Galaxy Explorers
Galaxy Children: Explorers (also called Galaxy Explorers) is an independently developed tabletop game that I designed, illustrated, tested, and launched as part of the larger Galaxy Children universe. The project combined original worldbuilding, visual identity, game mechanics, UI design, card design, marketing, sales, and live player feedback into a complete creative product.
What began as an original illustrated concept grew into a playable tabletop experience adopted by more than 1,000 players across four states. Through 500+ playtests, I refined the player experience, clarified visual systems, improved usability, and built a game that could work not only as a creative expression, but as a real product in front of real audiences.
The Challenge
The challenge was to turn an original illustrated universe into a tabletop game that was visually engaging, easy to learn, and strong enough to support repeated play. Because the game was independently developed, I was responsible for both the creative vision and the practical execution. That meant designing the brand, artwork, game components, digital presence, player experience, and marketing approach while also gathering feedback, observing gameplay patterns, and making iterative improvements.
The project had to work on multiple levels: as an illustrated world, as a functional game system, as a physical product, and as a marketable brand experience.
The Creative Direction
The visual direction for Galaxy Children: Explorers centered on wonder, discovery, character-driven storytelling, and accessible adventure. I wanted the game to feel imaginative and inviting while still being structured enough for players to quickly understand how to interact with the cards, components, and rules.
The design system had to balance personality with clarity. Each visual choice needed to support both the story world and the gameplay experience. Illustration, typography, color, iconography, and layout all had to work together so players could understand what they were seeing, what actions were available, and how the game moved forward.
This made the project a true intersection of brand identity, UI design, interaction design, and visual communication.
Design, Testing, and Iteration
A major part of the project was playtesting. Across 500+ playtests, I observed how players interpreted the rules, navigated the cards, made decisions, and responded to the visual system. That feedback directly shaped the final product. I refined card layouts, clarified information hierarchy, adjusted visual cues, improved rule communication, and strengthened the overall player experience. The process helped me identify where players were getting confused, where the game created excitement, and where the design needed to better support intuitive decision-making. Design decisions were not based only on aesthetics. They were tested, observed, refined, and validated through real user interaction.
Brand and Marketing Execution
Beyond the game itself, I developed the surrounding brand and marketing materials needed to introduce Galaxy Children: Explorers to players. This included the website, promotional graphics, event materials, sales messaging, and in-person marketing strategy. Because much of the game’s growth happened through live events, conventions, and local player communities, the brand needed to communicate quickly and clearly in busy environments. The visuals had to attract attention, while the messaging had to explain the game’s appeal in a way that felt approachable and exciting. The result was a product experience that extended beyond the table: from discovery, to demo, to purchase, to repeat play.
Technical Execution
I also supported the digital side of the project through website setup and front-end implementation. Using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, cPanel, and creative tools including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Clip Studio Paint, I built and supported the digital presence around the game. This gave the project a complete ecosystem: illustrated product, playable system, promotional materials, digital presence, and direct-to-audience launch strategy.
Outcome
Galaxy Children: Explorers was adopted by more than 1,000 players across four states and developed through more than 500 playtests. The game sold through multiple events and consignment locations, and its visibility contributed to larger local events featuring the game in their 2024 convention gaming tracks.
The project remains one of the clearest examples of how I combine creativity with practical design execution. It shows my ability to build an original visual system, test it with real users, improve it through feedback, and bring a product into the world through branding, marketing, and hands-on launch strategy.
At its core, Galaxy Children: Explorers demonstrates the kind of work I care most about: turning complex ideas into visual systems people can understand, connect with, and enjoy.
