Summer is definitely here, and we’re ending June with anoter brilliant interview. I am so happy to receive Kindra Dantone, 3D Artist at Texel Raptor!
I noticed Kindra’s profile on X after searching for people working on Croakwood, an upcoming cozy indie game I covered on my socials (it became my best video on TikTok!). Let’s learn more about their work now, shall we?
Hey Kindra! Could you please tell us a little bit more about you?
Hi! I’m a freelance 3D Artist, specialized in hand painted and stylized environments, props, and characters. I’m currently working with Texel Raptor on a recently announced game Croakwood! Prior to that, I worked on Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye with Mobius Digital, and The Mermaid Mask with SFB Games.
When was the first time you were introduced to video games?
It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when, but a good majority of my memories growing up involved playing the N64 with my aunt! I played a lot of Mario 64, Donkey Kong 64, and Pokemon Stadium – but I enjoyed Mario Party the most because it was multiplayer. We really bonded over that (despite being very competitive!) and I really am grateful to her for introducing me to games.
Johanna: That really reminds me of my brother and I competing against each other on Crash Bash, for the best AND for the worst. Good old days!
How did you become interested in 3D art?
I originally imagined I’d be a 2D concept artist or animator, I never expected I’d be working as a 3D artist! During my first year studying game art, I had to take my first 3D modeling class. I really struggled with it at first, and there were points where it felt impossible.
3D modeling was a huge step out of my comfort zone, but I remember one of my favorite projects was working on a small room with a theme and style of our choosing.
I decided to make a little cozy cafe, and realized I really loved the whole process – making props to decorate a scene, and adding little personal details to make it come to life. That’s when it clicked for me that creating 3D work could be a really rewarding and fun experience!
What is your role as a 3D artist when working on projects?
It really depends on the project! Part of what I enjoy about working in indie games is I always tend to learn something new to help fill in a role. I primarily work on 3D modeling and texturing props and environments.
Sometimes that role can also be a concept artist, an animator, narrative design work… there’s a lot of roles I’ve helped with! Sometimes it can be challenging work, but overall, I think shifting to a new role and learning new skills is really rewarding and engaging for me.
Johanna: That is really inspiring! I think that being curious is key to grow as a person, I personally love hearing about other people’s work even though I don’t understand everything. Being able to do their work is something else, but discovery and learning is fun most of the time.
Are there specific themes you like to represent or see represented in other people’s work?
I’ve always really been drawn to having storytelling aspects in my work – whether it’s making environments or objects look lived in or worn down – I like to have some kind of intention or story in mind. I’m also really drawn to work that is stylized, low poly, and has hand-painted textures – I often incorporate that into my own work. Bringing 2D painted concepts to 3D is definitely my jam!
Do you have projects in mind that have a special place in your heart?
I think Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye will always have a special place in my heart. It was my first game and studio after college. My friends at Mobius Digital made my first step into the industry such a warm and welcoming one, and I’ll always appreciate them for that. When the DLC came out, it felt surreal reading messages from folks who really appreciated the work I did. I truly feel so lucky to have contributed to such a heartwarming community.
What are your favorite creative aspects when making a game?
It’s definitely the collaboration with other creative people for me! Working together with other passionate, talented folks is definitely my favorite thing about working in games. I find so much joy in ideating together and slowly watching a project come together piece by piece from the work and efforts of everyone.
Johanna: Everyone is so talented, I love our industry. <3
What would be your steps to create something?
I recently made 3D fanart for Crow Country, and initially it started out as a sketch! There’s always a mix of ideation and concepting at first for me – when I have something in my head, I feel the need to get it out – but I think the most important first step is always finding plenty of reference and research! It saves me a lot of time in the long run.
Focusing on blocking out shapes based on my concept or reference is another big step for me when creating. I try not to spend too much time on details right away – I think it’s important to start with getting the basic shapes down, then come back to polish.
How do you stay creative outside of work?
I really love having my own little projects to work on! I try to make time for drawing, making clay pins, or working on personal game projects with friends. There’s always so many things I want to do all at once, but of course, there has to be a balance!
While I’m not always good at it, I try to take breaks as often as I can to rest and recharge. There are periods of time where I don’t feel any energy or creativity, and have to focus solely on recharging. But I think I’m finally starting to find a balance that works for me!
Anything else you would like to share with us?
I’d like to share that my journey into games felt very challenging – I grew up in a small town in the midwest, and working in the games industry wasn’t on my radar. I went to community college for years before I went to study game art, and had plenty of struggles along the way. If it weren’t for the support of my friends, family, teachers, and colleagues – I’m not sure I would be here. I am very grateful, and count myself lucky to be able to make games with such an amazing community of creative folks!
I wish the absolute best to those on their own journeys. I believe in you. <3
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my experience, Johanna!
Kindra Dantone – 3D Artist
ArtStation / X / LinkedIn
Thank you Kindra, it was so lovely to get to know you! I wish you all the best in your current and future projects, can’t wait to see more cute things unveiled.
Guys, stay hydrated and we see each other again in two weeks!
