The Project

This game is an exploration game created as an extension of the San Diego Zoo Junior Scouts, an education program by the San Diego Parks Commission aimed at wildlife education and conservation!

In this game, kids are invited to explore an ecosystem via virtual dolls that interact with each other and their environment. The purpose is to encourage exploration and interest in zoology and ecology in young children. This game is an extension of the San Diego Zoo Junior Explorers program. An education program by the San Diego Parks Commission aimed at wildlife education and conservation!

Meet the Team

  • Jacinda Castillo

    UX/ UI Designer

    raedoesarts.com

  • Tahirih Blevins-Maus

    Illustrator/ Art Director

Visual Direction

As this illustration system evolves and transforms, various style and content choices are thoughtfully made based on the game's needs, ensuring that every detail aligns with the tone and aesthetics the team agreed upon. We knew we wanted to stay away from styles that felt too corporate or that oversimplified the animals. We also wanted the backgrounds to be inciting and visually pleasing while still allowing the animals to stand out against it. As more

Loading Screen Sketch- We wanted a place to show off our cast of mascots, and I pitched this loading screen idea. This was during our style testing, so the style changed between the sketch and the final

Loading Screen Sketch- We wanted a place to show off our cast of mascots, and I pitched this loading screen idea. This was during our style testing, so the style changed between the sketch and the final

Play Screen Sketch- Made in the ideation phase

Play Screen Sketch- Made in the ideation phase

Initial Background Sketches

Initial Background Sketches

Animal Character Sketches- After style testing, I moved on to applying that style to the list of characters we agreed on. Once happy with the sketches, I moved on to outlines

Animal Character Sketches- After style testing, I moved on to applying that style to the list of characters we agreed on. Once happy with the sketches, I moved on to outlines

Title Card- This title card was built to be playful and eye-catching while still fitting within the game's limited branding (which is shares with the existing San Diego Zoo Jr Scouts Program. The typeface (Ponkinca) is unique to the game, chosen for

Title Card- This title card was built to be playful and eye-catching while still fitting within the game's limited branding (which is shares with the existing San Diego Zoo Jr Scouts Program. The typeface (Ponkinca) is unique to the game, chosen for its heavy weight and safari look

Play Background- This landscape serves as the backdrop for our game. When sketching, I knew I wanted to choose vibrant bright colors for the backgrounds to make the world feel alive and inviting. The outlines here are thinner than the outline on the

Play Background- This landscape serves as the backdrop for our game. When sketching, I knew I wanted to choose vibrant bright colors for the backgrounds to make the world feel alive and inviting. The outlines here are thinner than the outline on the animals so that the animals can still stand out against the background

Animals- These animals are the central focus of our game. I wanted to avoid simplifying them animals too much, while still being fun and dynamic. I decided on organic shapes and natural colors. I also wanted to give the animals distinct silhouettes s

Animals- These animals are the central focus of our game. I wanted to avoid simplifying them animals too much, while still being fun and dynamic. I decided on organic shapes and natural colors. I also wanted to give the animals distinct silhouettes so they could be told apart easily, even by younger children.

Scout Kid Sprite Expressions—Kid is our friendly scout guide and narrator. He plays a vital role in the Junior Scout experience. As such, we knew we wanted him to be visually present throughout the game. Rather than have one lone sprite, we gave him

Scout Kid Sprite Expressions—Kid is our friendly scout guide and narrator. He plays a vital role in the Junior Scout experience. As such, we knew we wanted him to be visually present throughout the game. Rather than have one lone sprite, we gave him 7 different expressions based on what the game script called for.

Miscellaneous Assets- Here are some smaller assets made to help assist users. Music notes to indicate sound, a helping hand to point out interactions, and a location marker to show players different levels.

Miscellaneous Assets- Here are some smaller assets made to help assist users. Music notes to indicate sound, a helping hand to point out interactions, and a location marker to show players different levels.

Objects- These objects are interactive elements similar to the animals. They serve the same purpose in gameplay and are drawn in the same style

Objects- These objects are interactive elements similar to the animals. They serve the same purpose in gameplay and are drawn in the same style

Map- A simple map showing various level locations.

Map- A simple map showing various level locations.

Final Version

Below is the final, polished version of the game. This is the exciting moment when the talented UX/UI Developer, Castillo, places all the previously created illustrations and assets into the game, bringing them to life in a vibrant and interactive environment.

Animated Loading Screen

Animated Loading Screen

Map/ Level Selection

Map/ Level Selection

Gameplay 1

Gameplay 1

Game Play 2

Game Play 2

Gameplay 3

Gameplay 3

Title Screen

Title Screen

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