Will is a Creative Lead and Art Director with over 20 years of experience in the games industry, spanning mobile, web, desktop, console, and Web3 platforms. He began his career as a hands-on UI Artist and grew into a Senior Art Director, leading teams of up to 25 artists across multiple complex projects. His work includes shaping Adventure Academy, an educational MMO with over a million users, and directing the visual development of Legendary Heroes: Unchained, a Web3 RPG.
Will has built production pipelines capable of delivering thousands of assets and has implemented AI tools that accelerated workflows by ~30%. Known for hitting deadlines without compromising quality, he consistently ships on time while maintaining high visual standards. He excels at building strong teams, hiring top talent, and providing the structure and support needed for them to thrive.
A strong cross-functional collaborator, Will works closely with design, engineering, and product teams to bring ideas to life. His background spans the full art pipeline from UI and concept to 3D, VFX, and Unity implementation. He has managed outsourcing partners, budgets, and schedules, always with a focus on clarity and excellence. At his core, Will is a builder and problem solver who empowers creative teams to perform at their highest level.
“Will is a seasoned developer with the rare talent of not only successfully managing scope, schedule, and budget but also managing people. He delivers on time and at a high level of quality. He is a strong communicator, ensuring that his team delivers what is required. He is a pleasure to work with and anyone that has the opportunity to work with or for Will should consider themselves lucky.”
Kevin Beardslee, VP Creative at Age of Learning, Inc.
“In addition to his professionalism, Will was also a manager who led his team with empathy, trust, and warmth. If you are looking for a seasoned art or creative manager, look no further, as he will vastly improve your team's culture and production values and efficiency. I highly recommend Will Carleton for any project.”
Eric Dallaire, Principle Game Designer, Age of Learning Inc.
“I can honestly say that his mentorship has been the fundamental cause of my development and growth as an artist. Under his care, our team was able to achieve what we thought impossible. Will is articulate and supportive. When we worked together, his feedback was always clear and concise, bringing the work up to a whole other level. He approaches every project with passion and the skills to get it done. He is positive, humble and works hard to make the whole team rise to a challenge.”
Michelle Young, Senior Art Manager, Age of Learning Inc.
"Will is an outstanding artist, great visionary and has a can do attitude. Will is extremely creative and understands when tight deadlines limit his abilities. He is always willing to go the extra mile. He is not afraid to accept different ideas and follows instructions to detail."
Wayne Meazza, Head of Production, Ideaworks3D Ltd.
“William is an excellent Art Director, with great leadership skills. Often times, those two important qualities are missed in certain departments, but never with him. I consider William to be an approachable individual, with excellent communication, and problem solving skills; there's never been a situation he couldn't solve.”
Isaac Solomon, Technical 3D Artist, CounterPunch Studios