On Pastel, I was first and foremost the level and environmental designer, responsible for shaping the game’s spaces and creating 3D models for its environments. Alongside that, I led marketing and design development, ensuring the game’s tone and presentation aligned with its intended audience. My responsibilities ranged from building and documenting design rationale to iterating on gameplay loops that encouraged curiosity and engagement. I gathered and analyzed player data to develop consumer profiles for M.A.G.I.C. Spell Studios, which shaped both our creative and marketing decisions. I also designed and implemented UI elements that matched the game’s branding and coordinated closely with the marketing team to maintain a consistent tone across in-game assets and promotional materials.

This project pushed me to think more critically about how mechanics, visuals, and player experience intersect. Many of the most important lessons I learned during Pastel, including those that influenced my approach to production, visual design, and core gameplay systems, are explored in the takeaway section.