This week we spoke to Lili Ibrahim, Lead Artist at UsTwo Games. This talk focussed on the studio dynamic and core skills we need for the industry, both when applying for jobs and in a studio environment.
(UsTwo Games, 2021)
Lili’s discussion about her personal recruitment process was interesting to me, in which she found opportunities either by approaching companies, applying for jobs or relying on her contacts and network. She outlined how if you have received a job interview after submitting a portfolio then your work is of a good enough standard for the company and how important it is to get feedback if your portfolio is rejected (this either means you don’t fit with the company’s dynamic or the standard of your work is not good enough).
Similarly to Joel, Lili spoke to us about the creative process and the value of both hard skills and soft skills. She broke the process down into 4 stages; idea generation, pre-production, full production and late-production/polish. This would be great for me to take forward into my own project for better structuring, improved team communication and setting appropriate points to playtest wherever possible.
We discussed hard skills such as;
· Responding to a brief
· Ability to meet a deadline
· Flexibility in style of work
· Idea Generation
· Ability to present work
And soft skills, like
· Taking on feedback
· Communicating well
· Being a team player
· Having a willingness to learn
Perhaps most importantly of all, Lili spoke to us about how creatives need to practise self-care. The project is always prioritised, so regardless of the work, if it doesn't suit the project then it has to be cut. Relationships in a creative workplace can often be strained, especially when working to deadlines, so making sure you’re in the right company with the right people is paramount.
The final point that stood out to me was to do more of what we love. She said if you want that job, focus your portfolio, go out and get it.
Reflection:
I have a very strong idea of where I would like to be in the industry (concept art / visual development) and I want to tailor my portfolio to these opportunities. I would like to become more confident in my artwork and so I will be focussing my research and project skills towards the work I see myself doing in the future (I have already started analysing animation portfolios as well as following a variety of concept / visual development artists on social media so I shall be studying them as best I can).
References
UsTwo Games, 2021. Independent Games Studio. (Online) Available at: https://www.ustwogames.co.uk/ (Accessed 11th January 2021).
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