Emily “Em” McKevitt
Science fiction illustrations for the new tabletop role-playing game “Stand/DELIVER” were created by SUNY Fredonia alumna Emily “Em” McKevitt.
“They’re meant to be a little on the spookier or serious side since the game revolves around players fighting some big space mutant guys,” Ms. McKevitt explained, so they’re very much in the fantasy/science fiction realm. Think “Dungeons & Dragons.”
Longtime interests in horror and fantasy held by McKevitt, who graduated in May 2025 with a major in Visual Arts and New Media: Animation & Illustration, made her an excellent choice to produce visual images for the Mothership tabletop game. Intricate detail through striking pops of color and storytelling make McKevitt’s illustrations unique and eye-catching.
Fredonia's VANM [Visual Arts and New Media] staff not only taught me to hone in my skills and technique, but also how to market and prepare for the world outside of university. I was incredibly fortunate to graduate with such important and cherished connections as well as some really cool mentors.” - Emily "Em" McKevitt
In “Stand/DELIVER,” players choose to be either a space goods security officer or a smuggler/pirate.
Players encounter hostile creatures which are referred to as "the horror," which are mutant humans whom they can either choose to cure or kill, McKevitt explained. That dilemma forces players to make hard choices based on what kind of story they want to play.
McKevitt, who illustrated both central characters, along with a full body design of the horror, credits Department of Visual Arts and New Media faculty for her success.
“I was incredibly fortunate to have such knowledgeable and helpful professors to guide me through my art career journey,” McKevitt said. Assistant Professor Quintin Gleim actually works in the tabletop RPG (role-playing game) industry, she noted, so he was able to provide McKevitt with extensive advice on building a portfolio, getting her foot in the door and giving insight into how the industry works. Assistant Professor Abbey Paccia was always helpful easing post-graduation worries, McKevitt adds, and served as every student’s personal promoter.
“Fredonia's VANM [Visual Arts and New Media] staff not only taught me to hone in my skills and technique, but also how to market and prepare for the world outside of university. I was incredibly fortunate to graduate with such important and cherished connections as well as some really cool mentors,” McKevitt said.
What’s behind McKevitt’s success?
It was an easy question for Mr. Gleim to answer. Preparedness and ambition are two standout qualities of McKevitt’s that have propelled her to freelance illustrator success, according to Gleim. “She was prepared to put together a portfolio and get ready to hit the ground running, reaching out to art directors and events to get work.”
McKevitt, of Warwick, NY, specifically assembled a portfolio with gaming illustrations in an Independent Studio course taught by Gleim. ARTS 380: Intermediate Illustration and ARTS 489: Animation and Illustration Capstone are two other Gleim courses that McKevitt took.
The path leading to the Mothership gig began at Gen Con, touted as North America’s largest convention devoted to the tabletop gaming culture. McKevitt and fellow Animation and Illustration graduate Julian Santos attended last summer's convention in Indianapolis, IN, and found ample opportunities to present their portfolios to art directors.
McKevitt draws inspiration for her illustrations from “Magic the Gathering,” “Dungeons and Dragons,” various classic horror slashers and Anime, an animation style characterized by large expressive eyes and exaggerated facial expressions.
