Words by Dan Jolin
On the front of most game boxes these days you’ll see a credit for the designer. More often than not there will be a byline for the lead artist, too. But it’s very rare that a game’s graphic designer will receive credit anywhere other than in the rulebook. Graphic design is easily the most overlooked element of board game design. Yet it is crucially important.
“There are still some publishers who don’t understand the benefits of graphic design,” says Ian O’Toole, who regularly collaborates with Lisboa designer Vital Lacerda. “Because it’s hard to sell; it’s more something you get from the user experience.”