Doodles to Downloads: A Game Art Podcast

AI is transforming game development at lightening speed. Some call it a revolution, others see it as a threat. So, what does this mean for YOU as a game artist?To answer this, I am joined by Shrungar Dadarkar, Director of Gen AI at Scopely. With a background in concept art and game art direction, he’s seen both sides: the all-manual work and the AI-driven. In this episode, we explore:- Why game studios are integrating AI into art production?- Should game artists embrace AI, or is there a downside?- How AI is changing skill expectations and hiring in game art- How artists can future-proof themselves and stay ahead in the AI era?Connect with Shrungar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shrungar/ If you have topic requests for future episodes, or if you would like to be a guest on an upcoming episode, please connect with and write to me on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kshiraj/⁠Watch this podcast as video on: https://youtu.be/hbF_VCwqNWkChapters:0:00 Intro Sequence0:08 Opening and introduction1:49 Introduction: Shrungar Dadarkar3:28 The Growing Role of Gen AI in Game Development5:59 Player Perceptions of AI-Generated Art10:41 Should Artists Embrace Gen AI?17:18 Artists’ Concerns About AI Adoption20:31 Roles at Risk37:58 Recruitment and Evaluation in the Age of Gen AI45:58 Standing Out in the Era of Gen AI47:37 Wrap up

Learn from Lluis Danti, a game animator who worked on top games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Call of Duty. Topics include workflow, acting in animations, differences between games and films, and current-gen tools. Hear about the challenges and rewards of directing mocap actors, proud projects, and building strong animation portfolios for industry entry.

Explore the hiring process in the game art industry with insights on portfolio impact, online presence, and common mistakes. Learn how to stand out with tailored portfolios, thoughtful questions in interviews, and turning rejection into opportunity.

Mishka Katkoff, a studio executive, discusses the alignment between Art Directors and Studio Leads. They cover topics such as the importance of studio culture, flexibility in supporting art director decisions, addressing artist concerns, and the use of AI in art creation. They also explore how art directors can stand out and connect with studio leaders, leveraging platforms like ArtStation.

UI/UX Designer Gon Vazquez discusses the art and psychology behind game UI design, exploring the UX design process, tools and techniques for designers, the psychology of color choices, the importance of gathering feedback, and building an ideal portfolio for UI artists.

No two game art directors are carved from the same stone. While they may be united in purpose, each carries a unique essence. That’s because the making of an art director is not a straightforward path; it’s a maze filled with unique choices, challenges, and influences from their distinguished backgrounds. So, how do we define the role of an art director? And how does each art director, with their own methods, tackle the common challenges of team dynamics, managerial distractions, or even loss of creative control?Today we are sitting down with Tatu Petersen-Jessen (Senior Art Director, Rovio Entertainment), whose insights and long experience with this role, will help us get our answers.Some questions from the episode:- What are the typical challenges faced by an Art Director?- How can an Art Director navigate situations where they feel a loss of creative ownership?- How can an Art Director ensure that the art team resonates with their direction?- What are the first things an Art Director should do when they join a new company, team, or project?- What's the career progression after you've become an Art Director?- What's our advice for someone aspiring to become an Art Director in the gaming industry?Connect with Tatu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatupj/If you have topic requests for future episodes, or if you would like to be a guest on an upcoming episode, please connect with and write to me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kshiraj/Watch this podcast as video on: https://youtu.be/vhVAbv6Y2iU

They say, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” and when it comes to game visuals, that first impression is often the splash screen. More than just a backdrop for the loading bar, it’s the gateway to the game’s essence, rolling out a virtual red carpet for players and often showcased prominently on the App Store.Today, we dive deep with Matheus Oliveira (Senior Game Artist @ Rovio Finland), a visual development maestro with credits for creating splash screens loved by audiences worldwide. So, sit back and enjoy the show.Connect with Matheus on:ArtStation: http://www.artstation.com/omatholivLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/omatholivInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/omatholivWatch this episode with visuals on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qUCcnBBlrhY?si=p8rZjwb4VusouQY1

Today, I’m excited to delve into a topic that is both close to my heart and crucial for the long-term health of any creative endeavor—Talent Development within the Game Art Team.In the ever-evolving landscape of game development, developing talent isn’t just an HR objective; it’s an artistic essential. How do Art Directors nurture individual artists? How do they create an environment that not only produces beautiful art but also fosters beautiful careers?To help us navigate this subject, I’m thrilled to have Michel Strömbeck (Art Director @ Rovio Stockholm) with us today. He’s an esteemed Art Director who has worked as entry level artist, an art director for studio, and everything in between. Together, we’ll discuss the challenges and strategies involved in developing artists’ skills, from understanding their career goals to offering them opportunities for real growth.Whether you’re an artist looking to chart your career path or an Art Director wanting to level up your team, this episode promises to offer a roadmap.Connect with Miche on LinkedIn: https://se.linkedin.com/in/michelstrombeckWatch this podcast as video on: https://youtu.be/u5E6QqZydxQ

In this episode we're exploring a subject that's both fascinating and foundational: ‘Art Style Guides in Games’.What's the magic behind the visual uniformity in great-looking games? How do several artists work together on one project and create a visual experience that looks so cohesive? That magic lies in Art Style Guides!From the shape language to the color scheme, Art Style Guides serve as the guidelines, influencing everything from character design to environmental aesthetics. But how realistic are these guides? How achievable are they, especially in a fast-paced game development environment? And what utility do they bring to a game's overall success?Joining us today is Jack Gilson (Senior Art Director @ Scopely), an expert in the field, to help us explore these questions and peel back the layers of this often believed to be essential aspect of the art pipeline. Together, we'll assess the realism, achievability, and utility of Art Style Guides.Jack Gilson on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jackgilsonArt Style Guide Presentation by Kshiraj: https://www.slideshare.net/kshiraj/game-art-bible-secret-sauce-to-making-great-game-artTo get some of the Art Style Guide resources that are around the internet, please write to Kshiraj via Contact Form here: https://kshiraj.com/Watch this podcast as video on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjq5OuomOX4

Welcome to the "Doodles to Downloads" podcast! Here, we discuss game art, art direction, and career growth, giving you the tools to level up your game art profession. I am your host Kshiraj Telang, and I invite you to join me, as we explore the artistic heartbeat of the gaming industry, following the exciting journey from the first doodle of a game concept, to its huge success of billions of downloads. So grab your creative hat, and let's level up together!