I’m Maria Rogozhina, a visual storyteller and worldbuilder studying motion design at HSE Art and Design School. I work across games, animation and brand experiences.

I’m drawn to distinctive characters, unexpected environments and bold visual systems. I develop the concept and bring it to life myself, from the first idea to 3D imagery, motion and physical objects.

CORE SKILLS
Visual direction · Concept art · 3D modelling · 3D animation · Motion design · Branding · Illustration · Game design · Layout design · 3D printing · Jewellery design

SOFTWARE
Blender · Unity · Unreal Engine · Adobe Photoshop · Illustrator · After Effects · InDesign · Figma

AI TOOLS
Nano Banana · ChatGPT · Claude · Kling
AI-assisted website and application development with Claude.

This portfolio brings together six imaginary worlds, each shaped by one clear premise and a distinctive visual language. Across games, animation and brand experiences, I explore how a story can move from an image to a place, a character or an object.

The medium changes. The world stays recognisable.

01 · THE PREMISE
Paris, the city of love, becomes a romantic nightmare. The Eiffel Tower beats like a giant heart, poisonous roses overrun the streets, and hostile cupids haunt a city veiled in toxic pink fog.

02 · THE VISUAL WORLD
Beauty becomes a warning. Glowing pink water, ornate architecture and toxic flowers turn familiar symbols of romance into threats, holding the world between desire and horror.

03 · THE EXECUTION
A stylised 3D game environment with atmospheric lighting, environmental storytelling, an original soundtrack and a cinematic trailer.

ROLE · Art direction · Worldbuilding · 3D environment · Visual storytelling

01 · THE PREMISE
Welcome to POLKA DOT: a candy-coloured city under strict political control, where adorable round creatures are ready to fight back. Inspired by classic fighting games, this 360° animation brings together protest, street fights and absurdly cute characters.

02 · THE VISUAL WORLD
Everything begins with a sphere. Round silhouettes shape both the characters and their city. Their innocent appearance clashes with the aggression around them, creating a world that feels playful and unsettling.

03 · THE EXECUTION
A 360° animated environment with original characters, a fictional city and a conflict that drives its visual narrative.

ROLE · Worldbuilding · Character design · 3D animation · Environment design
RECOGNITION · DAFES Awards finalist · December 2024

01 · THE PREMISE
Pearl-pink aliens arrive on Earth with unusual plans for humanity. Their visit becomes the origin story of JELLYS’, a conceptual beachwear brand built around an otherworldly cast of characters.