Art Direction / Final Project Compilation
24.04.2026 - 26.07.2026 / Week 1 - Week 14
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
GAN YI KIAN / 0374572
Art Direction
Final Project Compilation
INSTRUCTIONS
Week 1 - 2
In Exercise 1, we were required to analyse two endless runner games, including Subway Surfers. We explored how art direction, visual design, and gameplay work together to create a better player experience. We also compared the strengths and weaknesses of each game's visual style to understand the purpose behind its design decisions.
So I researched Subway Surfers and Temple Run.
Reflection
This exercise helped me understand that art direction is more than just making a game look good. By comparing Subway Surfers and Temple Run, I learned how visual design supports gameplay and creates different player experiences. It also improved my observation skills and helped me think more carefully about design decisions.
This exercise helped me understand that art direction is more than just making a game look good. By comparing Subway Surfers and Temple Run, I learned how visual design supports gameplay and creates different player experiences. It also improved my observation skills and helped me think more carefully about design decisions.
Final Submission here
Week 3 - 4
Exercise 2 required us to work as a team to determine the art direction for our Subway Surfers redesign. We created a Position Mapping, Artistic Target, and Style Range Finder, then used these frameworks to define a clear and consistent visual direction supported by research and references.
After we assigned our team members, we began planning Exercise 02. In this exercise, we didn't explicitly assign tasks because everyone automatically completed the unfinished parts, so everyone understood each part.
Reflection
This exercise gave me a better understanding of how an art direction is planned before the actual design process. Working with my team, we explored different references, discussed ideas, and decided on a visual direction that best suited our game concept. It also helped me see the importance of making design decisions based on a clear concept instead of personal preference.
Final Submission here
Week 5 - 8
PROJECT 01: PROPOSAL PRESENTATION
PROJECT 02: PROPOSAL MANAGEMENT
Project 1 required our group to develop a proposal for reimagining Subway Surfers into a new game concept. We defined the game's visual direction by creating the big idea, visual guidelines, moodboards, and concept mockups for the characters, environment, and UI. This proposal served as the foundation for the game's overall art direction and design development.
My task was environmental painting. Since we chose doodle art, I needed to draw the map and environment in that style. I decided to use Figma to complete these designs.
I first drew two versions: one in black and white, and the other with added gray shadows to make the image look more layered.
Reflection
Through this project, I learned how to develop a game concept into a clear visual proposal. Working with my team helped me improve my communication and planning skills, while designing the environment gave me a better understanding of how every visual decision contributes to a consistent art direction.
Week 9 - 14
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FINAL PROJECT: DOCUMENTATION & PRESENTATION
Final Project required us to complete the full art direction for our game redesign. We produced the final visual assets, refined the game concept, documented our design process, and presented the final outcome together with our project development.
Based on feedback, my environment design needed more shadow effects to show the light to dark and front to back environment design, so I started adding more shadow effects.
Reflection
Through this final project, I gained a better understanding of the complete art direction process. It taught me how to turn ideas into final designs, work effectively with my team, and improve my designs through feedback and continuous refinement.
Final Submission here
FEEDBACK
Week 3:
For Exercise 1, good to have visual refenceses
Week 5:
Week 8:
Week 10:
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Week 12:
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REFLECTION
What did you learn/enjoy the most about this module?
I think we really explored a lot of game styles in this module. Maintaining consistency in everything from character design to UI design is no easy feat. I love playing games, but I can never stick with it. This was a great opportunity for us to play games with a research purpose, which gave us a very different experience.I think if we could choose the games we're interested in to study, we might be more motivated.
What areas of improvement you can implement to better improve your Art Direction sense in the future?
I think we can delve deeper into playing more games to enhance our aesthetic appreciation and observe how similar games work, what the differences are in gameplay and design, and how they all function.
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