Tag Archives: Experimentation

The Right Type

May 10, 2017

Thinking about kanji characters, one immediatelly associates them with calligraphy. When learning kanji, however, stylized characters, despite their attractive look, are pracitaclly useless due to their at times extremely low legibility.

For the game we were looking for a typeface that would combine the aesthetics of traditional calligraphy with clearity and simplicity of modern digital fonts. The best example of such a typeface is Epson Kaisho. However, because of its licence it may be impossible to use in the game. Therefore we used a “free for commercial use” typeface Yasashisa Gothic.

In the game the characters are displayd as if engraved in stone tables.

Yasashisa Gothic

Epson Kaisho

Artbook – First Drafts

May 10, 2017

I tried putting together the layout for the artbook. Because of my tendency not to waste space, the first draft feels rather cluttered. The second draft I tried to make better contrast between pages and make spreads with images only. The third draft is basically identical to the second one, just refined with the addition of the pattern on the right side among other things.

1st Draft

2nd Draft

3rd Draft

UI & Functionality Exploration

May 10, 2017

At first, I was trying out new forms of UI, which I personally liked visually, but unfortunately their functionality suffered in multiple cases, so I decided to instead go for already established designes.

Since the UI contains so many elements it was important to figure out how the design would work accross the entire game while keeping it visually consistent. Our greates inspiration was Dofus, technically a predecessor of Wakfu, which uses stone-like blocks as the framework upon which other elements are placed.

Dofus

The process invovled a lot of sketching to make sure we get all element we want to communicate to the player in there.

Tree

March 22, 2017

For a couple of days I was working on a tree sprite for the game. I sketched out a few different tree shapes before I decided to work on one that would only cover one game tile.

I had a hard time figuring out how to draw the leaves and in the end settled for a custom leaf-shaped brush.

Since I wanted to be able to reuse the tree’s assets to make multiple variants of the same type, I made each of the branches individual along with the leaves of that particular branch. That allowed me to try different leaf sizes. The left is the original, the middle is 125%, which is preferable, and the third one is 150%, which feels as too much. In the end, I could also use a combination of these.

Initially, I intended for the trees to be animated in the game. The problem, however, is that each unique tree would need its own set of frames. The size of the game would quickly blow up, and it would take too much time for what it’s worth.

Progressing with FGP

March 14, 2017

I made a set of sketches for each frame of the running animation of the character and made a gif for presentation’s sake.

I also tried making more card designes, but neither of the two I made are what I’m looking for. I need to find a way to get around the overly prominent symetry.

Eldar King

Space Marine Jack

Figuring Out Identity

March 9, 2017

I continued from the sketches I drew and came up with two main concepts for the visual identity. One is base on a 3D shape made out of initials of my name, that is D and N. The other is again based on the combination of initials, this time, however, they are put together to create a flat geometrical shape. A third concept is still not fully conceived yet, but will most likely work with my name as a whole and its different use of typography.

I tried applying the 3D concept on a possible logo. The result looks interesting as a shape, but a major issue is the letter N that can easily be mistaken for Z.

For the second concept I tried making a bussiness card, but I haven’t gone further than the most basic sketch.

Aside from sketching I looked up a few game studios where I could potentially apply for a job or internship, and to see what kind of employee they’re looking for. In terms of studios in the Czech Republic the major ones are Bohemia Interactive, 2K Czech and Amanita Design, all of which are internationally reknowned.

Future Plans

March 9, 2017

The first step in the Professional Communication class was to come up with a plan for the semester and the following year.

Since my goal is to become a video game artist, I need to create a portfolio and promotional material fitting such a position. This online portfolio & blog is a result of research based on portfolios of other game artists. Among other things I need to create a visual identity for myself, the first sketches of which can be seen below.

I also need to look for a potentional job position, both here and abroad, in terms of game studios. And in case I can’t find a job in my desired career, I need to look for alternatives in other fields as well.