Getting to Knowmade: Stef Walker
Stef Walker
Senior 3D Artist
Stef is our resident Queen of Crawlies, and all things 3D! We owe so much of the beating heart of our game’s feel to Stef and their wonderful contributions, which build our weird little world from the ground up. Literally. Now let’s find out more, shall we?
Stef! Stef! Stef! What is it you do at Glowmade?
Senior 3D Artist! I make characters in 3D! Whether they be human, beast or a sentient wicker basket with six eyes. I also make weapons, environment props, buildings etc.
Now how would your parent describe your job?
I make things in 3D out of squares (I tried to explain what a polygon was to them once and they didn't quite get it but like to bring it up when their friends ask what I do for a living.)
How did you get to this point in your career?
I went to the University of Hertfordshire, graduated, joined Glowmade as a junior and *wam bam* I'm still here! But a lot less junior!
What made you want to pursue games?
I think I mostly tripped and stumbled into my career, I can't remember one specific moment where I was like 'yes!! to the games industry I go!' even though I'm a huge gamer and now can't imagine doing anything else.
I just wanted to make cool things. In the end, the games industry was the best place to seize that opportunity!
Share something you love doing outside of everything video games.
I love 3D printing figures! I've made video game character statues, an army of digimon, dnd miniatures and a bunch of other silly little projects. I love 3D but I also love using my hands and painting, sanding, gluing, soldering etc. so if I'm away from a screen then that's usually what I'm up to!
(I also keep arthropods and that's turned into a bit of an additional spiralling hobby)
Who or what inspires you?
Everything is an inspiration - nature, other artists, tv shows, music, games. There is always something that can create a spark!
Share something you appreciate about yourself. Give yaself a pat on the back, why don’t ya?
I appreciate the curiosity and interest I have for more technical areas that aren't super art heavy - I think it helps keep me from any kind of art burnout! I've never wanted to be stuck in one little corner of focus, I like that I always want to learn new things because of it.
What game do you wish you could’ve developed?
Borderlands 2/Presequel/Tales because the hard black lines in that style just looks SO fun to work with!
“Done is better than perfect, because perfect never gets done!”
What's the best thing about working at Glowmade?
I have never been pigeonholed into fulfilling one particular role. I love that I'm given the freedom to try out and help with different aspects of the project and the art pipeline. I've always appreciated the trust that comes with that.
What do you want from your career? What goals are you looking forward to vaulting past?
I want to keep getting better at Art. Sometimes you make something really good, sometimes you feel like you can't model at all. It's a cycle. So long as you keep making you'll always be improving. So I plan to keep making! That's how I'll become the best artist I can be, and there's always plenty to make at Glowmade!
What are your top tips for someone looking to get into games?
Figure out what kind of artist you want to be and really work on refining that path! Don't be afraid to let your own personal style bleed through, don't treat your portfolio like a shopping list of mandatory assets. When you're enjoying what you're making it shows, and others will pick up on that. There are lots of great artists out there, so make your passion stand out!
In your opinion, who is the cutest Glowmade pet?
Legs the millipede (no bias here nope no way…)
(Nope, none, you’re all clear.)
If you had to pick one game to play for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I feel like my answer to this is constantly changing but at the moment it would be Baldurs Gate 3.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Claw machines.
There's one biscuit left in the tin and it's your favourite... what is it?
I don't think snickerdoodles are technical biscuits but I would kill a man for a snickerdoodle.
(I admire the passion, if nothing else.)
