With gameplay proved out and validated in the grayboxing stage, art implementation can begin! This includes creating detailed geometry, placing props and decorating the environment, texturing, lighting, and creating special effects and animations.
Whether the game designer is directly involved in this part of the process depends on their skill set, the project, and the team. Some highly experienced level designers can handle every single aspect of creating a stage, while others focus solely on gameplay and leave the artistic side to the likes of professional environmental artists.
Even if you cannot participate in this step directly, it's important to keep an eye on the process and ensure that essential gameplay elements ...