Cinematic Designer
Video Games
Dates
Aug 2010 - Aug 2011
Star Wars: The Old Republic is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) based in the Star Wars universe. It was developed by Bioware Austin and acquired one million subscribers within three days of its launch, making it the world's "fastest-growing MMO ever" of its time. I was honored to be part of a 16 person cinematics team and was responsible for scripting in-game cutscenes using proprietary animations and tools provided by the animation and programming departments.
I collaborated with numerous departments (Scripting, Art, Spawning, and VFX to name a few) in order to make sure that aggressive milestones were met within a timely manner. Additionally, I tackled design challenges and persevered through stress and tech limitations. My flashpoint cinematic work was featured at Gamescon 2011.
Capture Artist, Cinematic Designer
Video Games
Dec 2012 - May 2013
I started working at Trion Worlds as a capture artist. I created stunning screenshots that were featured on many notable gaming outlets such as PC Gamer, Tenton Hammer and Destructoid.
I displayed flexibility and capacity to rapidly learn new tools by managing duties for four diverse games including Rift, Defiance, End of Nations, and an undisclosed game due to signing an NDA.
Within a year, I was promoted to Cinematic Designer where I scripted animated characters and objects for marketing purposes. I also helped capture scenes for Defiance's official launch trailer which premiered at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), a premier trade event for the video game industry.
"In my time there I saw her master Rift, Defiance, and End of Nations. It was very impressive how quickly she learned the game development tool for Defiance. She even wrote up detailed instructions on the Defiance cinema tool to help the other artist jump in and start working quickly."
Charles Hatley
Motion Graphics Artist
Marketing Designer
Video Games
May 2013 - July 2013
Supercell, a mobile game developer headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, with offices in San Francisco, Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai, continues to be a major player in the gaming industry. Since its inception in 2010, Supercell has launched several globally popular games, including Hay Day, Clash of Clans, Boom Beach, and Clash Royale.
In my role at Supercell, I was responsible for creating mobile banners, Facebook advertising graphics, and marketing videos. My involvement spanned all aspects of production, from concept and copy to execution. This included localizing designs for at least 17 languages, showcasing my ability to adapt to diverse cultural contexts.
Beyond the technical aspects, I played a key role in facilitating relationships with partners and vendors for the creation of marketing assets, contributing to the company's evolving and dynamic marketing strategies.
Reflections on weaving through the intricate tapestry of game development
Reflecting on my experiences at three diverse game companies, from major AAA studios to an innovative mobile gaming giant, has provided me with invaluable insights. These experiences have profoundly influenced my approach to future projects in three key areas:
1. Embracing Collaboration
My passion as a gamer for collaborative missions translated seamlessly into my professional life. I've had to learn how to navigate the complexities of teamwork, especially in cinematic design where interdependencies are the norm. Working alongside writers, world builders, animators, scriptwriters, and audio teams, I practiced the art of synchronizing efforts. Cinematic elements in games are intricate puzzles, often requiring adjustments and collaborative problem-solving. The joy of seeing all these pieces come together, forming a cohesive and engaging narrative, was immensely rewarding. This experience has ingrained in me the value of teamwork and the beauty of collective accomplishment.
2. The Interdisciplinary Nature of Game Development
The cross-functional nature of game development was a constant in my journey. It required not just collaboration but also a deep understanding of various disciplines. Whether it was aligning with the narrative team to ensure the story's essence was captured or working with the technical team to implement feasible solutions, the interdisciplinary approach was crucial. This environment taught me the importance of viewing game development as a holistic process, where every element, from storytelling to technical execution, plays a pivotal role.
3. Mastering the Art of Storytelling and Visual Effects
No matter what platform - storytelling is an art form. Understanding the narrative, the emotions it should evoke, and how to effectively translate this into the game was a key learning. I honed my skills in 'faking' certain visual effects and camera angles to achieve the desired impact, a technique essential in creating immersive experiences. This aspect of my work taught me the delicate balance between artistic vision and technical feasibility, a balance that is crucial in crafting compelling and believable game worlds.
These experiences have not only enriched my skill set but also shaped my perspective on game development. They underscore the importance of collaboration, interdisciplinary understanding, and storytelling principles in creating memorable gaming experiences.