonate with players and audiences around the world.

• Learning Art Direction
• Creating a Satyr Using Layer Styles in Photoshop

• CGMA Master's Academy
• Academy of Art University- Bachelor's
• University of Arizona
• Pima Community College- Associate's

• Pima Community College Juror’s Exhibition
• 2016 Spring Show
• Student Gallery Refuse Exhibition
• Art Gallery Exhibition

• Natural Resources Defense Council
• Greenpeace
• WWF