You’ve been doing environment art for a while now. What do you believe are the biggest tasks of the environment artist?

The main task is to create beautiful art, add meaning to the scene and enhance readability. That’s the obvious answer. But there is more to that. As an environment artist you are responsible for all sorts of gameplay mechanics too. Collision for example. You need to maintain all the technical elements that make sure the level plays as smooth as possible, even though you have to sacrifice your art in certain cases.

To tell a story is very important. Of course, color and composition is key for a great looking scene. On top of that I always love to create little story moments inside my environments. Who was living here? What is the purpose of that location? Did someone leave just before you entered this room? Why did he leave? Is he coming back? All sorts of questions I love to answer for my art and add hints and details to give the player an idea of that space.