HardHeadSquad - Art Direction

Some of my art direction notes, draw-over feedback and explainer sketches made while art directing 'HardHead Squad: MMO War' game at Rovio in 2019-20. The game was later canceled. But I was fortunate to work with and lead a very talented art team. Some of the works on the left, especially 3D and compositions are by multiple contributors.

Since we were aiming for an action packed strategy game inspired from the vibes of the 80s, so I made these color script stylised thumbnails to establish the mood.

Draw-over notes (right) for my character design sketch cleaned by Sam Santala (left)

Draw-over notes on the 3D model created by DragonFly Studio

Draw-over notes on the 3D pose created by DragonFly Studio

Clay render result of the final pose

I gave feedback on the color treatment for this background (to be used as character stage), painted by Sukhbir Purewal.

Draw-over notes (right) on another character designed by Andy Barry (left).

My feedback notes on 3D models of the units done by Hannu Koskinen, following character designs by Antoine Vrablec.

Early concept sketch for splash screen, to validate the choices in the direction of homage to the action movies from 80s.

Concept Art House painted this piece sketches by me to create a placeholder splash screen for the game.

Feedback notes (bottom, left, right) for the concept of map in the game (Sam Santala, top)

Concept sketch for the player base in the game.

Feedback notes by me for color key of the player base, made by Botond Harko.

Model notes for the tutorial character. Designed by Sam Nassour. 3D adaptation by Rocksalt Interactive.

Pose notes for the tutorial character. Designed by Sam Nassour. 3D adaptation by Rocksalt Interactive.

Pose render test on the game base screen. Background 3D art and render by Hannu Koskinen.

I sketched these ideas for the marketing of the game in the App Store.

Final result of the App Store promotional images.

Final result of the Splash screen.