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Martina Dell'Acqua
Game Designer and 2d Artist presso Colto
Professional Background
Martina Dell'Acqua is a passionate Game Designer and Artist whose career is passionately woven into the fabric of the gaming industry. With over two years of expertise working alongside children, she focuses on crafting engaging educational applications and play experiences that enrich young minds. Her interest in game design sparked unexpectedly during her very first Global Game Jam, an experience that opened her eyes to the vast potential of this dynamic industry. Driven by her newfound passion, Martina diligently pursued her studies in Game Design and participated in subsequent Global Game Jams, one of which led to her team winning the prestigious ‘Best Game Award.’
Martina’s journey found its current flourishing at Colto, where she has spent the last two years developing interactive digital toys aimed at children. Her innovative designs emphasize simplicity and engagement, essential elements that ensure young users remain captivated while learning. Her influential role at Colto has allowed her to combine her love for artistry and storytelling with educational goals, making a significant impact in the realm of children's games.
In addition to her notable work at Colto, Martina actively participates in seminars and events that further her knowledge and expertise in the field of game design. At the ‘Dust or Magic’ seminar in Bologna and the Highlights Foundation in Pennsylvania, she connected with leading experts, gaining valuable insights that have contributed to her growth both personally and as a designer. Moreover, her interactions at renowned events such as the Bologna Children’s Book Fair have enabled her to build connections with key players in the market, enhancing her understanding of the industry.
Throughout her work with Colto, Martina has seen multiple games featured on the App Store, culminating in various awards that recognize her creative contributions. Notably, one of her games, Shape Gurus, received a stellar review from USA Today, which rated it a remarkable 4 out of 4 stars. Despite the accolades, her greatest joy stems from witnessing the delight and engagement of the children who play her games.
Education and Achievements
Martina’s educational background is as impressive as her professional achievements. She has refined her design skills through reputable institutions, beginning with her Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Product Design from Politecnico di Milano. She then advanced her academic credentials with a Master’s Degree in Product Design for Innovation at Politecnico di Milano, where she honed her thoughts on innovation and creative problem-solving in design.
Additionally, Martina broadened her interdisciplinary perspective by participating in the Erasmus programme at Technische Universiteit Delft, gaining global insights into industrial and product design. This diverse educational experience has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the competitive field of game design, emphasizing innovation that caters specifically to young audiences.
Notable Projects and Contributions
Martina’s creative endeavors are marked by several noteworthy projects and collaborative efforts. Her ongoing commitment to exploring mobile game development for a more adult audience reflects her versatility and passion for gaming across demographics. Currently, she is developing a mobile game set to be presented during the GAMEOVER festival in Milan, an underground festival dedicated to showcasing innovative gaming experiences.
In the earlier stages of her career, Martina served in various design-oriented roles, including her previous experience as a Graphic Designer at Spotlime and Service Designer at SuSeDe Workshop. She also worked as a Graphic and Communication Designer at Project for People and was involved in workshops at École nationale supérieure des mines de Saint-Étienne. Each of these positions contributed to her broad skill set and understanding of various design principles that she now applies within her game design career.
Martina remains acutely aware of the importance of continuous learning and is dedicated to evolving her craft. Her open-minded approach to creativity and design allows her to explore new ideas and innovative solutions, ensuring her contributions to the gaming industry remain fresh and engaging.
Achievements
- Winner of the ‘Best Game Award’ at a Global Game Jam.
- Participated in seminars at Dust or Magic and the Highlights Foundation.
- Multiple games featured in the App Store under Colto, with awards recognizing creativity and engagement.
- Shape Gurus received a 4 out of 4 rating from USA Today.
- Current mobile game in development set to debut at GAMEOVER festival in Milan.
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Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
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Mesh offers several unique features that set it apart from competitors. Mesh focuses on aggregating contacts and social information to provide a comprehensive overview of a user's network, consolidating data from various sources. Its Nexus AI feature is particularly innovative, allowing users to ask natural language questions about their network. Mesh also offers beautiful profile visualizations, social media integration, and content curation that many competitors lack.
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