Employee Name: Evan Sears (he/they)

Title: Principal Graphic Designer

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Last book you read / listened to: Sunrise on the Reaping – A Hunger Games Novel

Most-used emoji: 🙄

Who or what inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
I never set out to become a graphic designer, but I’ve always loved video games and working with computers. I started in computer science, but quickly realized I wanted to do something more visual—especially with my lifelong obsession with Pokémon. After taking one graphic design course in college, I discovered I was actually pretty good at it—and things took off from there.

Who are some role models in the gaming industry that inspire you, and why?
I’m most inspired by indie developers who create for the fun of it. I love discovering niche games with unique art styles and clever mechanics. I’m especially drawn to anything involving collecting—whether it’s monsters, cards, or custom skins. Lately, I’ve been really inspired by Playdate and the games it supports. It blends fun, nostalgia, great design, and strong indie community vibes. (Also, I’ve always admired the Brawl Stars team for their super creative marketing.)

What do you enjoy most about working here?
What I love most about working at Zynga is how much they value their creative employees. The pay is solid (which matters!), but just as important—they genuinely support work-life balance, without the guilt you find elsewhere. I always say I feel truly supported—not just with a fair workload, but with a culture that encourages asking for help, celebrates collaboration, and respects boundaries. That kind of environment makes it easier to stay energized and creative, both at work and in my own projects.

How has your identity influenced your career journey?
I won’t hit you with a full essay on everything I’m into—but those passions are a big part of what led me here. I don’t totally buy into the idea of a ‘dream job,’ but I do believe the work you do every day should light you up. I’ve always been obsessed with Pokémon and other cute games, and over time, that love became a form of creative expression. My art style? Bold, bright, and unapologetically cute AF. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned that the best work happens when you bring your full, authentic self to the table. I’m proud of my nonbinary identity, and embracing the quirky and atypical way my brain works has become my personal superpower.

In what ways do you incorporate aspects of your identity into your work or daily life?
The more I embrace both my masculine side and my feminine one, the more at home I feel showing up to work in bright clothes, glittery eyelids, and my signature Marina and the Diamonds heart stamp. I’ve learned that being fully yourself—at work and in life—naturally draws in the people you truly need around you.One of my favorite creative outlets is designing over-the-top drag makeup looks: glued-down brows, the boldest pinks I can find, and big hand-cut cardboard shapes stuck to my face. And if you’re lucky, you might catch me in a meeting with my emotional support Labubu by my side.