So this week we were asked to work on meeting someone and making them a part of our network. I am a computer science major and really want to go into video game development. I have worked on my own game projects in the past, but I am definitely no artist. Most of my games' artwork has consisted of simple shapes such as squares, triangles, and circles. While working on this assignment I was lucky enough to find an engineer, interested in game development, who is a really good artist.
We met each other in our chemistry class and started by talking about our majors. I mentioned that I was a cs major, and he asked if I knew anything about web development. He wanted to make a website that he could use as an online portfolio. I told him that I knew the basics, but that I was really interested in game development. He said that he thought game development would be awesome, but he just didn't have enough interest in programming to really make anything. I told him I enjoyed the programming and designing parts, I just couldn't draw anything. Low and behold he actually could draw really well and he showed me some pictures of his drawing on his phone.
Since we met we have talked a few times. I have begun learning more about web development so that I can help him set up his website, and we have talked about some different game ideas we have. We are actually becoming pretty good friends through it. I think its great that I have found someone who can work with me on game development and has a real interest in it, and I hope he is glad he found someone who can help build his website.
I think networking is a great way to bring ideas to reality because you rarely have all the skills you need to do so alone. By meeting other people with different skills and interests you have a much larger knowledge base then you would on your own or just networking with people similar to yourself.
Have you seriously attempted at becoming good at drawing? I ask this as I am in the same boat as you with my art abilities. But, for some reason I also feel I should try to flesh out any hidden abilities I have as soon as possible. I just gotta find the time and I guess that is the problem.
ReplyDeleteAlso, have you made any other connections like that in your life? Cause, that is pretty awesome. It's not common to find someone who has the exact opposite skillset and needs you do, making the perfect mutual friendship match.
Where do you think you should draw the line between attempting something yourself outside of your skillset and looking for others? I ask myself this often and would like to hear your opinion.
You said that you've work on games in the past that have consisted of simple shapes, how did you implement these into the game design? You are becoming more involved in web design through your new friend, do you see yourself developing an interest in design through this encounter? You mentioned that the site had an integrated portfolio, is this only for oyur friend's use or is it an artistic sharing and networking venture?
ReplyDeleteI took a java class in high school is that the sort of code you are using to develop games through? I ask this because that class became difficult for me and made me lose all interest in wanting to become a game designer because we worked the majority of it on algorithms and technical programs. Does your friend to digital art? It seems as if it would be hard to incorporate is artistic ability into your work if he could not get it on the computer. What does he hope to gain from putting his portfolio online? Is he looking for a job or customers? or is he doing it to share his art with everyone?
ReplyDeleteHave you looked around campus for clubs that utilize video games and programming? I wish i could tell you the name of the club i saw during quad day, but it was a club devoted to making flash games. Some of them looked pretty technical, and they said it was a great way to start out with video game programming.
ReplyDeleteWhere exactly did your desire for video game programming come from? I'm wondering if it was a class you took in high school that brought it to your attention or a hobby you developed by yourself. I'm always curious how people discover their interests.
Have you thought about the different aspects other than programming and artistry? I do not know a whole lot about the behind the scenes of video game designing, but I'm sure there is more to it than that. I bet it would be beneficial bouncing ideas off of multiple people, and assimilating ideas that everyone likes.