Podcast: From Recruitment to Retention: Growing Strong Art Teams

I recently joined Elliot Tripp on his podcast From Recruitment to Retention – Growing Strong Art Teams, alongside Lora Tsvetkova (Liquid Ice Studios), Shaun Yow (Sandsoft), and Anto Covi (DECA Games).

We explored what it really takes to build and sustain creative excellence inside a studio. The discussion touched on:

• How to recruit and identify the right talent for a team.

• The importance of career development and mentorship in helping artists grow.

• Building a culture where creativity thrives and people feel supported.

• Retention strategies that go beyond perks, focusing on trust, growth, and shared purpose.

It was a thoughtful exchange of perspectives from different corners of the industry. I’m proud to have contributed my experience as Senior Art Director at King, and I believe these kinds of conversations are essential for shaping the future of art leadership in games.

If you’re interested in team leadership, studio culture, or simply curious about the challenges behind growing strong art teams, I invite you to listen to the full episode here:

👉 Listen on Spotify

#GameArt #ArtDirection #GameDev #Leadership #CreativeTeams #Recruitment #TeamCulture #CareerGrowth #ArtDirector #Podcast

Video Games Layoffs: A Personal Perspective from Inside the Industry

The recent layoffs at Microsoft alongside Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and King were personal for me. Like others in my field, I’ve experienced a cocktail of sadness and frustration. These weren’t simply headlines. They were friends, former colleagues, and people I admired.

Although I am fortunate to still be working in a role I care about, it’s difficult to remain unaffected knowing how many talented and dedicated individuals are now jobless. Some of them spent years crafting game designs, mentoring, and developing complex systems and pipelines which, while unnoticed by the majority of gamers, were essential.

I doubt this will be the last round of layoffs, as it’s the first of many we’ve encountered recently. Each attempt at restructuring reduces the amount of order and reliability that we attempt to accumulate. It also makes us examine in greater detail the ways in which the industry values people, what type of leadership is required, and how we analyze meaningful outcomes.

Most of the effort put in by developers and artists goes unrecognized. Every project has its share of decisions and sacrifices that accelerate progress, and in the case of a game, a game that is far deeper than what the final product goes far deeper than what the final product reveals. In every game, there’s many pieces of work that are missed, thus remaining unpaid, and most of them are and most of them are a requirement.

If you’re in a hiring position, or know someone who is, I hope you’ll look seriously at the many talented individuals now looking for new opportunities. Their value doesn’t disappear because of a restructuring decision. If anything, their resilience and perspective are more vital than ever.

To those affected: I admire the contributions you’ve made. I’m hopeful that your next chapter brings you not only stability, but a place where your talents are truly seen.

And to those still standing: let’s support one another. Share portfolios. Make referrals. Push for transparency and empathy where we can.

Because this industry doesn’t thrive on tech alone. It thrives on people.

#GameIndustry #MicrosoftLayoffs #GameArt #GameDevCommunity #SupportArtists #SimonLocheArt

Taste doesn’t scale, trust does

Most people think an art director’s job is to dictate a visual style...

… I disagree.

In my experience, the real challenge is helping the team believe in a shared vision, and in themselves.
Inviting your team to actively contribute to the art direction fosters both trust and a shared sense of clarity.

Anyone can point at a moodboard and say, “Let’s make it look like this.” But building visual coherence in a game is less about aesthetic preference and more about alignment, communication, and trust.

Here’s what I’ve learned after years leading diverse art teams:

▶︎ Taste doesn’t scale, trust does. Your personal eye matters, but empowering others to solve creatively within a direction is what makes teams strong.

▶︎ Clarity beats control. A great direction gives artists room to explore confidently, without second-guessing. Micromanagement kills both speed and spirit.

▶︎ Consistency is co-authored. Art direction isn’t about having the final word. It’s about shaping the first one clearly enough that others can build on it.

The best work I’ve seen didn’t come from enforcing taste, it came from shared ownership.

As an art director, your job isn’t just to see the picture. It’s to help others see themselves in it.

#ArtDirection #GameDevLeadership #ConceptArt #CreativeTeams #TrustOverTaste #GameArtTips

5 Myths About Concept Art Debunked by Industry Insiders

Concept art is one of the most misunderstood disciplines in the creative pipeline.
From the outside, it often looks like a dream job: all imagination, beautiful illustrations, and endless creative freedom. But those of us who have worked in the industry know that reality is more nuanced. Here are five common myths about concept art, debunked by real experience and insider insight.

Concept Art from Breakaway - Amazon Games. Here, the call out sheet shows details on materials

Myth 1: Concept art is all about finished, polished illustrations

In truth, most concept art created for production is not meant to be portfolio-perfect. It needs to be fast, clear, and functional. Concept artists provide visual solutions, not showcase pieces. That means quick sketches, shape exploration, material callouts, and notes that help the rest of the team understand and build from the idea. The best concept art communicates effectively, not just looks pretty.

Myth 2: Concept artists work alone, in creative isolation

The romantic idea of the lone artist dreaming up entire worlds rarely applies. In reality, concept artists work closely with art directors, 3D artists, game designers, and other departments. Communication, adaptability, and collaboration are key. Most of the job is about supporting a shared vision, not pursuing personal artistic expression.

Myth 3: You have to be a master painter to be a concept artist

While strong fundamentals in drawing and design are crucial, you don’t need to paint like a classical master. A good concept artist knows how to solve problems visually, use references effectively, and prioritise readability and intent over rendering. Design thinking often matters more than polish.

Myth 4: Concept art is the same as illustration

This one comes up a lot. Illustration is often about creating a final, standalone image. Concept art is part of a larger process. It’s functional, iterative, and disposable. While both fields share some overlap in skills, their purposes and workflows are very different. Concept art serves production.

Myth 5: Concept art is all fun and creativity

Of course there’s creative freedom, but concept art also involves a lot of structure, technical constraints, and problem solving. You often work under pressure, with tight deadlines and feedback loops. Sometimes your favourite design gets cut. Sometimes you draw the same object ten different ways. It’s rewarding work, but it’s also a job.

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Prop Concept Art Sheet - Breakaway - Amazon Games - Simon Loche and GFactory

Understanding the reality of concept art helps both aspiring artists and curious outsiders appreciate the depth of the discipline. It’s not just art,  it’s design, communication, and collaboration in motion. Debunking these myths brings us closer to seeing concept artists for what they really are: visual problem solvers working at the heart of production.

#ConceptArt #GameArt #ArtIndustry #VisualDevelopment #DigitalArt #ArtCareer #ConceptArtistLife #ArtEducation #CreativeProcess #SketchbookWork #SimonLocheArt

Power Outage in Spain: What’s in Your Artist Survival Kit?

 

Yesterday, all across parts of Spain, there was a massive power outage. No lights, no internet, no screens, and certainly no Photoshop.

It got me thinking… we often talk about survival kits, flashlights, water, battery packs, but what about an artist’s survival kit? What would you need to keep creating without electricity, without tablets, and without digital tools? I rely personally a lot on new technology, and I often need to force myself to reconnect to traditional tools.

Are we still artists if our creativity depends entirely on specific tools, or does artistry stop where our tools can no longer carry us?

Let’s face it, we’ve ALL become a bit too dependent on chargers and undo buttons.

SO... here’s a fun little list of what I’d pack in my offline, post-apocalyptic, no-WiFi, artist survival kit:

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1. Pencils. Lots of them.

Not one mechanical pencil that runs out of lead in five minutes. I’m talking real, solid graphite. 2B, 4B, 6B, and a lot of colored pencils, give me a full range, and I’m good. Bonus points for a pencil sharpener you don’t need a USB port for.

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2. Pens (because ink forgives nothing)

Microns, brush pens, and a good old fountain pen if you’re feeling fancy. Ink sketching without Ctrl+Z is a humbling experience, but that’s what makes it worth doing.

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3. A Sketchbook That Can Take a Beating

One that doesn’t fall apart in the rain and doesn’t smudge every time your wrist touches the page. Spiral, hardcover, softcover, it doesn’t matter as long as you like the paper and it’s ready when inspiration (or boredom) strikes.

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4. A Compact Gouache or Watercolor Set

If you’ve ever painted by candlelight, you know it’s both magical and mildly impractical. But having a tiny travel gouache or watercolor kit and a brush with a refillable water tank? Game changer.

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5. A Brush Pen or Two (because they do everything)

Sketch, ink, shade, paint, and brush pens are the multitool of the traditional art world. Add a few to your kit and you’re ready for pretty much anything.

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6. A Lantern or Headlamp

Because, as romantic as it sounds, drawing in total darkness is less inspiring than you’d think.

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7. Imagination (doesn’t need a power source)

The truth is, being “offline” can be a gift. No distractions. No scrolling. Just you, your tools, and your ideas. That’s a creative reset we all need once in a while.

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A picture of a random page in my sketchbook.

The blackout might have been annoying (okay, it was annoying), but it was also a good reminder: you don’t need fancy software or a digital setup to make art. Just some basic tools and a brain that likes to ask “what if?”

So next time the lights go out, maybe don’t panic. Maybe open a sketchbook instead.

You never know, your best idea might show up when the WiFi doesn’t.

But here’s the real takeaway: don’t wait for a power outage to unplug.

There’s something grounding about returning to traditional tools now and then. No layers. No shortcuts. No infinite undos. Just you, the page, and the marks you choose to make.

Even in a digital world, it’s worth reminding ourselves that creativity doesn’t depend on electricity. Reconnecting with traditional media sharpens your instincts, clears your head, and reminds you why you started drawing in the first place.

So next time the lights go out, maybe don’t panic. Maybe open a sketchbook instead.

You never know... your best ideas might show up when the WiFi doesn’t.

#AnalogArt #ArtSurvivalKit #NoPowerNoProblem #SketchbookLife #SpainPowerOutage #ApagonEspaña #SimonLocheArt

My New Portfolio Is Now Online . A Fresh Look at My Work

After some long-overdue reorganizing and curation, I’m pleased to share that my updated online portfolio is now live.

This new version presents a more focused selection of my work across various areas, including concept art, digital painting, character design, and visual development for games. It includes both professional projects and personal explorations, highlighting not just the finished results but also the thinking and decision-making that shaped them.

I’ve designed the site to be clean and easy to navigate, with sections organized by discipline to make browsing more straightforward, whether you’re interested in art direction, stylized design, or technique-driven studies.

This update is also part of a broader effort to share more consistently, process insights, behind-the-scenes sketches, and ongoing work that doesn’t always make it into final projects. And as always, this blog will remain a space where I’ll share other types of explorations, experiments, thoughts, and work-in-progress that may not fit neatly into portfolio categories.

If you’re curious to take a look or just want to see what I’ve been working on, the new portfolio is here:

📁 Click here to see my Portfolio

Feedback, questions, or conversations are always welcome. Thanks for stopping by.

#PortfolioUpdate #ConceptArt #DigitalPainting #GameArt #ArtDirection #BehindTheCanvas

Candy Solitaire Launches February 6th!

The cat is out of the bag! I’m thrilled to share that Candy Solitaire is officially launching on February 6th. Huge congratulations to the incredible team at New Games (proud to work in this department) for all their hard work in bringing a fun, vibrant twist to a time-tested classic.

This game is a celebration of creativity, combining the charm of a beloved format with a bold, colorful new look. If you enjoy clever challenges and bright, feel-good design, you won’t want to miss it.

Mark your calendars, this one is going to be sweet.

Trailer:

#CandySolitaire #GameLaunch #ComingSoon #NewGames

New Year’s Resolution: Reorganizing the Studio for a Creative 2025

As the year winds down, I decided to take some time to reorganise my studio space. It’s something I’d been putting off for a while, but it felt like the right moment to reset and prepare for what’s ahead.

The goal was simple: to create a more comfortable, functional environment that supports my workflow and encourages me to make even more art in 2025. I cleared out unused materials, rearranged some furniture, and tried to open up the space both physically and mentally.

There’s still plenty to improve, especially when it comes to my digital art station. My current table and chair setup is... let’s just say "less than ergonomic." That’s going to be the next big upgrade. 

Still, even with a few pieces of the puzzle left to finish, the space already feels different. Hopefully, this fresh start will help fuel new ideas.

#ArtStudio #NewYearsResolution #CreativeWorkspace #StudioReorganization #DigitalArtSetup #SimonLocheArt #ArtistLife

19th-Century Inspiration: The Spanish Artists Who Shaped My Creativity

I’ve always been fascinated by 19th-century artists, especially those working in the latter half of the century, during a time of dramatic societal, cultural, and artistic change. This was the period that bridged the traditional with the modern, and many of the ideas, techniques, and movements born then still echo in the work we do today.

As a French artist, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the French artistic landscape of that era. France was the epicenter of innovation, from academic painting to the birth of Impressionism and beyond. It was a time of experimentation, rebellion, and redefining beauty.

But after living in Spain for over 15 years, I’ve come to appreciate another side of that history: the powerful, distinct contributions of Spanish artists from the same era. Their approach to light, portraiture, and everyday life carries an expressive honesty that resonates with me deeply.

It’s difficult to choose which artists have influenced me the most, but if I had to name three who have had a lasting impact on my work and artistic perspective, it would be:

• Joaquín Sorolla — for his extraordinary handling of light and movement, especially in outdoor scenes.

• Ramon Casas — for his expressive linework, elegance, and understanding of character.

• Aureliano de Beruete — for his ability to capture landscapes with emotional depth and subtle atmosphere.

These artists have reminded me to look beyond the surface, to embrace immediacy and gesture, and to ground technical skill in lived experience and light.

What about you? Which artists, from the 19th century or beyond, have left a mark on your creative path?

#ArtHistory #19thCenturyArt #Sorolla #RamonCasas #AurelianoDeBeruete #ArtistInspiration #SimonLocheArt

Evo Gaming Podcast #183 – Talking About The Art of Art Management

Evo Gaming #183 – The Art of Art Management

I recently had the opportunity to join the Evo Gaming Podcast (Episode #183) to talk about a subject that's both incredibly close to my day-to-day and often overlooked in the wider conversation about game development: art management.

In this episode, titled "The Art of Art Management," we discussed what it really means to lead, structure, and support an art team in a production environment. From balancing creative vision with technical realities to building team culture, reviewing work, and communicating across departments, we explored how much goes into making a game beyond just the art itself.

It was a real pleasure to share thoughts on topics like:

• The transition from artist to art director

• How to give and receive feedback without crushing creativity

• The importance of clarity and consistency in communication

• Managing time, morale, and momentum on long projects

A big thank-you to the Evo Gaming crew for having me on. If you’re an artist, art lead, or just curious about the inner workings of visual development in games, I think you’ll find something useful in the conversation.

🎧 Listen here: Evo Gaming Podcast #183 – The Art of Art Management

#GameArt #ArtDirection #ArtManagement #GameDevelopment #EvoGamingPodcast #SimonLocheArt

Instagram!

If you're enjoying my blog content, you'll love what's happening over on my Instagram.

Join me there for behind-the-scenes moments, daily inspiration, and more. Let's connect on Instagram too! Find me at instagram.com/simonlocheart.
See you there! 👋😄

Reflecting on History and the Present: Women in Art and Concept Design

As artists, we often draw inspiration from the past, from the masters, the movements, and the milestones that shaped the way we see and create. But one aspect of art history that deserves more visibility is the profound contribution of women artists whose stories have too often been overlooked, dismissed, or buried under the names of their male counterparts.

Throughout history, women have made extraordinary contributions to the visual arts, often against immense cultural and institutional resistance. From Artemisia Gentileschi, who painted with power and boldness in the male-dominated world of Baroque painting, to Berthe Morisot, one of the founding figures of Impressionism, or even Camille Claudel and her inspiring sculptural work, women have shaped the narrative of art even when they were not always allowed to sign it.

Many women had to work under male aliases, were denied entry to academies, or had their work attributed to others. Still, they created in private studios, in quiet corners of their homes, and, when they could, on the walls of institutions that rarely recognized them. Their persistence is not only a testament to individual talent but also to the power of art to endure beyond barriers.

Reflecting on their stories invites us to look at the history of art with a fuller perspective, one that includes the nuanced, complex, and deeply human experiences of women artists throughout time. It’s also a reminder for us today: whose voices are we amplifying? Whose work are we remembering, collecting, and celebrating?

In recognizing and sharing these stories, we don’t just correct the record, we enrich the narrative of what art has been and what it can become. And as artists, educators, or simply art lovers, we have a part to play in that.

Art from Claire Wendling

Today, we are fortunate to see many extraordinary women thriving in the field of concept art, bringing unique perspectives and visual storytelling to the entertainment industry. 

Artists like Claire Hummel, known for her historical character designs, Karla Ortiz for her powerful and emotionally resonant character and narrative work, and Claire Wendling, a former comic book artist whose expressive and fluid drawing style continues to inspire artists worldwide, are just a few leading examples.

Others, such as Angela Sung, known for her distinctive approach to environment design and color, and Lauren D. Austin, whose work across games and visual development has set a high standard for mood, composition, and storytelling, continue to raise the bar for what is possible in visual development.

These women are not only pushing boundaries with their work, but they are also actively shaping the next generation of artists through mentorship, visibility, and education.

Art from Angela Sung

More posts to come, highlighting individual women artists, their journeys, and their work, both past and present.

#WomenInArt #ConceptArt #FemaleConceptArtists #ArtHistory #FemaleArtists #RepresentationMatters #ArtEducation #ArtemisiaGentileschi #BertheMorisot #ArtBlog #VisualStorytelling #HiddenVoices #ArtNarratives #ArtWorld #InspiringArtists #SimonLocheArt

Joining Microsoft Xbox Activision Blizzard King – A New Creative Chapter

I’m excited to share a new and meaningful milestone in my professional journey: I’ve joined Microsoft Xbox Activision Blizzard King, where I’m now part of the New Games department, a space dedicated to developing the next generation of creative and innovative gaming experiences.

While I can’t reveal project details just yet, I can say that the work we’re doing is as exciting as it is ambitious. The opportunity to contribute to a team focused on pushing the boundaries of what games can be, both in terms of design and artistic vision, is something I’m incredibly proud of.

What makes this experience even more rewarding is the chance to collaborate with incredibly talented individuals across disciplines. Being surrounded by passionate creatives who challenge and inspire one another every day is both a privilege and a powerful motivator.

This new role allows me to apply everything I’ve learned over the years while continuing to evolve as an artist, leader, and creator. It’s a chance to grow, to experiment, and to help shape experiences that are emotionally rich, visually striking, and deeply engaging.

There’s a lot more to come, and I can’t wait to share more when the time is right.

Stay tuned!

#GameArt #MicrosoftXbox #ABK #GameDevelopment #CreativeLeadership #NewGames #BehindTheCanvas

Video Games Industry: How to Get Hired as a Concept Artist

Breaking into the video game industry as a concept artist can feel overwhelming. With so many talented individuals competing for the same roles, it’s important to understand what studios are actually looking for and how to stand out in a competitive field. Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your approach, here are key strategies to help you get hired.

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1. Build a Focused, Purposeful Portfolio
Your portfolio is your calling card. It should showcase your strongest work and demonstrate your understanding of visual storytelling, design thinking, and functionality within a game pipeline. Tailor your portfolio to the role you're applying for: if it's an environment concept art position, focus on environments. Include callouts, sketches, design iterations, and process, not just polished illustrations.

2. Study the Studios You Want to Work For
Every studio has a style, tone, and design philosophy. Spend time analyzing the art direction of the games they create and build personal projects that align with their visual language. This shows that you understand their needs and are ready to contribute.

3. Develop Strong Fundamentals
A strong grasp of anatomy, perspective, light, color, and composition is non-negotiable. These are the foundation of all great concept art. Continue practicing regularly, even outside of your portfolio pieces. Lifelong learning is key.

4. Understand the Production Pipeline
Concept art is not just about beautiful images; it’s about communicating ideas clearly to 3D artists, designers, and animators. Show that you can think like a designer and solve visual problems. Awareness of game engines, asset modularity, and practical constraints can make you much more valuable.

5. Network and Get Your Work Seen
Share your art consistently on platforms like ArtStation, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join Discord groups, online communities, and forums where game artists gather. Attend industry events, online workshops, or portfolio reviews. Opportunities often come from visibility and connection.

6. Stay Professional and Prepared
Have a resume and a short, clear introduction about yourself. Be ready to explain your process, how you take feedback, and what you love about game development. Studios are hiring a team member, not just a skill set.

7. Stay Resilient and Keep Evolving
Rejection is part of the journey. Keep improving, stay adaptable, and be honest about where your weaknesses are. Each piece you create and each application you send is a step closer to your goal.

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Hiring a concept artist in the game industry is about more than talent. It’s about mindset, discipline, and clarity. Focus on what you can control, your portfolio, your fundamentals, and your visibility, and you’ll be well on your way.

#ConceptArtCareer #GameIndustryTips #HowToGetHired #PortfolioAdvice #VisualDevelopment #SimonLocheArt

Talking Tom Sky Run – Concept Art and Building a New Vision

Back in 2019, I had the opportunity to join Outfit7 to help establish a brand-new studio in Barcelona. One of the key projects I worked on during that time was Talking Tom Sky Run, a fresh take on the globally popular My Talking Tom IP.

The challenge was clear: innovate.

Rather than following the established formula of classic runner games, the goal was to reimagine the experience, offering players something freer, more dynamic, and distinctly different. Talking Tom Sky Run introduced a flying-plane runner concept, something that broke away from traditional linear gameplay and opened up new possibilities for movement, style, and world-building. 

Although my time at Outfit7 was relatively brief, the project was an exciting and rewarding challenge. Beyond the gameplay innovation, it was also about building a new team, aligning creative directions, and setting the visual foundation for a fresh branch of an already successful franchise. Being part of the early stages of something new, helping shape it from the ground up, remains one of the most memorable highlights of my career.

Throughout the project, I worked on multiple concept pieces to flesh out the look and tone of the game. From early environment ideas to mood explorations and gameplay visualization, each concept was aimed at supporting a vision that felt both familiar to fans and fresh enough to stand out.

Sharing here several of those concepts to give a deeper look into the visual development work behind the scenes.

#GameArt #ConceptArt #TalkingTomSkyRun #Outfit7 #VisualDevelopment #SimonLocheArt

Why Every Game Needs a Strong Artistic Vision: Lessons Learned

After working on multiple game projects over the years, one truth stands out more than most: a clear and consistent artistic vision can make or break a game. It doesn’t just influence how a game looks, it shapes how it feels, how the team works, and how players connect to the world you've built.

Does it mean you need to have a fully-formed artistic vision from day one? Not necessarily. Artistic direction can evolve collaboratively throughout the concept, prototype, and pre-production phases. The earlier you involve your art team in shaping the vision, the stronger the shared understanding will be. This process not only builds trust but also fosters alignment and ownership, turning your team into active champions of the visual identity.

Here are a few key lessons I've learned about why artistic vision matters and what happens when it's either missing or misaligned.

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1. Vision Brings Unity

A strong artistic vision creates consistency across all departments, from concept art and 3D modeling to animation and UI. It acts as a shared compass that helps artists and designers make decisions independently while staying on track. When a game lacks a clear visual identity, the result is often a patchwork of styles, tones, and references that feel disconnected.

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2. Vision Speeds Up Production

Paradoxically, clear constraints breed creativity. A strong artistic direction gives the team guardrails: what shapes to use, what colors define the mood, what rules to follow (and occasionally break). This reduces indecision, shortens feedback loops, and minimizes costly revisions.

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3. Vision Builds Trust and Buy-In

When the art direction is strong and well-communicated, the team gets behind it. They start contributing with confidence, amplifying the vision rather than questioning it. Artists become advocates, and their work carries more intention. It turns a top-down mandate into a shared creative mission.

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4. Vision Resonates with Players

Visual consistency isn't just aesthetic, it's emotional. Players remember the mood, the atmosphere, the tone of a world. A cohesive art direction is part of how a game becomes memorable. Think of the warm melancholy of Journey, the raw painterly boldness of Hades, or the stark graphic world of Inside. None of those games happened by accident.

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5. Vision Requires Leadership and Flexibility

Great artistic vision doesn’t mean rigid control. It means leading with clarity, then allowing flexibility within the framework. Sometimes, a team member brings in a fresh take that pushes the direction further. The best visions are strong enough to guide, but open enough to evolve.

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6. Vision Outlasts Trends

Relying solely on the latest rendering tech or visual gimmicks can give a game a short-term edge, but it rarely holds up over time. The games we return to, the ones that feel timeless, are those grounded in strong artistic direction, not trendy effects. Visual identity should come first; technology should serve it, not define it.

A well-considered art direction can give even technically modest games a lasting presence. It’s not about chasing realism, it’s about making your world feel cohesive, expressive, and intentional.

Concept Art and Mood Boards for a game that was unfortunately cancelled.

Gear evolution of the main character

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Final Thoughts

Without a shared artistic vision, teams drift. With one, they align, amplify, and elevate. A strong visual foundation doesn’t just improve the art; it supports storytelling, production, player experience, and team morale.

If you're leading or contributing to a game project, don’t treat art direction as a side topic. It’s not just decoration, it’s the language of your world.

#GameArt #ArtDirection #VisualDevelopment #CreativeLeadership #GameDesign #SimonLocheArt

Joining Space Ape Games – A New Adventure in London

 

I’m excited to share that I’ve recently joined Space Ape Games in London as Studio Art Director for the Visual Development department.

After several years working across different studios and projects, the opportunity to be part of a team like Space Ape, known for its energy, creative spirit, and ambition, felt like the perfect next step.

In my new role, I’ll be focusing on building and leading the Visual Development department, helping to define the artistic vision across new projects while supporting the incredible teams already in place. It’s an exciting challenge, combining hands-on creative work with mentorship and long-term art direction.

One of the things that drew me to Space Ape was the studio’s commitment to innovation and its approach to empowering small, focused teams to create high-quality, original games. Being part of that kind of environment, where new ideas are encouraged and creative risks are supported, is exactly what I was looking for.

Relocating to London has been a big change, but it’s been a good one. The city’s energy, its art scene, and the collaborative spirit at Space Ape make it an inspiring place to be.

I’m looking forward to this new chapter and to sharing more as our projects take shape.

Exciting times ahead.

#SpaceApeGames #ArtDirection #VisualDevelopment #NewBeginnings #SimonLocheArt

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New Beginnings – Joining Amazon Game Studios as Art Director

 

March 2015 marks an exciting new chapter for me.

I’m proud to announce that I’ve joined Amazon Game Studios as an Art Director.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects across different areas of the entertainment industr, —from video games to animation and illustration. Each experience has been rewarding in its own way, but the chance to be part of a new venture like Amazon Game Studios felt too good to pass up.

Amazon’s ambition to build something fresh and bold in the gaming world is truly inspiring. There’s a strong focus here on innovation, quality, and player experience, and being able to help shape that vision from an early stage is a challenge I’m excited to take on.

My role as Art Director will involve helping define the visual identity of new projects, building and mentoring art teams, and ensuring that the creative goals stay tightly aligned with the gameplay experience. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s exactly the kind of work that keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do.

Los Angeles is now my new home, and the energy at the studio is contagious. There’s a sense of possibility here that reminds me why I chose this career in the first place.

I’ll share more when I can, but for now, I’m just excited to be on board and ready to tackle the road ahead.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.

Stay tuned, great things are coming.

#AmazonGameStudios #ArtDirection #NewAdventure #SimonLocheArt

21 DRAW - Excited to Be Part of This Upcoming Character Design Book

This is an incredible upcoming book focused on character design, featuring work from some of the most talented artists in the entertainment and gaming industry.

Artists from Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, Rockstar Games, Marvel, DC Comics, Capcom, and more are all represented in one volume—and I’m truly honoured to be part of it.

The book includes contributions from Kim Jung Gi, Ariel Olivetti, Artgerm, Tom Bancroft, Mathieu Reynès, Otto Schmidt, Andrei Riabovitchev, Jeff Merghart, Alice X. Zhang, Enrique Fernandez, Gerardo Sandoval, El Guuuunto, and many others… myself included.

If you’re passionate about visual storytelling, character design, or just want to see an inspiring collection of artistic talent in one place, this is a book you won’t want to miss.

More details soon. Stay tuned.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/21-draw#home

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
Currently spending some great time in New York, I'll be back soon with new drawings, concepts, and tutorials. 

Stay Tuned!