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This is my

EVOLUTION

Every great level starts with a vision, evolves through iteration, and comes alive through refinement

Original Ethyrial Library New Ethyrial Library
Early Tools & Manual Workflow Improved Tools & Efficient Pipeline

Drag the slider above to see how my approach to level design has evolved through better tools, refined workflows, and deeper understanding of environmental storytelling.

My Level Design Approach

1

Conceptualization

Every environment begins with understanding the player's journey and the story we want to tell through space.

2

Iteration

Through constant refinement and testing, layouts evolve from functional spaces to memorable experiences.

3

Refinement

Polish comes through attention to detail, lighting, and environmental storytelling elements.

4

Player Experience

The final test: does the space guide players naturally while rewarding curiosity and exploration?

The Journey Through Ethyrial

Chapter 1: Starting Journey

My first attempt at creating a welcoming fishing village that could teach new players the ropes without overwhelming them

Harbor view of Seaholm in Ethyrial Updated harbor view of Seaholm in Ethyrial
Original Version Enhanced Version

Ethyrial Seaholm - Harbor View

Alternative view of the coastal town showing the harbor area.

Town center of Seaholm in Ethyrial Updated town center of Seaholm in Ethyrial
Original Version Enhanced Version

Ethyrial Seaholm - Town Center

Central area of Seaholm showing community gathering spaces.


Chapter 2: Mountain Exploration

Where I fell in love with vertical level design and learned to balance 125 levels of caves without losing players

Deep cave systems in Ethyrial Mountain Updated deep cave systems in Ethyrial Mountain
Original Version Enhanced Version

Ethyrial Mountain - Deep Caves

Deeper cave systems within the mountain complex.

Summit approach of Ethyrial Mountain Updated summit approach of Ethyrial Mountain
Original Version Enhanced Version

Ethyrial Mountain - Summit Approach

Higher elevation areas of the mountain with scenic vistas.


Chapter 3: Forest Adventures

Experimenting with how the same assets can create completely different emotional experiences through clever placement

Ancient grove in Farwood, Ethyrial Updated ancient grove in Farwood, Ethyrial
Original Version Enhanced Version

Ethyrial Farwood - Ancient Grove

Ancient grove section of Farwood with mystical elements.


Chapter 4: Knowledge & Discovery

The project that taught me to advocate for better tools after placing thousands of books by hand

Library environment in Ethyrial Updated library environment in Ethyrial
Original Version Enhanced Version

Ethyrial Library

Atmospheric library design from Ethyrial.


Chapter 5: Dangerous Encounters

Learning to outsmart players with environmental storytelling and clever spatial layouts

Spider environment in Ethyrial

Ethyrial Spider Environment

Spider environment in Ethyrial.

Environment Art

Chapter 6: Tropical Paradise

Taking players on a journey through different biomes while researching Greek architecture and 1400s harbor design

Tropical island environment in Ethyrial Updated tropical island environment in Ethyrial
Original Version Enhanced Version

Ethyrial Tropical Island

Lush tropical island environment.


Chapter 7: World Overview

Pixel-perfect world mapping that fits our retro aesthetic while hiding biomes just outside the player's field of view

Map of the Solitary Isles in Ethyrial

Solitary Isles Map

Strategic map layout for the Solitary Isles.

Level Design

Technical Growth & Workflow Evolution

Tool Mastery

"From placing books individually to creating efficient workflows"

Learning to work smarter, not harder, through better tool utilization and custom solutions.

Scale Understanding

"125 levels up and 125 down - incredible freedom in a tile-based world"

Mastering the balance between technical constraints and creative vision.

Storytelling Through Space

"Every environment tells a story without words"

Developing the ability to convey narrative and emotion through environmental design.

Ready to Collaborate?

This portfolio showcases not just my work, but my growth as a designer. I'm always excited to bring this iterative, player-focused approach to new projects.