I worked as concept artist and contributed heavily to the art direction of Shogun 2. Total War is the most respected brand in the PC strategy market an it was thus a huge honour to have such a prominent design role on this project.
Shogun 2 took over two years from high concept/blue sky stuff down to the final details. As well as producing hundreds of illustrations guiding the design of the map and 3D assets I also Made a large selection of the UI assets.
All of the work had to be a convincing imitation of Ukiyo-e prints and silk paintings. I spent a lot of tim edeveloping techniques to digitally simulate natural materials. I also studied the style intensively so I could capture an authentic feeling
All of these images are copyright of SEGA and are not to be re-published without prior permission
All of these images are copyright of SEGA and are not to be re-published without prior permission
Pre-visualisation and concept work
Several month were spent working out look and feel. learning techniques and studying Japanese artiscic heritage.
Event Illustrations
Silk Painting Style
This was the hardest thing to develope a technique for creating in Photoshop. In the end a complex collection of layers and brushes created a convincing effect
UI Elements
Assets for unit cards, skills, maps and more. in Excess of 300 items
I also Illustrated the in game map and played a decicive role in the design of it.
Art book
Some of the images were also printed in the special edition art book.
Testemonial
“Roland is an incredibly insightful and skilled artist and art director. It has been a pleasure and awe-inspiring to work with him on Shogun 2 at the Creative Assembly. Roland’s illustrations for Shogun 2 are perhaps the most outstanding single artistic achievement during the 10+ years of development of the brand. Kudos.”
— Kevin McDowell Lead Artist (Total War Brand)
