Kristen Robertson

2D concept illustrator and story artist

Simi Valley, United States

Summary

Hi!

My name is Kris and I help animation/video game/movie studios develop their intellectual properties with gorgeous concept art/character/background/prop designs so that their intended audience devours them like candy.

I ensure your production team has the visual guidance they need to work their magic and give your story the best chance of success.

This is achieved through well practiced communication methods, descriptive as well as inspirational concept designs and model sheets, and a heaping helping of positivity :)

https://howlingwolfdesign.com/

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Skills

Software proficiency

Illustrator

Photoshop

Wacom Cintiq

Experience

2D concept artist at Legendary Games Studio
Simi Valley, United States of America
December 2018 - Present

2D CONCEPT ARTIST: Illustrate character concepts for multiplayer brawl-style fighting game on PC, set in feudal Asia with futuristic twist. Collaborate with 3D design team. Create mockup sketches, model packs, and promotional artwork.

KEY COMPETENCIES: HUMAN & ANIMAL ANATOMY, CHARACTER & PROP DESIGN, RESEARCH, COMMUNICATION

Realized client vision by designing character assets for PC game according to client brief

● Researched feudal Asia and futuristic concepts to align character designs with game world

● Created mockups for each character in accordance with descriptions and vision

● Coordinated with client to revise and finalize selected rough designs

KEY COMPETENCIES: FORM & GESTURE, COLOR THEORY, FX, COLLABORATION, TEAMWORK

Enabled 3D team to construct game characters by directing on modeling, texturing, and rigging

● Illustrated model sheets and performed 3D computer graphics (CG) rotation to assist 3D team

● Designed texture, color, and illustrate special effects (FX) samples to ensure adherence to client vision

● Detailed character locomotion and expressions to enhance realism in final product

KEY COMPETENCIES: LIGHTING, RENDERING, COMPOSITION, LAYOUT, DRAWING, DIGITAL PAINTING

Facilitated marketing efforts by delivering key art pieces for promotional materials

● Drafted compositions for each character to highlight personality and traits

● Utilized color theory to hone design for optimum audience readability

● Finalized and delivered artwork for publishing on website and social media
2D concept artist for animation/video games/movies at Howling Wolf Design
Simi Valley, CA, United States of America
March 2009 - Present
KEY COMPETENCIES: COMMUNICATION, CONCEPTUALIZING, COVER ART, ILLUSTRATION, DESIGN, DRAWING

Increased book visual impact by conceptualizing and designing fantasy/adventure cover and chapter illustrations

● Conducted research on book content and target audience to produce design concepts

● Produced concept drawings in collaboration with client on overall creative vision

● Implemented updates according to changes in client brief and delivered final designs on schedule

KEY COMPETENCIES: WEBSITE DESIGN, SOCIAL MEDIA, CONTENT CREATION, COMMUNICATION

Improved book exposure and profitability by developing website, social media channels, and creative content

● Investigated website hosting options and optimal social media platforms for authors

● Designed and developed website implementing original asset designs to align with book aesthetic

● Generated original banner and background asset designs in consultation with client

HOWLING WOLF PROJECTS

UNIQUEPUBLICATIONS, LLC 2D CONCEPT ARTIST 2017

OCTOPIE STUDIOS BACKGROUND ARTIST 2016

UNIQUEPUBLICATIONS, LLC 2D CONCEPT ARTIST 2015

GAMESICLE COLOR STYLIST 2015

10 FORWARD PRODUCTIONS COLOR STYLIST 2014-2015
Illustration, asset/graphic design for UI/UX and iOS/website at PandaWeed INC
Ontario, Canada
December 2018 - December 2018
KEY COMPETENCIES: LIGHTING, RENDERING, COMPOSITION, LAYOUT, COLOR THEORY, DRAWING, DIGITAL PAINTING

Grew cannabis brand audience by developing story-driven app/website UI to appeal to target market

● Developed additional assets including characters, props, scenes, banners, and icons from sketch to website-ready.

● Corresponded with client to implement requested updates and delivered assets within deadline.
2D concept artist at Private commission - "Project Golden"
Simi Valley, United States of America
October 2017 - March 2018
KEY COMPETENCIES: COMMUNICATION, CONCEPTUALIZING, ILLUSTRATION, DESIGN, DRAWING, COLOR THEORY, TIME MANAGEMENT

Visually portrayed golden retriever cartoon characters in entertaining situations

● Conducted research on anatomy of golden retriever dogs so I could develop a clear design for them.

● Produced illustrations of characters following prompts provided by client

● Implemented and design changes as asked by client
2D concept artist - "Project Beagle" at Private commission
Simi Valley, United States of America
November 2017 - November 2017
KEY COMPETENCIES: COMMUNICATION, CONCEPTUALIZING, ILLUSTRATION, DESIGN, DRAWING, COLOR THEORY, TIME MANAGEMENT

Visually portrayed beagle cartoon characters in a holiday photo setting

● Conducted research on anatomy of beagle dogs so I could develop a clear design for them.

● Conducted research on a design style reminiscent of classic Disney movies.

● Conducted research on classic holiday costumes and then fitted them into the chosen design style.

● Produced illustrations of characters following reference materials provided by client
Concept artist - "!!!!8!!!!" - key art revision at UniquePublications LLC
South Carolina, United States of America
September 2017 - September 2017
KEY COMPETENCIES: ANIMAL ANATOMY, CHARACTER DESIGN, COMMUNICATION

Realized client's new vision.

● Go into key art pieces and make small changes to indicated character to reflect new art direction.

● Ensure that changes were implemented seamlessly via use of color, design, rendering and lighting.
Illustration, asset design for UI/UX for iOS/website at PandaWeed Inc.
Toronto, Canada
January 2017 - September 2017
KEY COMPETENCIES: LIGHTING, RENDERING, COMPOSITION, LAYOUT, COLOR THEORY, DRAWING, DIGITAL PAINTING

Grew cannabis brand audience by developing story-driven app/website UI to appeal to target market

● Identified design strategy and elements by researching cannabis plants and community.

● Developed assets including characters, props, scenes, banners, and icons from sketch to website-ready.

● Corresponded with client to implement requested updates and delivered project within deadline.

KEY COMPETENCIES: WIREFRAMING, UI/UX DESIGN, ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR, COLLABORATION, TIME MANAGEMENT

Expediated website build process by wireframing full stack for graphics and coding teams

● Established build and design requirements in coordination with client.

● Drafted master plan sketch of full stack of progression from page to page and flow to flow.

● Constructed wireframe with Adobe Illustrator and delivered to coding team for implementation.

KEY COMPETENCIES: LEADERSHIP, TRAINING, COMMUNICATION, EXECUTION

Ensured execution of website and app development by acting as liaison to India coding team

● Chaired meetings with India coding team representative to clarify UI requirements for each page.

● Mentored team throughout process by answering questions and overcoming language barrier .

● Reviewed submitted work and provided feedback to ensure all UI requirements met.
Logo designer - "!!!!8!!!!" at UniquePublications LLC
Blythewood, SC, United States of America
May 2016 - June 2016
- Research and development

- Rendered chosen logo in beautiful color in Adobe Illustrator
Animator and photo-editor - Project Star Spangled Chicken" at UniquePublications LLC
Blythewood, SC, United States of America
January 2016 - April 2016
- Research and development

- Photo-edit the beak off of raw footage of a chick

- Draw in/animate a new beak to sing along with client's voice-over
Background designer - "Paranormal Action Squad" at Octopie Studios, LLC
Sherman Oaks, CA, United States of America
July 2016 - August 2016
KEY COMPETENCIES: BACKGROUND & PROP DESIGN, RESEARCH, COMMUNICATION, TIME MANAGEMENT, ADOBE PHOTOHSOP, ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

Developed background designs for show

● Researched into design style for "Paranormal Action Squad".

● Created rough mockups for each background design needed using said show design style.

● Revised background designs until client is satisfied.

● Made final, show ready, backgrounds via Adobe Illustrator within deadline.

● Ensured various design elements can be easily moved or posed by animation team as needed.
2D concept artist - "!!!!8!!!!" - Key art 2 at UniquePublications LLC
Blythewood, SC, United States of America
November 2015 - December 2015
- Research and development

- Sketch rough compositions

- Render out compositions in beautiful color, complete with lighting
2D concept artist - "Project Ocotpie" - Key art at UniquePublications LLC
Blythewood, SC, United States of America
September 2015 - November 2015
- Research and development

- Sketch rough compositions

- Render out compositions in beautiful color, complete with lighting
Color stylist - "Bane" tabletop card game at 10 Forward Productions
Burbank, CA, United States of America
May 2015 - May 2015
- Prepare files for color

- Use gorgeous color/lighting to help establish mood and time of day
Color stylist - "Tales of Lyla" (comic series) at 10 Forward Productions
Burbank, CA, United States of America
October 2014 - June 2015
- Research and development

- Use gorgeous color/lighting to help establish mood and time of day

- Place text and onomatopoeia where needed
Illustrator and color stylist - "Tales of Lyla" (short story) at 10 Forward Productions
Burbank, CA, United States of America
February 2014 - September 2014
- Research and development

- Design rough layout, characters, environments, props and FX for story

- Use gorgeous color/lighting to help establish mood and time of day

- Prep files for print or media
Concept and story artist - "Samaritan Center of Simi Valley" commercial at IHS Presents
Chatsworth, CA, United States of America
October 2015 - April 2016
- Research and development

- Storyboard commercial's script to put emphasis on the pain/suffering of the poor/homeless of the city and how the Samaritan Center can help.

- Draw various scenes live on camera
Sand castle foreman on "Sand-Sational Helpers" rose float at Burbank Tournament of Roses Association
Burbank, CA, United States of America
December 2017 - January 2018
KEY COMPETENCIES: COMMUNICATION, CONCEPTUALIZING, DESIGN, COLOR THEORY, TIME MANAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP, TEAMWORK, TEACHING, PATIENCE

Ensure volunteer safety and fun in decorating the massive sandcastle on the float

● Thoroughly instructed all volunteers regarding safety protocols if they were going to be climbing the ladders or staying on the ground.

● Kept a sharp eye on all volunteers as they moved about the castle.

● Coordinated with other foreman and decoration teams so that volunteers could work fluidly and safely.

KEY COMPETENCIES: COMMUNICATION, CONCEPTUALIZING, DESIGN, COLOR THEORY, TIME MANAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP, TEAMWORK, TEACHING, PATIENCE

Successfully made certain that the sandcastle was fully decorated on time.

● Instructed all volunteers regarding what decoration materials to use where on the castle and how to apply them.

● Kept decoration materials filled/stocked as volunteers needed more.

● Ordered roses for the sandcastle when the time called for it and made sure we had the time necessary to put them on the castle.