I was engaged at Zing Performance to undertake and complete a major project that began with a successful period of consultancy at the end of 2014. I was briefed to steer the organisation and service towards a framework focussed on customer engagement, digital distribution, games technology and game design. Working with a talented team and reporting to a progressive owner and founder I enjoyed a very challenging role that allowed me to direct and engage all areas of the business:-Direction - Daily point of contact for the direction and support of the team covering design, process, production, art direction & manpower. Inspiration, innovation and ceaseless generation of commercially viable ideas were key to success here.Design - I designed the entire flow for the several apps, feature sets, various mini-games & meta-games whilst acknowledging the requirements for an effective user journey, user experience, user engagement strategy and core goals of the services & brands.Business Development - A key part of my role was to support the owner in developing strategies and partnerships to ensure the longterm viability, success and future of the business. Core to the strategy was the integration of a contemporary subscription based digital 'curve' business model that supports multiple points of entry from free to premium. Implementing a partner program with a 'walled garden' of customers to gain significant cross marketing capability with complimentary services. Leading, supporting and partnering meetings with potential partners, subject matter experts, corporate customers and other interested parties to secure good partnerships and powerful routes to market.Branding - Re-branding of the company and service including re-naming, building in ethical business objectives, conceiving a new visual identity, redesigning the website with a new look and sales flow and also engaging external service providers for web production, video production and programming.

During this period I supplied contracted consultancy services to 3 games studios and 2 none core games companies as well as a significant amount of pro bono advice and guidance for small indie studios and speculative approaches. During this time it became very clear to me that many industries could benefit greatly from the unique skills and processes native to the games industry.Areas I consulted & advised on included core game design review, pitch material / presentation review, business models, SWOT analysis, manpower, branding & marketing, development roadmaps, technology platforms, USP feature design, App feature design & flow, PR & Social media integration, scheduling & production, (re)engagement, retention, UX, UI, art direction, big data & BI, motivation, focussed intention & many more.

Direction and advice on the aesthetics, feel, mechanics, loops and overall vision on all projects.Member of both Studio Operations & Studio Development groups - integral part of the strategic planning and day-to-day operation of the studio.Responsible for all operational aspects of the game design department including personnel management, performance management, training and all departmental creative output.Business development - Responsible for the creation and delivery of new IP & pitch materials and working alongside the CEO to secure new high value game contracts.Creative & design representative for the studio in writing, interview and industry conference presentations - talks include GDC (US & Euro), MIGS, FMX, Develop, Game Horizon etc.

Project art direction on 3 full development cycle game projects.Responsible for all aspects of the the art, animation and PR materials of the project including full personnel management, art vision, documentation, client management, quality assurance, training, scheduling and internal milestone presentations & PR.Full direction on all aesthetic and technical aspects of all visual components of the games.Presented talks ranging from internal company presentations, external pitch presentations, University talks and eventually doing my first talks at industry conferences.Blitz Academy - I was the principal architect of our internal training program called the Blitz Academy. From its conception I drove and co-ordinated with HR the development of the structure, processes and initial training modules to create an industry leading training program. I also presented several modules and represented the academy in the industry press.

I entered the studio as a Senior Artist and during my 5 year tenure there I was fortunate to experience many areas of development and held job titles including Visual Effects Artist, Lead Technical Artist, Lead Artist and finally attaining Senior Creative Designer. The major skills I learned during my prolific time at the studio included project art direction, production scheduling, team & personnel management & life as a publisher developer.New IP & Design - For the last 2-3 years I discovered my skills and passion for design and acquired the raw skills to develop new IP. I also learned the power of fusing good art, design and audio to create a compelling 'experience'.Other skills included performing due diligence on other studios and projects, presenting ideas and concepts internally and communicating game vision.

I joined Rare straight from university as a junior 3D artist on the Donkey Kong Country franchise. I was fortunate to be part of a very special time in Rare's highly creative & successful history.During my time at Rare I rose from Junior Artist to Senior Artist.My greatest achievements at Rare were adopting the skills, mindset and studio culture needed to create true triple A quality and more importantly learning the 'Nintendo' design philosophy first hand.Donkey Kong Country 2 & Banjo Kazooie were my biggest full development cycle games although I assisted on other Rare titles to varying degrees.