This masterclass is uniquely structured to help you develop the most compelling graphics that will set your games apart from the rest. You will learn how to develop your imagination and artistic vision into real tangible outcomes from Ryan Grady, Illustrator and Concept Artist,

In this masterclass you will learn:

• Why Indie Games Stand Out Visually – Understand how indie games use unique and stylized aesthetics to differentiate from AAA titles, often leveraging creative freedom and resource limitations.
• Harnessing Art Principles for Impact – Explore how core visual elements (color, shape, contrast, composition, and texture) create emotional resonance and enhance game storytelling.
• Drawing Inspiration from Art History & Other Media – Learn how artistic movements, unique artists, traditional animation, comics, and film can shape a distinct game aesthetic.
• Developing & Refining Your Art Style – Discover how limitations (technical, budget, or team size) influence visual direction and learn strategies to develop a cohesive, memorable look.
• Practical Application: Moodboards & Mockups – Engage in hands-on activities, including creating a moodboard, defining a game’s visual identity, and building a screen mock-up to apply what you’ve learned.

With this masterclass, you will learn the practical top-level skills and secrets that can help you enhance the art style of your indie game from the hand of an industry expert!

Meet your professor:

Ryan E. Grady is an Illustrator and Concept Artist based in Raleigh, NC. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art at Appalachian State University and her Master of Art + Design from NC State University. She is currently an Associate Professor of Simulation and Game Development at Wake Technical Community College, teaching primarily art courses. She also works as a contract artist, most recently serving as a Concept Artist for the TTRPG “Our Brilliant Ruin” by Studio Hermitage. During her time teaching at Wake Tech, she has completed two externships with local companies; a 3D Modeling externship with Lucid Dream VR and a Photogrammetry Externship with RTI International. She also was co-PI for WTCC’s National Science Foundation project “Developing Certificates in Technical Art & Photogrammetry and Technical Animation”. When she is not teaching, Ryan is working on her self-published comic series “Daughters of Atlas”, which as of now has two issues in circulation, and on her visual novel “Lythe The Forgetful Witch”

Who Should Enroll?

• Game developers who want to enhance their visual design skills.
• Visual Artists who are determined to stay ahead in the industry.
• Indie developers who are passionate about crafting extraordinary visuals for their games.
• Students eager to learn from the best.

Why This Masterclass?

• Learn from an Industry Expert: Ryan Grady is a renowned expert in her field with multiple credits to her name in the industry.
• Network with Fellow Developers: Become part of a community of like-minded individuals and cultivate valuable relationships that will support your growth as a game designer.
• Advance Your Career: The skills and knowledge you’ll learn in this masterclass will give you a competitive edge in the game development industry.