Week 9 Industry Practice: Role Model - Raphael Lacoste


Art Directors perform a range of tasks while supervising art projects from conception to completion. Their responsibilities vary depending on their sector, but often include:

Collaborating with clients and relevant employees, such as the Creative Director, Writer or Marketer, on design concepts

Creating sketches or storyboards of design concepts

Presenting sketches and concept ideas to clients, the Creative Director, accounts teams and other relevant parties

Hiring creatives, such as Graphic Directors or Photographers, to develop design concepts

Selecting and booking locations and studios, as required

Overseeing creatives to ensure they work productively and meet the brief and budget

Maintaining graphic consistency across all deliverables

Reviewing graphic materials to assess its validity and appropriateness for the brand

Making changes directed by clients and overseeing edits

In comparison, I only have a select amount of these skills that are typically required such as collaboration as I am currently doing whilst creating a game with my group Break Down Studios. Additionally, creating sketches/storyboards is a task I naturally have to do when it comes to art and design as it is the foundation to my art and I believe I can make use of that in the future if I were to strive to become an art director.

However, I believe I will have to develop my skills of communication as I still lack the experience to give critique when necessary which is key in the creation of a game. Furthermore, the discipline to be on top of not only my own work but my colleagues work as well. To take initiative as the director is something I must learn and develop which will come with time.

My Games Art Role Model: Raphaël Lacoste

My chosen role model in the Games Art industry is Raphaël Lacoste, an award-winning Art Director and Concept Artist best known for his work on Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed series. His online portfolio is available at ArtStation (Lacoste, n.d.).

I have chosen Lacoste as a role model because of his exceptional ability to create cinematic, story-driven environments that combine historical depth with imaginative artistry. His direction on games such as Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed: Origins has shaped the visual identity of one of the most iconic franchises in gaming (Ubisoft, 2017). His experience bridges both game and film industries, having worked on movies like Terminator Salvation and Journey to the Center of the Earth, giving him a diverse and dynamic approach to visual storytelling (Lacoste, n.d.-b).

Job Role and Responsibilities

Raphaël Lacoste currently works as Senior Art Director at Haven Studios, a Sony-backed development company (Game Developer, 2021). In this role, he oversees the visual development of new IPs, setting the artistic tone and ensuring consistency across all visual elements. His responsibilities typically include guiding teams of concept artists, environment artists, and 3D modelers, as well as collaborating with narrative and gameplay teams to ensure the art supports the game’s story and mechanics (Creative Assembly, 2023).

Lacoste works in a studio-based role, contributing to large-scale projects through collaborative workflows. This approach allows for creative synergy across departments and maintains a high standard of production quality, which is vital in AAA development.

Key Skills for a Senior Art Director in Games Art

  • Digital Art & Concept Design: Skilled in Photoshop, Illustrator, and digital painting to create visual direction.

  • 3D Software: Knowledge of tools like Blender or Maya for asset and environment design.

  • Game Engines: Familiar with Unity or Unreal Engine and PBR workflows for realistic visuals.

  • Pipeline Knowledge: Understands asset development from concept to game integration.

  • Art Direction: Provides feedback and ensures visual consistency across teams.

  • Creative Vision: Develops compelling and immersive visual worlds.

  • Leadership: Manages teams and mentors artists.

  • Collaboration: Works closely with other departments to align visual and gameplay elements.

  • Problem-Solving: Adapts to creative and technical challenges.

  • Time Management: Balances deadlines with long-term artistic goals.#

How did he get to where he is today?

Raphaël Lacoste began his career in the visual arts working in the film industry as a matte painter and concept artist, contributing to movies like Terminator Salvation and Journey to the Center of the Earth. He transitioned into the games industry when he joined Ubisoft, where he became Art Director on several major Assassin’s Creed titles, including Black Flag and Origins. His strong artistic vision and leadership helped define the franchise's iconic visual style.

Through years of experience in both film and games, he built a reputation for cinematic world-building. In 2021, he left Ubisoft to become Senior Art Director at Haven Studios, a new studio founded by Jade Raymond and supported by Sony.

Anon, Artstation.com. Available at: https://www.artstation.com/raphael-lacoste/profile [Accessed 22 November 2024].

Lacoste, R. (n.d.-b). Resume – Raphael Lacoste. Available at: https://raphael-lacoste.com/resume [Accessed 22 Nov. 2024].

Ubisoft. (2017). Assassin’s Creed: Origins - Behind the Art. Ubisoft Press Kit

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