As the lead 2D artist on Lost Beacon, I worked within a dynamic, agile team of 3D artists, designers, sound artists, and programmers. Using Unreal Engine as our development platform, I took complete ownership of the game's entire visual identity and 2D art pipeline. All artwork was created using Procreate, with extensive research conducted through Google for authentic Alaskan wilderness and Inuit cultural references.

Core Responsibilities

• Complete 2D Art Direction: Created all game scene illustrations, establishing the visual tone for the harsh Alaskan wilderness
• Character Design & Development: Designed character art, character 2D headshots, and brought personalities to life through visual storytelling
• Brand Identity Creation: Developed logos, title art, and cover art that captured the game's adventurous yet perilous atmosphere
• Collaborative Development: Participated in daily progress workshops and maintained constant communication with project leads

Game Cover Evolution

The original game cover concept featured an Inuit/Alaska jacket aesthetic with a distinctive 2-toned brown and white design, complete with authentic stitching details around the outer layer. The initial vision included a diagonal corner cut to create visual interest and dynamic composition.

Originally, we planned a unique reveal mechanism where the brown jacket would gradually be removed to unveil the underlying scene art. However, after team discussions and technical considerations, we pivoted to implement a 3D snowing effect that better conveyed the harsh winter conditions and treacherous weather that players would face in the game.

Title Art Development

The team requested a title design using the Balan Wonderland font style with a distinctive light blue ice text color to emphasize the frozen wilderness setting. The composition featured Brutus (the main character dog) positioned in the bottom left, while a fireplace and mountain scene anchored the top corner, replacing the original house concept. The design connected these elements through dog paws at the bottom and aurora borealis lighting effects at the top, creating a cohesive narrative flow.

After presenting the initial draft, the team requested a darker, more prominent title treatment. I developed two refined versions that maintained the original composition requirements while enhancing readability and visual impact.

Character Design: Silla the Spirit Guide

Silla serves as the spiritual companion players encounter early in their journey. As a guide character, she teaches gameplay mechanics, warns players of dangerous areas, and shares the historical significance of the Serum Run. Her design needed to embody the mystical essence of the snow-covered Alaskan wilderness.

Based on team feedback requesting less transparency in her design, I evolved Silla's appearance to feature a more liquid, ice-like quality that suggested transparency without sacrificing visual clarity. This approach maintained her spiritual nature while ensuring she read clearly in-game.

Character Design: Brutus the Siberian Husky

Brutus is the main character of the game. He is a Siberian Husky who is separated from his sled team by an avalanche. He is a brave and loyal dog who is determined to find his way back to his team.

Environmental Storytelling Through Scene Art

I created comprehensive scene illustrations for both opening and closing sequences, each designed to advance the narrative while immersing players in the authentic Alaskan wilderness.