AJ Rivas
Aspiring game maker with experience in game art and design from Los Angeles, CaliforniaArt and Design: Games and Playable Media student attending University of California - Santa Cruz[email protected] 📧
(323)697-0514 📱
Gala Mechanica
As producer and lead artist, I organized our team using Trello and Discord, dividing the timeline into two sprints to stay focused and on schedule. I encouraged open feedback among the artists and ensured everyone had meaningful tasks. I also led the design and animation of the main character, setting keyframes and style guidelines for a cohesive visual direction.For the main character, I aimed to create a powerful yet approachable hero, inspired by classic mecha like Gundam and Evangelion. Working in pixel art with Aseprite, I balanced intricate design with a nostalgic look, aligning with Bryant’s vision of a Japanese-inspired mecha fighting game in a retro style.
Ye Guild Clerk!
As the lead Pixel artist, I created all UI as well as the majority of pixel art items seen in-game. I would provide the other pixel artists with explanations of what we need to keep a cohesive style and feedback on whatever they created. I also contributed to the general game design, offering critiques with specific solutions. I urged my team to create an experience with more intertwined mechanics.This project was a challenge for me because I did not assist in forming the initial game idea, which is something that usually helps me understand the overall vision and aesthetic clearly. However, I overcame this small obstacle and created pixel art sprites that I think fit nicely into a fantasy vibe.
She'll Come Back
Play as a young girl named Agnes who is in search of her mother after a doomsday blizzard. Players explore the icy world and encounter interesting characters along the way.This game is part of a greater concept I have been working on with friends for a very long time. "She'll Come Back" is basically a prototype I worked on to help test out and solidify my vision for the future.
Woeful Workaholic
You're stuck in a time loop of a 9 to 5 office job. Complete mundane tasks before the time is up and the day repeats itself.Although this game is technically an "anti-work" statement, I ended up becoming a workaholic while making it. I made this game with a group for a weekend-long game jam and I learned a lot about communication from the experience.
Shork Tank
Shork Tank is a fast-paced, action-packed game where you play as a rampaging shark, evading bullet attacks from seahorses while devouring enemies to grow into your ultimate size. Created during a week-long game jam hosted by the GDA club, this game features retro-style pixel art and dynamic gameplay. I co-designed the game, created all pixel art and animations, and contributed to sound design, making it an immersive and chaotic underwater adventure.
Wizard Wobble
Play as a wizard who lost his tower keys and attempt the challenging do-it-yourself platformer! Players must place their own platforms and obstacles in order to make it to the top of the tower!This is the first game I ever finished while working with a group. Looking back at this game inspires me because I can tell I have improved my artistic skills at least a little bit since I began. I am excited to get even better!