InnoGames

My time at InnoGames was not just a job; it was an incredibly formative experience that shaped my career and artistic vision in profound ways.

As the art director for "Elvenar", I was responsible for guiding the project from its initial concept all the way through to its final release. This involved not only overseeing the visual style and artistic direction but also collaborating closely with various departments including game design, programming, and marketing. The result was a game that became one of the most successful and beloved titles in InnoGames' extensive portfolio, resonating with players around the world and establishing a strong community around it.

In addition to my work on "Elvenar", I took on the responsibility of creatively and artistically leading all other intellectual properties (IPs) within the company. This role required a keen understanding of each game's unique vision and audience, allowing me to ensure that the artistic elements were not only cohesive but also innovative. Through this experience, I honed my skills in visual storytelling and learned how to effectively communicate complex ideas to a diverse team. InnoGames taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, particularly in managing a large team of over 60 artists spread across several locations, including remote teams. This experience was crucial in developing my ability to foster collaboration and maintain a unified vision despite geographical distances. I learned the importance of clear communication and the need for regular feedback loops to ensure that every team member felt connected and engaged with the project.

Furthermore, I had the opportunity to serve as the Creative Director for InnoLab, the internal incubator at InnoGames. This role was particularly exciting as it allowed us to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of game design. During my tenure, we successfully generated over 50 game prototypes, each one representing a unique concept that we could test and refine. This process was not without its challenges; however, it provided a rich environment for creative problem-solving, where artists, game designers, and developers collaborated in a mixed group to tackle various creative challenges. The synergy among these diverse talents led to innovative solutions and sparked new ideas that could potentially evolve into future projects.

In addition to my direct contributions to game development, I also initiated and created "The Future is Pink", an industry event hosted by InnoGames that aimed to showcase the incredible work of artists within the gaming community. This event served as a platform for workshops, talks, and lectures, attracting artists from all over Europe. It was a celebration of creativity and innovation in the gaming industry, providing a space for professionals to share their insights, learn from one another, and network. The positive feedback from participants reinforced the importance of community and collaboration in the arts, and I was proud to contribute to such a vibrant exchange of ideas.