top of page

(Human) Art and design inspiration for indie game developers #1


1. Katsushika Hokusai


Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese artist and printmaker who lived from 1760 to 1849. He is best known for his series of prints called Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, which features dramatic landscapes and striking compositions. Hokusai's work is characterized by its bold lines, vivid colors, and attention to detail.

Indie game developers can draw inspiration from Hokusai's use of color and composition. Hokusai's prints often feature a limited color palette, but he was able to create striking images by using contrasting colors and bold lines. Indie game developers can use Hokusai's techniques to create visually striking game art and design.


2. Joan Miró


Joan Miró was a Spanish painter and sculptor who lived from 1893 to 1983. His work is characterized by its playful and whimsical style, which features bold colors, organic shapes, and surreal imagery. Miró's work is often associated with the Surrealist movement, which sought to explore the unconscious mind.

Indie game developers can draw inspiration from Miró's playful style and use of color. Miró's art often features bright colors and organic shapes that can be used to create unique and engaging game art and design. His surreal imagery can also be a source of inspiration for game narratives and world-building.


3. Eyvind Earle


Eyvind Earle was an American artist and illustrator who lived from 1916 to 2000. He is best known for his work on Disney's Sleeping Beauty, where he was the art director and created the film's distinctive style. Earle's work is characterized by its use of bold shapes, intricate patterns, and vivid colors.

Indie game developers can draw inspiration from Earle's use of shapes and patterns. Earle's work often features intricate patterns and bold shapes that can be used to create visually striking game art and design. His use of color can also be a source of inspiration for game developers looking to create distinctive and memorable game worlds.


4. MC Escher


MC Escher was a Dutch artist and printmaker who lived from 1898 to 1972. His work is characterized by its use of optical illusions and impossible geometry, which creates mind-bending and visually stunning images. Escher's work has been a source of inspiration for artists and designers in many fields, including graphic design, architecture, and game development.

Indie game developers can draw inspiration from Escher's use of optical illusions and impossible geometry. Escher's art often features geometric patterns and shapes that create illusions of depth and movement. Indie game developers can use Escher's techniques to create unique and engaging game art and design that challenges players' perceptions and expectations.


5. Shigeru Miyamoto


Shigeru Miyamoto is a Japanese video game designer and producer who is best known for creating some of the most iconic games of all time, including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. Miyamoto's work is characterized by its whimsical and imaginative style, which features colorful characters, inventive game mechanics, and engaging narratives.

Indie game developers can draw inspiration from Miyamoto's approach to game design. Miyamoto's games are known for their unique and engaging art and design, which helps to create immersive and memorable game.


6. Takashi Murakami


Takashi Murakami is a Japanese contemporary artist who is known for his vibrant and playful art that blends traditional Japanese motifs with pop culture imagery. His work often features cartoon-like characters, bright colors, and complex patterns.

Indie game developers can draw inspiration from Murakami's use of color, pattern, and playful imagery. Murakami's work can provide ideas for creating visually striking and whimsical game art and design that engages players.


7. Remedios Varo


Remedios Varo was a Spanish-Mexican surrealist artist who lived from 1908 to 1963. Her work is characterized by its dreamlike and fantastical quality, which often features intricate details, mystical symbols, and whimsical creatures.

Indie game developers can draw inspiration from Varo's surreal and imaginative art. Her work can provide ideas for creating fantastical game worlds and characters that are visually rich and engaging.


8. James Jean


James Jean is a Taiwanese-American artist and illustrator who is known for his intricate and detailed artwork. His work often features intricate line work, rich textures, and a mix of traditional and digital techniques.

Indie game developers can draw inspiration from Jean's attention to detail and his use of both traditional and digital techniques. His work can provide ideas for creating visually complex and immersive game art and design.


9. Yayoi Kusama


Yayoi Kusama is a Japanese contemporary artist who is known for her bright and playful polka dot patterns and installations. Her work often features repeating patterns, vibrant colors, and a sense of whimsy.

Indie game developers can draw inspiration from Kusama's use of repetition, pattern, and color. Her work can provide ideas for creating visually engaging game art and design that is both playful and sophisticated.


10. Yoshitaka Amano


Yoshitaka Amano is a Japanese artist and illustrator who is known for his work on the Final Fantasy series of video games. His art often features intricate line work, detailed characters, and a mix of Eastern and Western influences.

Indie game developers can draw inspiration from Amano's detailed and imaginative art. His work can provide ideas for creating visually stunning game characters, environments, and narratives that are both rich in detail and evocative.

Comments


bottom of page