"From systems to storytelling—crafting interactive projects through programming and design."

I’m Danielle Tonnessen, a developer and game designer with a strong foundation in programming, web design, and UX. My academic background includes a Master’s in Game Design and a BA in Game Art & Development, equipping me with both technical depth and creative insight.

I specialize in building interactive experiences that merge clean code with thoughtful design. From concept to deployment, I enjoy tackling the full development cycle—whether it’s writing efficient systems, designing intuitive interfaces, or optimizing gameplay mechanics.

Several of my published projects are available on itch.io and Steam, demonstrating my ability to transform ideas into polished, playable formats. Programming is as much my passion as design, and I thrive on creating solutions that are both functional and engaging.

EDUCATION

Lindenwood University

Master’s of Art, Game Design

May 2023

Southern New Hampshire University

Bachelor’s of Art, Game Art

June 2021

CERTIFICATIONS

Foundations of User Experience Design, Google

UX Design Process, Google

Intro to Front End Development, Meta

HTML & CSS In Depth, Meta

Programming with JavaScript, Meta

Version Control Software, Meta

DESIGN SKILLS

User-centered Design

Graphics Design

Design Documentation

Concept Development

UI Research

Color and Shape Theory

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Photoshop JavaScript

InDesign HTML

Premiere Pro CSS

After Effects C#

SketchUp Blueprints

Miro Perforce

Unity OpenProject

Unreal Engine Agile

Maya SketchUp

Microsoft Office

SOFT SKILLS

Excellent Written and Verbal Communicator

Detail-Oriented and Organized

Creative Problem-Solver

Strong Critical Thinker

Empathetic Natural Leader

Thoughtful Collaborator

Life-Long Learner

ACHIEVEMENTS & VOLUNTEER WORK

United States Navy Veteran: Top of class in Operations Training School, awarded early promotion; Honorable Discharge

Independently launched a fully-developed walking simulator based on mental health disorder and trauma processing in 2023

Volunteer at Boston Children’s Hospital, The Humane Society, and My Brother’s Table

Contact Danielle