GRAPHIC DESIGN | BRANDING | MERCHANDISE
Designing a Game That’s Anything but Primitive
Co-created and launched a prehistoric-themed card game through Kickstarter, handling all branding, packaging, merchandise, and campaign assets—from caveman costumes to card layouts.
COMPANY
Cave People
YEAR
2016
SKILLS
Artist/illustrator collaboration, photoshoot and set design, game design, print design, merchandising, t-shirt design
SOFTWARE USED
Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator
CHALLENGE
Create a new card game that transports players back in time—with humor, strategy, and just enough club-swinging chaos. Cave People needed to feel fun, accessible, and thoughtfully designed, with every visual detail supporting the theme. And since we were funding it through Kickstarter, the branding had to make a strong first impression and quickly communicate gameplay mechanics.
SOLUTION
I partnered with a Denver-based illustrator to develop 30+ original card designs and led all branding, packaging, merchandise, and photo direction. From naming and voice to shoot locations and Kickstarter visuals, every piece was designed to feel authentic, funny, and visually striking. I also acted as the project lead—building the campaign page, writing the content, and engaging our community of backers.
OUTCOME
Successfully funded on Kickstarter, raising $3K+ and delivering to dozens of backers
Created a playable, shippable game complete with resource, technology, and action cards
Directed and edited all promotional photography and video, including a prehistoric-themed launch campaign
Produced merchandise, social content, and t-shirts to support post-launch interest
REFLECTION
This project was a wild mix of storytelling, design, production, and performance. It taught me how to bring a weird idea to life—on-brand, on-time, and fully playable. From idea to rock-wielding caveman photoshoot, this was one of the most joyfully collaborative things I’ve ever made.
