Success Story: Hannah Dickson

For this entry, I did have a chat with Hannah Dickson, from my first MA Class at Escape Studios. Hannah is currently working at Flix Interactive as a 3D Artist.

What course did you study?

MA Game Art (Full Time)

What are you working on at the moment?

After leaving Escape Studios I landed a job at Flix Interactive, who are based in the Midlands, where I am currently creating environments for the awesome DLC of Zombie Army 4! I’m really enjoying my time here, working on exciting games with an amazing team of talented individuals.

What work are you most proud of working on and was/is your most notable achievement?

I think it would have to be the 1940s Paris Apartment scene I made for my final project. It was such a fun environment to work on; I absolutely love creating small, detailed interiors, and being able to put everything I learnt over the year into practice was amazing. Overcoming challenges, and seeing the end result that I alone had produced was just so rewarding.

If you had to sum up your time at Escape Studios in one word, what would it be and why?

’Nurturing’

Everyone at Escape, from the tutors, to the assistants, to the classmates was so supportive. I found that there was a real community atmosphere there, with everyone wanting to help each other out, and motivate one another to succeed. Being passionate about your work is one thing, but having talented people give you valuable feedback and guidance along the way, is what truly helps helps you to get better.

What lessons have you learnt during your time studying and your time working in Games?

One of the most important lessons, I’d say, is to not be too much of a perfectionist in the early stages of a piece of work. Working more loosely and just getting something down initially, and then refining it later can really help ideas fall into place and help to get the creative juices flowing. Its very easy to add too much pressure to yourself at the start of a project, and I think, as an artist you really need to move away from that. I’ve also learnt that in this industry, consistent hard work and practice will really take you far.

What is your advice for those considering entering the industry?

Constantly hone your art skills, take time into making a well-presented portfolio, always ask for feedback from others on how you can improve, and never take rejection personally. The games industry is a very competitive sector that is difficult to get into, but if you put in the hard work and are passionate and remain relentless, you will get there! Seeing your work in a game played by many people all over the world is just so rewarding, and makes the journey getting there so worthwhile.

What’s your favourite game and why?

After finishing the critically acclaimed The Last Of Us Part 2 over last Christmas, I’d have to say it is without doubt my favourite game. The environments Naughty Dog created are just absolutely stunning, and so immersive. This, combined with the incredible story and gameplay makes it just such an amazing experience to get lost in. I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t stop thinking about it afterwards!