Student Showcase: Rebecca Sawyer
FOURTH-YEAR, INTERACTIVE DESIGN AND GAME DEVELOPMENT
INTERVIEWED BY MIKAEL TRENCH | PORTRAIT BY REBECCA SAWYER
WHEN DID YOUR PASSION FOR GAMING START?
I’ve been playing video games since before I can remember. At 5 years old, I have distinct memories of playing “Donkey Kong Country,” “Bonkers” and “Rabbit Rampage” in my grandparents’ kitchen. Shortly after, I became obsessed with my Nintendo Game Boy Color and loved playing “Pokémon Blue.” From there, it just snowballed.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
The moment I knew I wanted to work in the game industry is when I started playing “World of Warcraft” in 2009. It was my first MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). I became entranced with the ability to create immersive worlds. The artistic style of “World of Warcraft” is something I emulate and find inspiring because they use simple 3D models and oil paint rendering techniques to produce believable textures and materials. This blend of traditional and digital work is truly my happy place.
DID YOUR GRAPHIC DESIGN BACKGROUND ENHANCE YOUR GAMING DESIGN?
Graphic design was my artistic gateway drug. It was my toe-dip into the waters to see if I could pull off being an artist. I was pleasantly surprised that I loved it. My background in graphic design gave me a good foundation to build upon while at SCAD — it didn’t hurt that I had exposure to the critique process, the foundations of art and the principles of design. I still use elements I learned in that program today. At its core, all art is connected in one way, shape or form — so it never hurts to try out different things. I strongly encourage others to get out of their field and try new things.
WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE GREATEST LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED AT SCAD THAT WILL HELP YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Time management is something you need to learn at SCAD to be successful. Knowing when to under promise and over deliver is an art form in itself that I’m still learning. It’s important when you’re creating work for yourself, a class or a client.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO A STUDENT WHO’S INTERESTED IN INTERACTIVE DESIGN AND GAME DEVELOPMENT?
Be ready to do a little bit of everything. Game design is managing every other major to make something amazing. It’s a collaborative platform that encompasses everything — narrative writing, animation, interior design, illustration, visual effects and more. A key part of making games is getting out of your major and learning new things. Having to do a little bit of everything is one of my favorite parts of game design — I’m always doing something new and there’s never a boring moment.
