Getting to Knowmade: Jonathan MacDonald
Jonathan “JMac” MacDonald
3D Artist
JMac’s an artist of great renown, and we’ll sing his praises all day long! He lovingly crafts all the infinitely attackable objects players get to mess around with, along with so, so much more…
‘Ello, Monsieur JMac! What is it you do at Glowmade?
I am one of the 3D Artists here at Glowmade, but I can often be found working with the Level Designer and Gameplay teams to create and set up shiny new gameplay objects for them to play with. A polygon polisher with a side of logic!
Now how would your parent describe your job?
They normally say I work in computer animation, as that’s what my degree was in.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I spent about 12 years bumbling around many studios as a Freelancer, one of which was Glowmade before it was actually Glowmade (then called Trink). Eventually, as the stars aligned, I got back in touch 3 years ago - and the rest, as they say, is history.
(Ooh, Trink IS a blast from the past…)
What made you want to pursue games?
Many moons ago (I am starting to feel old now), after months of setbacks straight out of University, I decided to stop and concentrate on progressing my skills. After 9 months of hard work I was given my first role as a 3D Artist on a TV Series for children.
Share something you love doing outside of everything video games.
Probably my biggest hobbies are Climbing and Golf when I'm not glued to a computer screen. I like to force myself out of the house when I can!
Who or what inspires you?
Everything! The world is filled with loads of people, places and things that inspire me. I think that's the great thing about being an artist. Inspiration comes from everything and anything.
Share something you appreciate about yourself. Give yaself a pat on the back, why don’t ya?
I would say the tenacity which I have developed over the years. If I really put my mind to something then I will see it through to completion.
Probably the biggest achievement would be my career. My first role I didn't know was “freelance,” and being out of university I didn't know the correct processes. When I found out I was freelance, I was determined to see it though and make it work. 12 years later I’m still going strong!
What game do you wish you could’ve developed?
Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. That was the game my dad and I used to play together all the time when I was a kid.
“Art is never finished, only abandoned.”
What's the best thing about working at Glowmade?
Knowing that the company cares about you and your needs!
Who on the team inspires you the most? What do they do that's so great?
I have to just say everyone on the team. They are all there putting out the best work to make what we are working on as good as possible!
What do you want from your career? What goals are you looking forward to vaulting past?
I just want to keep creating great artwork and helping others on their journey to create fantastic art in games for people to play!
What are your top tips for someone looking to get into games?
Absorb all the information and skills you can. Perfect the basics and learn the best processes. Then create a portfolio with only your best and finished work (don't look at my portfolio. Do as I say, not as I do!). My excuse is it's an old portfolio!
Once that is all done, contact everyone of interest. Do you research on the companies, spend the time to put together a well thought out email (not a copy and paste!). Then think outside of the box, look for people in the company who could really help you get you foot in the door, even if it's just for a face to face chat. Contact those people!
In your opinion, who is the cutest Glowmade pet?
It has to be Frank the Pug. That ham face is just too cute.
(We did it, Frank!! We got you a vote that wasn’t Jonny!!!)
If you had to pick one game to play for the rest of your life, what would it be?
It would probably have to be Call of Duty: Warzone. I just love a Battle Royale, too competitive for my own good!
What's your guilty pleasure?
Probably having expensive hobbies - Audio and Horology.
There's one biscuit left in the tin and it's your favourite... what is it?
CUSTARD CREAMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Give me a packet and 30 seconds and that whole packet is gone!
(Anyone got a stopwatch ready?)
