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Emma Knickerbocker
Emma Knickerbocker
Game Designer | Concept Artist
Youngstown, OH, United States

Summary

Game designer and concept artist focused on player-centered systems, immersive worlds, and mechanics that reinforce narrative and player motivation. Interested in systems design, world structure, and experience-driven gameplay.

BFA Illustration (Shawnee State University, 2022). Freelance concept artist for DigiQube Games and former storyboard artist with Little Dragon Studios.

Skills

Concept ArtConcept DesignGame DesignDesign

Software proficiency

Blender
Blender
Audition
Audition
Photoshop
Photoshop
Premiere
Premiere
Procreate
Procreate
InDesign
InDesign
Illustrator
Illustrator

Productions

    • TV Production
      Storyboard Artist
    • Year
      2023
    • Role
      Storyboard Artist
    • Company
      Little Dragon Studios
    • Video Game
      Quick Swap Caverns
    • Year
      2021
    • Role
      Character/Prop Artist, Game Designer
    • Company
      Global Game Jam 2021

Experience

  • Maker Specialist at The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County
    Youngstown, OH, US
    August 2024 - Present

    Design, facilitate, and iterate on hands-on creative technology programs focused on player-like learning, experimentation, and mastery.

    Develop structured experiences that guide participants from onboarding to independent creation, emphasizing systems thinking, problem-solving, and fail-positive iteration. Regularly translate complex tools and workflows into accessible, engaging experiences tailored to different skill levels and motivations.

    Collaborate with staff and community members to prototype programs, refine instructional design through feedback, and balance structure with creative freedom—mirroring core principles of game design, player agency, and progression.