We chat to Victoria about life at Firesprite as an Environment Artist
Hi Victoria! Let’s start with how it all began, how did you get your job in games?
Sheer determination!
What advice would you give to your younger self on your first day in the industry?
Don’t focus on impressing other people, work on being the best version of yourself. This applies to your personal work and self-development. Not everyone has the answers, so if you hope to keep making other people happy rather than yourself it can burn you out very quickly.
What most excites you most about coming to work every day?
Being inspired by my team and creating the next generation of games.
What does gaming mean to you?
Everything. Playing games at a young age allowed me to dream that I can be anything I wanted. It really shaped who I am today. I loved seeing strong female characters I always aspired to be like them, Lara Croft in particular.
What game are you most proud to have worked on throughout your career so far?
Horizon Call of the Mountain. Without realising it, I have become part of the next generation of VR. What a dream.
What are the challenges of Environment Art and how do we overcome them?
Accepting that it is not possible to know all the answers and you never will. Technology changes and you work with a team for a reason, we all rely on each other’s strengths. If you have a growth mindset it will carry you a long way, stay inspired!
What’s been your most rewarding work challenge so far and why?
Building the environments in Horizon Call of the Mountain. I love creating narrative. It has been such a fun journey shaping the world right from blockouts and being able to have that creative freedom. The Art Direction for this title is so rich and vibrant so everything looks eye-wateringly good. Being trusted with such an important role feels so validating as an artist.
What’s your gamedev superpower?
Being curious.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I was born with a white streak in my hair like Rogue. Maybe that is my superpower?
What makes you proud to be a sprite?
Having access to the best technology and talent.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become an Environment Artist?
When you’re starting out, even if you haven’t landed your first job, find a buddy to go along the journey with. I would have loved to have had that support early on.
What is your favourite thing about working at Firesprite?
The flexibility of being able to work from home yet still have that team culture. It is very important to to feel a part of the team but still have those boundaries of space when I need it.
What have video games taught you?
Life is an adventure
