The story you describe in the post is almost a one-to-one with mine - I also spent years doing client work and a “normal” job, building environments on the side. For the last five years I’ve been saving up and preparing so I can finally try to chase the same dream: becoming a full-time asset publisher and making a living by helping other devs build their worlds.
Your video does a great job showing how much the same forest changes character between presets - from a calm night, through full “Silent Hill vibes”, all the way to dirty, unsettling horror. It really feels like an actual level, not just a bundle of trees; the lighting and forest density clearly guide the player. I really respect that you included a full Unreal project and that you’re using this as a way to reconnect with your own ideas. For someone like me, who’s just about to try the same path, it’s super motivating - good luck with the next packs, I’ll be following along.