Getting to Know-Made: Sam Dalton, UI Artist
Glowmade Towers (which during lockdown has become more of a feeling than a place) is home to a team of talented and passionate creators, and support staff. Their creativity a bubbles over into our games and studio culture daily, and - frankly - we all benefit from it!
It’s always fascinating to understand what makes people tick, and today’s Getting To Knowmade (do you get it?) is with Sam Dalton - UI Artist, Pretty Menu Maker, a man that appreciates the classics…
And don’t forget - WE ARE HIRING and we want to hear from you, even if you don’t see a role listed on our website that fits your skills - get in contact! And tell us about your favourite cake whilst you’re at it…
Sam Dalton
UI Artist
How would your mum/dad describe your job?
“He makes all the menus pretty and stuff”
The main thing is… they think your work is pretty! So does everyone else, btw.
So, how would YOU describe your job?
I make all the menus pretty and stuff.
Excellent, it’s good to know we’re all in agreement!
Tell us a little about how you got to THIS point in your career?
I went to Arts University of Bournemouth 2011/2014 and studied Graphic Design (hons).
From there had a long road as a freelancer, doing a little bit of everything from Illustration, Graphic Design, Motion Graphics and Web Design. From there, in 2018, I joined a start up called The Polygon Loft to pursue career in the Games Industry (after having a life changing experience) and launched a mobile title called Double Pug Switch!
From there on, Glowmade!
Sounds like my kind of game! *Makes note* ‘check out Double Pug Switch’…
What was it that motivated you to persue a career in video games?
I guess I had two moments really…
The first was that my sister was babysitting for a gentlemen called Damian Buzugbe, who worked as the Lead Concept Artist for Lionhead studios back in 2006-ish. She arranged for us three to have lunch together, and he showed me his portfolio. This was the first time I had a name for the artwork that I loved looking at through old game manuals like Starcraft, Baldurs Gate and Diablo as a child. Concept Art. He had also started off as a Graphic Designer and segued into the games industry, which is the same path I ended up taking.
Secondly, in 2018 I broke my back. This involved a very drunken night and a 30ft fall into an abandonded allotment, which in turn gifted me a burst fracture on my t12 vertebrae and a 6 month recovery. These 6 months really allowed me to analysis certain parts of my life with greater clarity, one of them being what I want to do in life, and what was holding me back.
The serendipity of that first story is heartwarming (and I can confirm that Damien is a l e g e n d) but the second story makes my back hurt. Overall, I’m just glad you came out of it with a positive story to tell!
When you’re not making menus pretty and stuff at Glow Towers, where can you be found?
I am really enjoying my cycling right now! Have a saracen 2017 hybrid which I like to take around to whizz around Bristol. Enjoying doing offroad tracks as well, but haven't currently got a mountain bike.
Tell me, Sam, what do you want from your career?
I want to be an established artist within the Games Industry, with several years experience, who can work remotely anywhere in the world with career stability. Past that, I want to push against the boundaries of art and storytelling within Games.
You are well on your way, Sam! Keep growing and learning, we’ll all be cheering from the sidelines!
Prepare yourself for this one… if you could have been involved in the development of ANY game, which would it be?
Big question. Not Anthem. Maybe the FF7 remake, or possibly Half-life 2?
Classics! You truly are a video game connoisseur!
Who on the team inspires you the most? (don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me!)
Jim.
YAS! TEAM JIM! *ahem* I mean, yeah man… Jim’s pretty cool, I guess…
There's one biscuit left in the tin and you're all eyeing it up... what is it?
Chocolate hobnob.
Finally! 4 blogs in and we have a correct answer!
If you had to pick one game to play for the rest of your life (let's hope it never comes to that), what would it be?
Sad but true, League of Legends.
You answered that quickly… I assume.
What's your personal motto?
Let tomorrow's you worry about tomorrow’s problems (helps me get to sleep).
Today me is very grateful for that nugget! Good choice, sir!
What are your top tips for someone looking to get into games?
Find your element; something that you enjoying doing and don't even notice you're doing it. And alot of the time, it's who you know not what you know. Networking is super important, usually people are very friendly in the games industry, chuck some emails out, join forums etc. Visualise yourself in the job. And set long term goals that you break down into realistic parts to help you on your journey.
Fabulous advice, Sam! The most important thing is getting your passion and talent out there for the world to see! Thank you for taking the time to talk to us! … but don’t think this is the last you’ll hear from the Know-Made Blog Writer…