The designerzord Interviews: Volume Two

I started desigerzord two years ago because I wanted a place on the internet to talk about design in its many shapes and forms. While my side projects are normally lengthy developments (video games), or personal pursuits (music), designerzord is my one public facing project that can be regularly shared. The site quieted down for a while I spent all of my energy on a major career move, but the dust has settled and it’s time to wake it up.

The most popular part of designerzord was always the interview series, in which I spoke with seven amazing designers about their stories, ideals, and creative processes. I am excited to announce that the series’ hiatus is finally coming to an end.

In the documentary It Might Get Loud, Jack White says before meeting Jimmy Page and The Edge, “My goal is to trick these guys into teaching me all their tricks."

Our next round of trickery begins tomorrow. Hope to see you there!

Highway Indie

Bob Dylan once said,

"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.”

I try my best Bob, but getting to bed sure is tough. Every night, after a full day of making video games at Giant Sparrow, my MacBook illuminates the “no laptops” sign in my local coffee shop. While I scavenge for WiFi, the glossy screen catches the barista’s knowing smile. No need to enforce the rule at this hour.

Although I spent my waking hours over the past 14 months working at a tremendous game studio, nothing made me happier than working on a side project during those caffeine-fueled late night excursions. Most of that happiness faded when my alarm sounded just a few hours later, so I decided it’s time for a schedule change.

Last week marked the end of my chapter at Giant Sparrow, and today I begin a new one as an independent game designer. I am starting a new game company, and am excited to bring a few friends (and frequent coffee shop companions) along for the ride. 

Giant Sparrow, thank you for being so incredibly supportive. You are all such amazing, talented people, and I have no doubt that What Remains of Edith Finch will turn out to be an extraordinarily captivating and unique game. I am humbled to have worked on it, and immensely proud to have worked with all of you.

The road ahead is foggy and sure to be full of twists and turns, but this is the drive I have always wanted to take. 

So what do you say Bob? Sure, I'll turn up the volume when we reach Highway 61, but the trip's just getting started. Maybe one day when we reminisce over a hot cup of coffee, we can look back and call it a success.