Today we take another swan dive into the creative realms inhabiting the minds of our two game artists: Shelly and Dena, yay girl power! They’re here to talk abut their origins stories and why Art+Games= FUN!
Deanna Que
Who are you and what do you do in Altitude?
Deanna: Hello! I’m Deanna Que, and I’m a game artist. The fun things I get to do vary from day to day, which include creating concept art, making 2D game assets, and a little bit of animation.
What’s it like working at Altitude?
DQ: It’s ridiculous…ly fun! There are a lot of different aspects in making an awesome game, so each day is filled with a bunch of exciting things to do. The people here at Altitude are also amazing to work with. They’re fun, talented, and just a little bit quirky; the perfect mix in a team that makes great games.
What is your nickname? (Can also be your favorite name you use when gaming)
DQ: I always introduce myself as Deanna, but most of my friends call me Dena 🙂
How did you get started as an artist?
DQ: I think I’ve always known what I wanted to do since I could hold a pencil: draw. I’ve been drawing on any and every scrap of paper I could get my hands on; my grade school notes were more doodles than words. I took graphic design in college but upon taking an unassuming comics class, I fell back in love with the art of storytelling. After graduation, I decided to take a risk and packed my bags to Singapore, where I took a diploma course in design & illustration at 3dSense Media School. With the help of my amazing lecturers and fellow artists, I continued to develop my art. And now back in Manila, I’m glad to have found a place in Altitude.
This is how Dena decided to change her life. True Story.
Describe your art style in one word:
DQ: Whimsical 🙂
What are your Favorite games growing up?
DQ: I’m a big fan of simulation games, so growing up I would play stuff like The Sims, Harvest Moon, Roller Coaster Tycoon and the like. I also loved playing platform games like Super Mario Bros., Sonic, and Crash Bandicoot. Fond memories of hanging out at the local arcade playing fighting games like Tekken also come to mind.
Who are your biggest influences as a digital artist?
DQ: I grew up watching the golden age of Disney Animation and was very much inspired by the likes of Glen Keane and Walt Stanchfield, amongst other greats. But over the years, I’ve been heavily influenced by a growing number of amazing digital artists such as Stanley Lau, Derrick Song, and Armand Serrano. A big shout out as well to the fantastic people behind 3dSense and IFS, whom have always pushed me to keep improving as an artist.
Throughout your career, how did you go about improving your skills as an artist?
DQ: I feel that the best way to improve myself as an artist is to surround myself with fellow artists whom I learn from, exchange critique, and most importantly, share the love of the craft. I also remind myself that we never stop learning as artists, so I keep my mind hungry and my pencil blunt from practice. Lastly, it never hurts to always bring a sketchbook with you and keep drawing!
What are you working on now?
DQ: Currently I’m conceptualizing art for a new game we’re developing. Lots of exciting stuff in store, so keep a lookout!
Where else can we see your works?
DQ: You can check my art out at https://www.behance.net/deannaque
or if you’d like to see my day to day sketches: https://instagram.com/deannaque
Thanks! 🙂
Shelly Soneja
Who are you and what do you do in Altitude?
Shelly: Hi! I’m Michelle Soneja Del Mundo and I’m a game artist in Altitude. My responsibilities include concept art, animation, character design, etc.
What’s it like working at Altitude?
SS: Enjoying it so far! The work is fun and challenging. I also love the transparency and the trust that is placed in each and every member of the team. It’s awesome to be in the company of smart, funny, and talented people. Being able to work at home is a huge plus as well, but it’s also great to meet up with my coworkers from time to time.
What is your nickname? (Can also be your favorite name you use when gaming)
SS: I’m more known as Shelly Soneja.
How did you get started as an artist?
SS: I’ve always loved drawing and creating ever since I was a little girl. It was something that I naturally gravitated towards. If I wasn’t drawing on my bedroom walls, I’d be tracing cartoon characters off the television set or drawing comics. I’ve always dreamed of becoming a professional artist but never thought it was something that would actually happen. I took up Media Production in college thinking I would end up working in video production or radio, but as soon as I graduated, I happily found myself working in an art outsourcing studio. After that, I worked in a video game company as a 2D artist, then I became a freelancer for around 5 years, and here I am now with Altitude!
Describe your art style in one word:
SS: Fun!
What are your Favorite games growing up?
SS: I guess the answer would depend on which era of gaming you’re referring to haha! I’ve been playing games for as long as I can remember so I’ll just list down the ones that really stick out for me. I loved playing co-op games like Contra, Streets of Rage, and Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers with my sister. Other favorite games from my childhood include Pokemon, Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee, Ape Escape (great use of dual analog sticks!), Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars, and Gabriel Knight: The Beast Within. There are lots more but I really wouldn’t want to list them all down!
This is how Shelly changed her life. True Story.
Who are your biggest influences as a digital artist?
SS: My style is a mix of all sorts of media that I’ve been exposed to while I was growing up, but I’d say the biggest influences would be Disney movies and Japanese comics and anime. I also love art by Alessandro Barbucci, Barbara Canepa, and Matteo de Longis, to name a few.
Throughout your career, how did you go about improving your skills as an artist?
SS: Aside from learning from my coworkers in the different jobs that I’ve had, I’d buy art books/magazines or browse the internet for paid/free tutorials. As an artist, you can’t just be satisfied with staying within your comfort zone, so I was glad that all the different projects I’ve taken on as a freelancer has pushed me out of that zone from time to time.
What are you working on now?
SS: Just finished conceptualizing and animating a bunch of quirky hats for some characters in Run Run Super V and am currently working on new costumes for our sentai heroes. Whee!
Where else can we see your works?
SS: I’m all over the internet! You can find my works at the following links:
http://sh3lly.deviantart.com
http://be.net/sh3lly
http://shellysoneja.tumblr.com
http://facebook.com/artofshellysoneja
