RobJackson
artist
Robert (Rob) Jackson is an illustrator, art director and game designer currently living and working in Oxford for Actual Games, a company he co-founded with two fellow developers from Natural Motion.
With over 15 years experience as a professional artist, working in pretty much every type of art role, Rob is an enthusiastic and energetic team member that likes to lead by example, inspiring others through his passion for a project.
When not at work, you can find Rob being bounced on by his 3 kids, sketching, playing games or skating around abandoned car parks, failing to land a kickflip.
Experience
Creative Director
Co-founder
Actual Games
2018 - Present
In Feb 2018, after the closure of Natural Motion Oxford, I joined forces with 2 fellow developers, David Hunt and Stuart Jollands to form our own studio.
We are currently working on two mobile titles. A mid core, character collecting battle game and a casual racing game.
We also offer our services as contractors and consultants to whomever might need us.
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At Actual, my responsibilities include Game Design, Concept art, Character concept and Illustration, UI design, UX flow, Graphic design, Character animation and whatever else might be needed.
Lead Artist
Natural Motion
2012 - 2018
From 2012 to 2016 I was the lead artist on Clumsy Ninja for iOS and Android.
As well as defining the art style and designing the characters, I also constructed the game narrative and helped develop many of the gameplay elements.
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Between 2016 and 2018 I helped lead a team experimenting with new technologies and investigating new IPs.
In November 2017, the decision was made to close the Oxford studio and I was offered a position in the London office as principal concept artist/ Art Director on a new IP. I eventually decided the not to take the offer in favour of forming Actual Games.
Lead Artist
Playfish
2010 - 2012
I joined Playfish in 2010 to work on FIFA Superstars as a UI artist and animator.
When development on the Sims Social started up I transferred to that team, firstly as the senior animator where I established our movement style and pushed the limits of our character animation, and later as the lead artist.
Lead Artist
Birchfield
Interactive
2002 - 2009
Birchfield started off as a company creating educational games and software. I worked with teachers to develop short animated sequences that would explain various facets of the curriculum.
We later transitioned into creating stings and adverts for television. During this period I designed and created motion graphic sequences for 4music and Apple.
Education
BA (Hons) Animation (CG Specialist)
1st Class
Glamorgan Centre of Art and Design
1996 - 1998
Practical Skills
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Illustration
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Concept Art
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Storyboarding
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UI Design
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UX Design
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Game Design
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Narrative
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2D Animation
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3D Animation
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3D modeling and Texturing
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Video Editing
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Photoshop
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Maya
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DaVinci Resolve
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Unity
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General Skills
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Strong game design instincts
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Quick to pick up new skills or adopt visual styles
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Excellent Team worker and delegator
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Works well under own supervision
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Good communicator, confident in social situations
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Works well remotely