YOSH MANRU
creative director /motion graphic specialist
EXPERIENCE
Creative Director - Motion Graphic Specialist
April 2021 - Present
I collaborate with various studios, from being part of Altergard since its foundation to supporting Playjeux in launching their new games. I’ve also had creative freedom with Big Farmer, Trailer Farm, Other Things, Fast Travel Games, and Social Point, taking on roles as either Creative Director or Motion Graphic Artist, depending on the project.
I’ve led the creative direction and execution of entire projects, making key decisions that shape their vision and outcome. For Big Farmer, I designed their overall studio image, which won an award at the Europe Entertainment Awards 2024. I’m also a partner and Creative Director at Altergard, a studio focused on AI-powered game design tools.
What drives me in all these projects is the opportunity to push creative boundaries, tackle unique challenges, and help studios define their identity in an ever-evolving industry.
Lead Animator / Technical Artist @ Present Creative
Oct 2018 - Mar 2021
This is where the real fun begins! Working closely with the engineering team, we formed a dynamic duo, developing tools to fine-tune how all the elements I animated felt within the game. While After Effects made everything look polished, once it hit the game engine, things could get tricky. It was crucial to ensure that every interaction felt just right so players could experience the excitement! During this time, I also created a department specializing in video game trailers, taking on the role of Creative Director. I had the opportunity to direct trailers for iconic clients like Atari and legendary games such as Space Invaders, Centipede, and Bust-A-Move—a dream come true! I also collaborated with studios like Jam City on projects like Harry Potter. This was a key turning point for me, as I discovered my passion for storytelling through these projects
Entrepreneur / Freelance
Jan 2014 - Sep 2020
Founder @ Columpio Interior, where we design cool wooden pieces and create custom items for various companies. One of the most fun projects was making trophies for different Red Bull events, including the SoapBox Race.
Freelance @ Cosmogonia, One Simple Game, Trailer Crafters, where I’ve dabbled in everything from character animation to video game trailers. Basically, if it involves bringing things to life on screen, I’m your go-to person!
Director of Art Department @ Wegoo
Aug 2012 - Aug 2013
In this role, I was brought on as Lead Animator, but once I got to the studio and took a look at the production pipeline, I ended up doing a bit of everything. I helped streamline the processes and set up a pipeline that made game development more flexible and less of a headache. Before I knew it, I was leading the art department, helping everyone get used to the new setup, and sharing all the tricks and tips I’d picked up from past gigs.
Senior Animator / Junior Animator @ Kaxan Studios
Jul 2009 - Aug 2012
This is where it all kicked off. I started as an animator and ended up being the driving force behind much of the animation for a Nintendo Wii game we were working on. It was a Mario Party-style game, and I even threw in a few ideas for the mini-games. On top of that, I dabbled in special effects for a movie being made at the studio. The studio gave us the chance to pitch ideas for future projects, and somehow I ended up being one of the chosen ones. So, I got to whip up the pitch materials and create a couple of trailers for the next big project. It was like being handed the keys to the creative sandbox and going wild!