Nick Talmers, Designer in Barcelona, Spain
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Nick Talmers

Verified Expert  in Design

Designer

Barcelona, Spain

Toptal member since September 27, 2024

Bio

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

2021 - PRESENT
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.
Technologies: Unreal Engine, Blockchain, 3D Art, Design Direction, Distributed Team Management, Leadership, Lean Project Management, Game Design, Market Research & Analysis, Product Vision, 3D Games, Video Production, Scrum Product Owner, Risk Management, Product Design, UX Design, Web3, Public Speaking, Mentorship & Coaching, Style Guides, Creative Direction, Game UI Design, Game Development, Games, Visual Design

Studio Director, Executive Producer, and Lead Designer

2018 - PRESENT
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.
Technologies: Leadership, Game Design, Art Direction, Blockchain, Design Direction, 3D Games, Distributed Team Management, 3D Art, 2D Art, Market Research & Analysis, Mentorship & Coaching, Lean Project Management, Narrative UX, Product Design, Scrum Product Owner, Risk Management, Blender, Unity, Photoshop CS6, UX Design, Product Vision, Web3, Public Speaking, Video Production, Style Guides, Creative Direction, UI Design, Game UI Design, 2D Games, Game Development, Games, Adobe Photoshop, Image Manipulation, Visual Design, Photoshop CC

Studio Director and Executive Producer

2014 - 2019
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.
Technologies: Game Design, Art Direction, 3D Games, Design Direction, Distributed Team Management, Leadership, 3D Art, 2D Art, Scrum Product Owner, Risk Management, Unity, Photoshop CS6, UX Design, Product Vision, Public Speaking, Mentorship & Coaching, Creative Direction, Lean Product Development, 2D Games, Game Development, Games, Image Manipulation, Visual Design, Photoshop CC

Founder, CEO, and Lead Game Designer

2007 - 2015
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.
Technologies: Game Design, Art Direction, 3D Games, 3D Art, Design Direction, Distributed Team Management, Leadership, Lean Project Management, Level Design, Lighting Design, Market Research & Analysis, Scrum Product Owner, Risk Management, Unity, Product Vision, Public Speaking, Mentorship & Coaching, Creative Direction, Lean Product Development, Game UI Design, Game Development, Games, Adobe Photoshop, Image Manipulation, Visual Design, Photoshop CC

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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