As promised, here's my blog about the Blitz Open Day! It might be a bit lengthy so I apologise, I just don't feel like I could leave anything out because it was all too good. ;W;
Getting to Leamington Spa:
So first off I had to actually get to Leamington, which took a few hours. I woke up at 2am, got to the train station for 3:30 and then arrived in Leamington at about 7:30am. Nothing very eventful happened on the way there other than it being crazy cold, but that's expected with England weather really. >_>
When I eventually found the place (I have the directional ability of a blind goose meaning it took me longer than it should have) it was nearly time to go in, so I just sat in a coffee shop until about 9am. Plus the coffee was nice!
I didn't realise it at the time, but another guy that had been picked for the open day, as well as a few of the Blitz staff themselves popped in and out of the cafe too.
The Open Day itself:
About 8 - 9 of us showed up in total, I was expecting more but apparently a few people couldn't make it. :( All of the talks we got from the different areas were both informative and inspiring, and I definitely learned a tonne about how the company itself works and how things go in the industry. All of the segments were interesting though I particularly enjoyed the artsy ones most (of course).
After about 2 hours of 15 - 20 minute talks we had lunch time, followed by the last couple before we split off into our specialisms to get advice and talk to people in those areas that work for Blitz.
Cake:
I ate some cake. The cake was good. Just wanted to throw that in there.
Studio Tour:
After the presentations and the cake we were shown around Blitz's studio. Everything was so cool @_@. I've never been inside of a game studio before, so this was a new experience for me. It was awesome to see so many people being visibly creative and getting into their work. Not to mention the amount of toys on their desks! It's a very nice place with an equally nice team, so walking around was a great experience.
Feedback:
When we got split off to meet with the pros, the group I was in (2D) had 4 people in it including me. All of the others were awesome and nice so that was great, and instead of letting myself be stupidly shy and reserved I pushed myself to ask some questions and show my work - I am so glad I did.
The advice that I was given was extremely helpful and both the guys there were genuine about helping out. We looked at each person's work for about 10 minutes after them taking a fair bit of time to answer any questions that we had.
I have to say that one of the most amazing things to happen was that when I handed them my 'mini portfolio', before they opened it they remembered my application. It was crazy to think that it was something they remembered, and it really meant a lot. :)
After we had been given feedback they both showed us some of their work and I have to say I was pretty blown away. They work at a quality that I seriously hope I can reach someday, and I'm determined to do what I can to get to that level.
I loved a guy called Duncan's work in particular - the characters he showed us had such an awesome style to them, not to mention his crazy clean lineart! It was really nice to see some work that wasn't particularly realistic, but still had those qualities to them. Kinda comforting, too.
Pub! Yes, you read that right!:
After the day 'officially' came to a close, a few of the workers and the remaining open day students went to a pub. I'm not the pub kind usually, but as my train wasn't for another 3 hours or so I went along. Going to that pub was, I think, the best choice I've made in a while really.
We were lead there by one of the Oliver twins (I honestly have no idea which one), and about a handful of us plonked ourselves into a corner of the pub. I'd say about 6 of us were there, shortly followed by a few 2D artists and someone who (I think) was on the programming side.
I was a little quiet to begin with, being no good in crowds and all, but after a little while I started to talk more and had a blast. :D
As the evening went on we got talking more and more, and the two 2D artists that stayed continued to give more and more useful advice and critique, and I'd like to take the time to thank them so so much for that - the advice and help they gave me has filled me with what feels like a lifetime of inspiration to push myself as hard as I can and a tonne of reassurance, so if you guys are reading this: THANK YOU! <3
Home time:
At about 8pm I left for the train station :c I really didn't want to leave, it was such an epic day and everyone I met was awesome. Plus Leamington is a pretty nice place!
The guys gave me some directions for a well-lit way to get back to the station, and after a little trouble finding my way, a lovely middle-aged couple, and a free torch later, I was on my way back to Preston~
TL;DR:
If you get the chance to apply for one of the Blitz Open Days, all I can say a billion times over is DO IT DO IT DO IT. After experiencing the day that I did, I'm honoured to have been given a place and would do it again in a heartbeat. Everyone there was so kind and genuine, I felt so comfortable in that environment and I have absolutely no doubt at all now that this is what I want to do with my life.
So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you Blitz! <3
