So, my names Michael Allen (there's probably at least a few that you know) and I consider myself an artist. Professionally I've worked in design for print and web for the last 3 years, not entirely by choice but it's worked out and I'm enjoying it. I'm currently attending the Art Institute of CA - NOHO for Game Art and Design, it's not the best pick but I was fooled, you can leave your AI horror stories in a comment or e-mail I'd love to hear them. I chose to study GAD because I've had a controller in my hand since I was 5 and since I was about 10 I was already putting together game documents and creating assets usually inspired by what I was playing at the time, Kirby, Donkey Kong, Zelda, you know, classic SNES games. I think I had my own computer before I left Elementary school and experimented with tons of free game engines like Gamemaker, RPG Maker, and, Fighter Maker. Some with success but mostly a new idea would fill my head and I'd be taken to my next project.
Aside from video games I've always been a huge fan of Marvel, which I'm sure you noticed, and growing up with superheros has led me to write my fair share of comics. I'm definitely a huge X-men fan, Cyclops being one of my favorites (I know, I know...).
With that kind of background I'm more geared towards character development and design I love games with really complex and inviting characters. I feel that gaming in general has become a little over saturated in recent year, 2 guitar heroes a year and countless shooters are the best examples of this, and has lost some of it's roots. Although, I guess, I'm coming from a perspective of a budding industry when every game had it's own piece of innovation. I'm drawn to gaming because I'ts probably one of the only mediums of story telling that really invites the person in to a world or a character and when done right can have a pretty phenomenal impact. Recently I can't think of too many games that have really wow'd me. It seems that most companies are in a "Who has the better graphics?" war while recycling mechanics and stories.
I'm trying to do a few things with this blog; get my art exposed, and keep myself accountable. I've started up way too many things and it's time to start finishing them.
That was a lot longer than expected, if you made it this far hopefully you know me a little better and I'm not just another souless blog out on the interwebs.
Also, I am Tina.
