About

SHORT BIO. My name is Maria Caulo, I was born on July, 31st 1990 in Pisticci (Matera, Italy). I am a Computer Science Engineer living in Pietragalla (Potenza) and I got my Ph.D. in Computer Science (specifically in Software Engineering) on May, 24th 2021 at the University of Basilicata. Also, in the summer of 2021, I obtained the qualification to teach A41 subjects (Informatics-related) in Italian High Schools. In December 2021 I got the certificate of Blender 3D basic course. I am a member of the Blender Italian Association since January 2022.

I work at Digital Lighthouse as a CG developer since June 2022. The programs I use the most are Unreal and Blender. 

RIGHT HEMISPHERE. Talking about my artistic side, I have been drawing since the first years of my life. Growing up, I found myself drawing less and less until I stopped completely when I went to high school. But in those years I discovered Photoshop thanks to my cousin. I spent a lot of my spare time with that program making retouches, manipulations, vector arts, and photomontages. During the pandemic period in 2020, I re-discovered my quiescent passion for drawing and started making some traditional art first, and digital later, through the "Magnificent Three": IPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Procreate. On June, 7th 2020 I began my artistic journey on Instagram, sharing my illustrations with the artist community. Since September 2021 I have been working on Fiverr as a freelancer, where my gigs concern digital illustrations, 2d animations, and photo retouching. I still work on that platform, but only on weekends. 

LEFT HEMISPHERE. As a child, I wanted to become a computer expert, so I decided to build a solid background in scientific studies. I told myself I wanted to become a computer engineer to get the most advanced knowledge possible in the computer field. I've always tended to challenge and push myself, so I also decided to get a doctorate to try to become relevant in the research community of Software Engineering. Behind the scenes, during my Master's studies in Computer and IT Engineering, my favorite courses were "Computer Graphics", and "Mobile Development". I loved doing the homework (with OpenGL and Threejs) and the final group project for the CG course. Also, I enjoyed developing apps for smartphones, and I have been working as a software analyst and developer of iOS apps in a local company for some months until I started my Ph.D. course. 

LATEST YEARS. During my Ph.D. period abroad (some months in Switzerland) I had a lot of time to spend alone and just think. I was often unsatisfied with my job, so I started to ask myself how I would rather live the next years of my life. One of those days I scrolled a Facebook page where a guy shared his version of digitally drawn Pokèmons, and I fell in love with that gallery. They seemed so realistic! 

Suddenly, I realized I wanted to combine programming and graphic skills to create my 3D models, starting from the early sketch, and then animating them or using them in video games.

NOW ... and after a while, a Digital Lighthouse appeared on my way! :P It's a creative and happy place where Computer Graphics and 3D development coexist. I am focused on the development side, and if I look around I see beautiful art happening in the form of graphic design products, 3D models, and animations.

Future Plans?

I would deepen the study of the digital 3D world and everything that combines graphics and programming. The company where I work right now seems to offer a very good context to accomplish this. Anyway, I would love to attend advanced courses in Blender and Unreal. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me here.

Training

University of Basilicata

Bachelor Degree in Computer Science and Technology

University of Basilicata

Master Degree in Computer and IT Engineering

Basic Course of Blender 3D