Hello! Jessica here, also known as Essi.

I started my journey at Killmonday games as primarily a 2D artist working on backgrounds, close-ups, and other art-related things for Little Misfortune. With the new project I’ve mostly graduated to working in 3D, but I occasionally work on 2D concepts as well. 

My path towards making games has never been clear-cut. I’ve always had a passion for drawing as well as games in general, but as a kid, I never thought I could seriously pursue it as a career. I’ve struggled with a lot of self-doubt and insecurities regarding my art, as well as a muscle disorder (CMM) that affects my ability to perform certain tasks that require precision with my hands. So I definitely thought any kind of artistic career was doomed to fail from the start.   

Due to this, I decided to instead focus on nature and science in school as that has also been a big interest in my life, and I definitely thought that I would continue on this path when it was time to apply for university. But at the last minute, I did a 180 and decided that I wanted to study Graphic design, which in turn created an interest in 3D thanks to a course I took during this time. 

After getting a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic design I was introduced to PSQ (PlaygroundSquad, higher vocational education in Sweden with an education focus on the game industry)  and the idea that it might be a possibility to actually create the kind of games I love to play as well as the art I love to do. I absolutely loved my time and experience at PSQ but after graduating I became split on what I was supposed to do next. Working in the business still felt so far away and my lingering insecurities made me doubt my abilities and my art, thinking that I was just not good enough to do it professionally. So I went back to school for one more year, studying to become a teacher instead. 

But working as a teacher while also studying almost broke me and it left me both mentally and emotionally drained. I realized that I needed to find something else, a job that I could truly feel passionate about. Luckily a small company located close to me called Killmonday Games had put out a job listing looking for a 2D artist to join them on a game called Little Misfortune, and I’m still here after almost 4 years. 

I’ve learned so much during these years and I’ve grown a lot, becoming more confident in my skills and art. Little Misfortune will always be a precious game to me as it has taught me that I have what it takes to make games and art professionally. It’s never too late to do the things you’re passionate about and we learn so much about ourselves through trials and hardships. 

/ Essi

Random Fact:

Been in KMG since: 2018
Title: 2D/3D artist
Favorite game:  Really difficult to just choose one, as there are so many great games out there. But if I had to choose it would probably be Portal 2. I was really mesmerized by the mechanics of the game when it came out and I have always loved games that focus on puzzles. I’ve even got a portal tattoo on my leg. 
Favorite program to work in: Maya for 3D and Photoshop for 2D.
Favorite movie: I’m not sure if I have a favorite but I like Inception, the early Harry Potter movies, and animated movies such as Prince of Egypt and The Secret of NIMH. 
Favorite food: Ramen or vegetarian sushi
Favorite music genre: Progressive rock/metal
Working right now on: The new project! 🦊

What is a 2D/3D artist?

A 2D/3D artist is creating the artistic aspects for video games
Unlike a concept artist, whose job is to make conception and sketches of the game, the 2D and 3D artists are brought in to bring these sketches to life.

There are several roles under the art development umbrella. Each role plays an important part in creating the art for the video game. Small gaming companies tend not to have as many artists meaning that their artists must be skilled in several types of art development. But for most games, there are many roles that must be filled, like creating characters, objects, settings, animation, and textures for the game. 

The 2D artist works mostly in 2D software like Photoshop or similar programs which include:
– Textures to use on 3D models.
– Non-static characters and objects for 2D games.
– Sprite art (several frames of art used for animation in 2D games). 
– Static art assets for game levels, such as environmental backdrops or terrain images for 2D games.
– Interface, special art that is used in for example menus in the game.

The 3D artist works in programs like Maya or similar 3D programs which include: 
– Character in the game, from main playable characters to NPC (non-playable characters) that live in the game. And not to forget all the enemies in the game. 
– Environments, such as buildings, flowers, trees, and animals. Also working a lot with texturing and colors.
– Objects, includes all of the other things in the game. Everything from a tiny coffee cup to a giant truck.