Project Snapshot
Years: 2022
Role: 3D Designer · Animator · UI Designer · Branding
Tools: 3ds Max, Photoshop, After Effects
Project Type: Slot Game Series
Overview
Imperial Guardian was developed as a third entry in a planned series of three interconnected games. The goal was to create a complete visual identity: 3D animation, game iconography, UI systems, logo design, FX, and environmental mood. The goal was to create a cohesive feel within the series while standing independently as a polished, fully-realized game.
The project encompasses character development, symbol design, UI frames, animated elements, environmental touches, and a unifying brand aesthetic.
Objectives
- Create a premium, high-fantasy visual world anchored by a central Guardian character
- Design a full suite of symbols with consistent materials, lighting, and visual language
- Build a UI system that supports clarity and player readability
- Develop animations that enhance anticipation and reward
- Design a logo that communicates theme, scale, and identity
- Prepare assets for a series of connected titles with shared stylistic DNA
Design Approach
1. Game Symbols & Iconography System
A full set of game symbols was designed, modeled, and animated to reinforce the Guardian’s world and unify gameplay elements. Each symbol was:
- Modeled and textured in 3D
- Lit with a shared key/rim/environment setup
- Designed to feel unified through materials, bevel styles, and color palette
- Animated in After Effects and Trapcode Particular.
- Added subtle paintovers at the beginning and end of animation loops to bridge the DNA look of other games in the series.
2. UI Art & Ambient Motion
The UI system included:
- Frame designs
- Ornamental overlays
- Panel backgrounds
- Subtle ambient animation loops to keep the UI feeling alive
The UI emphasized clarity, readability, and energy without distracting from gameplay.
3. Logo Design & Motion Identity
The logo was built to convey:
- Mythic, ancient authority
- Layered metalwork consistent with the game’s symbol materials
- A sense of depth and weight appropriate for a marquee character
The logo served as the brand anchor for the title and paired effectively with the series main logo.
An ambient animation loop, consisting of glow pulses, light sweeps, atmospheric motes, completed the logo’s identity for marketing, reels, and in-game sequences.
4. Guardian Character & 3D Animation
The core Guardian asset was animated to convey scale, presence, and personality. Techniques included:
- Layered animation for weight, timing, and responsiveness
- FX integration to reinforce the Guardian’s energy source
- Rim lighting and environmental glows to add dimensionality
- Texture passes refined in Photoshop and After Effects
- Particle and atmospheric systems to enhance depth
The resulting animation established both the gameplay tone and influenced cinematic direction for the series.
Conference Integration
This project was also adapted for large-format display during the G2E conference in Las Vegas.
Assets were optimized for scale, readability, and impact within a busy exhibition environment.
Designed at 4k resolution to support booth visuals and promotional motion assets tailored for a high-traffic conference environment, ensuring strong visual presence and clarity at large print and digital sizes.
Outcome
Imperial Guardian delivered:
- A full character-driven visual identity
- A complete set of 3D symbols, each fully lit and animated
- A UI system with motion that enhances play experience
- A unique cinematic logo
This project showcases end-to-end game creation with minimal oversight, symbol craftsmanship, branding, and motion integration.
Tools & Techniques
- 3ds Max — Modeling, rigging, symbol creation, lighting, rendering
- Photoshop — Textures, paintovers, UI ornamentation
- After Effects — symbol animation, ambient loops, logo animation, FX
- UI Systems Design — Frames, patterns, iconography
- Brand Development — Logo design, typographic direction
