The Last Of Us: From Creation to Collapse
2026
Motion Graphics
Social Media
Marketing
A promotional campaign for a conceptual MoMA exhibition featuring the process art of The Last of Us (2013) by Naughty Dog. The project includes a motion trailer alongside supporting merchandise and marketing materials designed to pair with the exhibition.
01 About the Project
Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, The Last of Us (2013) is an award winning video game that follows an unlikely duo, Joel and Ellie, as they navigate a post-pandemic world.
This exhibition presents original concept art from The Art of The Last of Us (Dark Horse, 2013). By foregrounding these works, From Creation to Collapse challenges the perception that video games do not belong within the realm of traditional art. Featuring early character concepts, 3D models, and environmental designs, the exhibition showcases the extensive creative process behind the game's world-building while highlighting the artists whose work brought it to life.
The Art of The Last of Us (Dark Horse, 2013)
02 Exhibition Trailer
03 Storyboards
04 Animatic
05 Figjam/Moodboard
06 Social Sizes
Instagram reels - 15 sec
Instagram - 6 sec
07 Edits
Within this project I had both static artwork (Concept Artwork), and video (Environment, and Character Models) to work with. This was an exciting feat to see how I could blend these styles together into one reel, as well as how I could implement MoMA branded elements to push realism.
In this video, you will see side by side comparisons of what the source material looked like, against my edits for the final trailer.
08 Other Deliverables
Presented above are some ideas for how this exhibition might appear in OOH advertising with MoMA branding attached. I particularly loved the chosen hero image for the marketing, as it felt immersive. Joel and Ellie are positioned as if we, the viewers, are following them into their elaborate and dangerous world.
09 Lessons Learned
One of the biggest challenges of this project was taking a broad idea and refining it into a more focused, curated selection of works. My original concept was to highlight The Last of Us in its entirety, but while researching and selecting artwork, I realized that narrowing the scope would ultimately create a stronger and more impactful exhibition.
Early concept art is often the backbone of a video game's success, providing a space for experimentation, and creative risk-taking. Learning how Naughty Dog's team approached the ideation of such an expansive world has influenced my own design process. Some key takeaways:
Iteration is key (your best idea is never your first one)
Design doesn’t happen in a vacuum
Every detail should serve the story
