Graphic Designer
Brief info
1. Can you tell us about your journey as an illustrator for the Train Rush game? How did you become involved in this project?
Train Rush was not my first board game. It was, however, the largest game I had made to date. In addition to the sheer size of the board and the number of game elements, there were also icon designs and illustrations related to the so-called back story. That is, the characters, the story and the world in which the game is set. As far as my involvement in the project is concerned, I guess it's just business as usual. My portfolio appealed to the creator / mechanic and the client. We met, there were long hours of conversations and from then on the positive energy was already with us until the end of the project work. I think this is one of the most important factors to bear in mind when working on projects that last many months.
2. A Graphics play an important role in board games. How did you approach the process of creating the visuals for Train Rush? What was your inspiration?
In the beginning there is always paper and pencil. There were several approaches to the design style and graphic form. At one point there were even little mice in locomotives :) Fortunately, the team decided that we wanted to enter the world of Steam PUNK. This direction turned out to be the best.
3. Train Rush presents a stunning visual style. Could you tell us about the artistic choices you made to bring the game world to life?
Thank you. Years of work and illustrator's workshop came in handy :) When I received the finished game plan from Sebastian Szponar , I tried to imagine a world that could be interesting for both younger players and board game veterans. Together with the team we managed to combine the illustrative character of the main board with a slightly more table-like auxiliary board. The player boards complete the whole thing, so that every player feels like the driver of a steam punk train.
4. What challenges did you encounter while working on the graphics for Train Rush? How did you deal with them?
I think the biggest challenge was combining the illustrative nature of the background and the legibility of the icons. I always try to work on the basis of contrast. Rich background graphics but very sparing in colours and simple icon graphics.
5. How do you feel the graphics affect the overall experience of playing Train Rush?
As a developer, it is difficult for me to judge. However, observing players at game fairs I got many compliments on the graphics. I hope that my work will help players feel the atmosphere of the steam punk world during hours of gameplay.
It was a very developing experience. Working on the project took a long time. At some point, the hero characters I proposed found their way into the game mechanics. However, this is just a touch that completes the whole intricately designed game mechanic.
6. Train Rush seems to combine the unique theme of an unusual story with elements of strategy. How do you balance these aspects with the graphics?
This was the biggest challenge.I hope the players will appreciate the team effort.
I tried to add a lot of details on the board to make the gameplay interesting and engaging also for those who are waiting for their turn in the game round :)
7. Are you particularly proud of any elements or details in your graphics? Could you give some examples?
I'm glad to see that the characters have entered the gameplay. I think they offer potential for possible expansion of the gameplay.
8. Did you work closely with the game designers and developers to align the graphics with the vision of the game?
Yes. It was dozens of hours of calls in the so-called "phone box" - i.e. my home kitchen and Sebastian's room - on the phone lines always after 11 pm.
9. Players often form strong relationships with the visual elements of the game. How do we hope the graphics in Train Rush will resonate with players?
I very much look forward to it. I also hope that it will whet the appetite for new MTE Games productions. Thank you to all players who are willing to support our project.