How to create emotionally impactful environment concept art for video games

May 14, 2025, 1 PM PST

In this session, Cecil will guide you through techniques to establish an emotional connection with your audience through your artwork.

He will demonstrate how to incorporate narrative elements using composition and gestures, and how lighting and atmosphere can enhance visual storytelling in each piece.

A goal is to create artwork that resonates emotionally with your audience, fostering a deeper connection and engagement.

Cecil Kim Bio:

At 18, Cecil moved from South Korea to the United States. While pursuing an Illustration degree at Art Center, he discovered his passion for designing vast, immersive environments. This passion led him to work on iconic titles such as Final Fantasy IX and the God of War series. His exceptional work on God of War 3 earned him a BAFTA for Best Art Direction in 2011. Beyond his creative projects, Cecil teaches at Art Center College of Design and serves on the program advisory committee at Gnomon. Since 2019, he has focused on making a meaningful impact as Studio Art Director at thatgamecompany. He believes that games like Sky : Children of the light have the power to bring people together and inspire empathy, and he is also dedicated to mentoring his students and colleagues to create impactful, purposeful interactive experiences in the gaming industry.