
Nick Talmers
Verified Expert in Design
Designer
Barcelona, Spain
Toptal member since September 27, 2024
Nick is a creative director with a proven track record of success in AAA, independent games, and Web3. He has 17 years of expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams and spearheading the production of 30+ products from ideation to live operation. Nick is committed to delivering experiences that stick with users and grow communities, driving innovation and fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams.
Portfolio
Work Experience
Director of Game Development
Mars4
- Spearheaded the production of three Web3 games from the initial concept to market release, achieving critical and commercial success.
- Led the production of over 20 in-game community-focused products and accompanying marketing materials, generating over $4 million in revenue.
- Designed a robust play-to-earn economy that generated profits throughout a bear market.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams, including development, marketing, QA, and customer support, to ensure alignment and timely delivery of project milestones.
- Developed and managed project schedules, budgets, and resource plans, ensuring projects were delivered on time and within budget.
- Identified and resolved development challenges, leveraging my deep industry knowledge and innovative problem-solving approaches to reduce risk exposure.
- Integrated cutting-edge tools and technologies to optimize development and enhance game quality.
- Onboarded and guided an entire development team to full-speed production in under a month.
Studio Director, Executive Producer, and Lead Designer
Freelance
- Conceptualized a unique 3D art style and produced an art production style guide and a 3D demo for Supernova games.
- Led the production, design, and development of two critically acclaimed downloadable content expansions (DLCs) for Destructive Creations.
- Implemented an Agile project management system for OnSkull, customized to their unique needs.
- Conceived and produced all environments for Dabster Entertainment's sci-fi horror game, SSTR.
- Designed the economy, NFT utility, combat system, and gameplay prototype for Wizardia.
Studio Director and Executive Producer
Legion Tech
- Networked and negotiated a production contract with Wargaming, obtaining rights to produce prototypes.
- Administered project budgets and schedules, achieving timely and cost-effective prototype deliveries.
- Established effective communication and workflow protocols for remote teams, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.
- Coordinated closely with creative and technical teams to deliver cohesive and engaging gaming experiences.
- Fostered a culture of creativity and innovation and mentored team members to achieve peak performance and career potential.
Founder, CEO, and Lead Game Designer
Taitale Studios
- Launched a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign for a new IP.
- Leveraged extensive market research to guide game design, ensuring alignment with market trends.
- Managed a globally dispersed development team of 35 people.
- Handled budgets and fundraising, including acquiring R&D prototype contacts from publishers.
- Identified and navigated development obstacles, employing innovative problem-solving techniques to ensure project continuity and success.
Skills
Tools
Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop CC, Photoshop 7, Photoshop CS6, Unreal Engine, Blender
Industry Expertise
Games
Other
Unity, Game Design, Leadership, Lean Project Management, Scrum Product Owner, Risk Management, Distributed Team Management, Market Research & Analysis, UX Design, Narrative UX, Art Direction, Design Direction, Product Vision, 3D Games, 3D Art, Creative Direction, Lean Product Development, Game UI Design, Game Development, Illustration, Image Manipulation, Visual Design, Level Design, Lighting Design, Product Design, Web3, Blockchain, Public Speaking, Mentorship & Coaching, Video Production, 2D Art, CGI, UI Design, 2D Games, Style Guides, Concept Art
Experience
- Creative Direction - 17 years
- Leadership - 17 years
- Game Design - 17 years
- Lean Project Management - 15 years
- Product Vision - 15 years
- Risk Management - 13 years
- Market Research & Analysis - 12 years
- Scrum Product Owner - 11 years
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