After Effects | Animation | Illustrator | HTML Code

A close-up illustration of a red, black-diamond patterned lizard or reptile with a long, slender body, small head, and no visible limbs.

Rest

REST is a mini choose-your-own-adventure game with GIFS based on the Life is Strange game and comic. The game tells a story of me working through the idea of taking a break and learning to be okay with rest. I made a game with GIFS about learning to take a break. There are three endings: too much rest, no rest, and a happy medium.

Press to Start

The game features a pixel art design that pays homage to classic 90s point-and-click games. Before working digitally, I planned all animations on paper to ensure a cohesive visual narrative. I made vector shapes in Illustrator and used a custom mosaic setting to turn the vectors into 1 x 1 square pixel illustrations.

Image of a PlayStation 4 game package titled "Rest." The front cover shows a pixelated, orange couch in a dark, forested setting with a starry night sky. The back cover features pixel art illustrations and text describing a story involving a character named Danny exploring a mysterious forest and encountering surreal visions.

The color palette draws inspiration from the game Firewatch, using warm reds and oranges to evoke a sense of comfort while subtly hinting at underlying tensions, illustrating that too much warmth can lead to discomfort. I also limited the use of colors, ensuring that only significant elements were highlighted. The font choice is an updated version of early computer fonts that match the pixel style while remaining readable for players.

A gift box containing a PS4 game titled 'Rest', a pixel art pillow with 'Rest' text, a comic book, a device with a red cover, a small picture frame, and a pixel art handheld game console. All items are arranged in an open cardboard box with a black interior and orange exterior, and the inside of the lid has the phrase 'Time to Rest' written on it.

In line with the game’s theme, I designed limited-edition items that enhance the concept of rest. This includes a cozy blanket featuring a faux topographic map of the forest setting, and a pen encouraging rest with a reminder to take breaks. A faux Nation park badge to encourage people to go out into nature and relax. These items connect players to the game’s core message, extending the experience beyond the screen.

A pixel art themed Game Boy with a 'REST' label, an orange lanyard with 'Don't forget to REST' text, a badge for National Park Service, and a black box labeled 'REST' with an orange pixelated couch illustration.

A pixel art style blanket with a black and white design of a fire, draped over a blue sofa near a window with a scenic countryside view.

Gray baseball cap with three decorative pins: an orange pixel art sofa, a blue pixel art mountain landscape, and a yellow pixel art fire with black smoke.

Each pixel was animated using After Effects, and I utilized HTML code to create a fluid and engaging gameplay experience on the web page. Each page unfolds a fragment of the overall narrative, allowing players to interpret and connect with the story in their own unique way. "REST" combines engaging storytelling with thoughtful design, inviting players to reflect on their relationship with rest and self-care.

Process

Before even touching the computer, I planned out all the animations on paper

Sketches for the opening shot. Originally, it was going to be a rainy, early morning scene.

Figuring out how to branch out the story in different directions with only 3 GIFs to use.

I made vector shapes in Illustrator and used a custom mosaic setting to turn the vectors into 1 x 1 square pixel illustrations.

The couch is a physical representation of rest.

More vector illustrations before they turn into 1 x 1 square pixel illustrations.

Figuring out depth and layout for a scene.

Rest

Process

Let's start on the right foot, come say hey!