Kaitlyn Concept Art 2023

"Filly's Funhouse" is the passion project I was lucky enough to call homework throughout Fall of 2022. I wanted to create characters that could be used for game animation in a style that combines 2D and 3D.

Filly's Funhouse is a point-and-click adventure game about a young human girl, Filly, and her cartoon caretaker, Starbright. The two star on an in-universe children's edutainment television program. When the network decides to prematurely pull the plug the two escape into the Toon Vault, the basement of the studio which serves as a living space for toons when they’re not on the clock.

However the two are soon separated, leaving Filly to navigate the vast cartoon landscape on her own. Just when all hope seems lost, she runs into Moonlight, the jaded former co-star to Starbright whom she replaced. Together, the three of them must reunite and find a way to escape together.

The project is a whimsical romp through a colorful world of cartoon fantasy with a satirical bite. It is also an exploration of the effects of late capitalism on the entertainment industry, specifically children's entertainment. It reflects on the commodification of creativity, as well as the dualing values of freedom and security in the face of despair.

Inspired by the likes of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and the "Pajama Sam" trilogy, the game's visual style reflects this. Vibrant characters pop out against deep and dimly-lit backgrounds. Deliberate but sparse swathes of flickering electrical light cut through both the human and toon worlds.

In my first steps towards bringing the project to life, I have begun learning 2D animation. Seeing my characters in motion for the first time was incredibly exciting for me.

I also contributed character design and animation to the Academy of Art University's Collaborative Project game "Brawler." As the name suggests, the game is a side-scrolling brawler in the style of Streets of Rage 4. It was showcased at the Game Developer's Conference in 2023, where it made a big splash.

The game revolves around two sisters carrying out a heist against a rival gang's night club. My enemy designs are employees of the club: a pair of stone-cold bouncers and a DJ with a light-up mask.

The project was my first foray into 2D animation. While my contributions relied heavily on referencing animation from Streets of Rage 4, I found the design process to be quite rewarding. This project is what pushed me to pursue learning 2D animation so that I could continue working on the types of games I love.

In my final semester I wanted to try something stylistically unique from the other projects in my portfolio. Monster Manor is a management sim centered around rebuilding the titular manor to regain its spooky residents. Players gather or barter for resources to craft new items and repair old ones.

The story follows Candlyn and Huckle, two lonely monsters brought together by chance. Follow their journey of friendship and personal growth as they build up not only the community they love, but also each other.