oldmanofthefire
@oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
3.3K followers 190 following 280 posts
Artist, gamedev, enigma. Freelance art direction. https://oldmanofthefire.com
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oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
Hey friends, I just lost my job—I’m looking for new work!

See a thread of work below 🧵, or visit oldmanofthefire.com

I’m an artist and programmer. As an art director I’ve lead art teams on projects for Netflix, Apple, Sony, and more.

If you’d be so kind, please share this to get the word out!
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
Early on I felt bad for reusing similar geometry and textures, like I was being lazy. Later I realized that this was actually a helpful technique to create a visual cohesion. In graphic design they call it repetition of forms. Same principle applies in 3D.
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
Though in another sense it is profoundly productive because you are honing one of the sharpest weapon of an artist—the ability to listen and feel with nuance, and the ability to create from that feeling with intention.
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
I like it for a lot of reasons. I like it because it forces you to slow down and think deeply. I like it because it is unpredictable and often causes you to make something you've not made before. I like it because it is in no way "productive"; it's personal, and often restful.
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
I should tell you about one of my favorite artistic practices: Lectio Divina. Originally a form of contemplative prayer.

1. Choose an image that speaks to you. 2. Spend a good deal of focused time meditating on why it speaks to you. 3. Create something in response, from that depth of feeling.
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
Late night meditation. I'd rather live well, love the people in my life well, than be successful. I'd rather profoundly impact a few in good and true ways than be famous and widely known. I will die content one day having lived such a life.
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
not the focus here but those mountains look real good
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
also my personal take but I think a level of self assurance and emotional regulation goes a long way. You're doing cool work, so are they, seems like it would be cool to talk. I think a certain amount of boldness signals you're a professional—and also makes you feel better, not worse about yourself
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
maybe goes without saying but I generally prioritize messaging people who have a level of decision making power

messaging a designer or artist or whatever usually results in "I'll look into that for you!" which typically doesn't go anywhere. Unless it does, who knows 🤷‍♂️
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
if you have any following, great. People who follow you have already expressed interest in your work. They're often happy to hear from you

if not, you can find folks who do similar work to you and message them cold. I've never had someone interact negatively to this. At worst I don't get a response
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
virtues of messaging people:
* you are not competing with 1000s of applicants
* it is way more personally enriching and fun than filling out mindless forms
* it's like planting a seed. Might not result in something now, but often grows into something unexpected later
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
my personal advice to those seeking work: prioritize messaging people over applying to positions

I don't think I have ever gotten a single job from an application. It's always been the result of meeting someone, having a conversation, discovering an opportunity
Reposted by oldmanofthefire
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
Looking to pick up a bit more work—if you're looking for stylistic, atmospheric art direction I'd be happy to chat!
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
Hey friends, I just lost my job—I’m looking for new work!

See a thread of work below 🧵, or visit oldmanofthefire.com

I’m an artist and programmer. As an art director I’ve lead art teams on projects for Netflix, Apple, Sony, and more.

If you’d be so kind, please share this to get the word out!
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
Looking to pick up a bit more work—if you're looking for stylistic, atmospheric art direction I'd be happy to chat!
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
Hey friends, I just lost my job—I’m looking for new work!

See a thread of work below 🧵, or visit oldmanofthefire.com

I’m an artist and programmer. As an art director I’ve lead art teams on projects for Netflix, Apple, Sony, and more.

If you’d be so kind, please share this to get the word out!
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
auto run on mobile, simple contextual gestures to make acrobatic platforming feel natural, not fiddly. environment design works well in portrait
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
view looks flat 2Dish, but camera is rotating around the tower as you run. climbing up and down and across various bridges
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
idea that popped into my head yesterday. might quickly prototype sometime and see how it feels
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
hey that is very kind, thank you
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
most of the folks i know who talk this way are independently wealthy and dont have to think about money

how do you pursue this otherwise? i have two children to feed. i dont know, i'm still figuring it out
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
you can make a lot of decent art following the pattern and approach outlined by those who did it before. Nothing wrong with that

but if you wish to create something new and potent you have to make space to do things that seem foolish, crazy according to the present trend of thinking
oldmanofthefire.bsky.social
there are helpful processes and practices and habits to be sure. I work to cultivate such disciplines

but there is alchemy that creates the profound, resonate, honest work that cannot be clearly planned or outlined