Week 2 went by in a flash! At this rate, my coop will be over in no time, and it’s back to classes 🙁 but time flies when you’re doing fun stuff! But before I get into what I’ve been up to this week, let me tell you about my working experience at DVNC so far, now that I’ve had some time to settle in and think about what’s been going on.

I’d have to begin with saying — this is my first ‘job’ ever. All in all, I think it’s going really well. But then again, it doesn’t really feel like a job any more than it does a really hardcore group project because of what we do, and just the general vibe I get working with the team. That’s not a bad thing though. It’s opposite, actually, because that’s what I wanted going into coop — the true indie startup experience — and I really think that’s what I’m getting a glimpse of here at DVNC. And sure, getting the startup experience means I don’t get paid, but I went into coop knowing that what I wanted probably entailed me not really making bank, so I’m not too bothered. My reasoning was that for coop, I’d rather work in a small company where I’m given lots of responsibility, than at a larger company and be given smaller tasks that don’t really challenge me. Because at the end of the day, coop is an opportunity to learn and not to make money, right?.. Right, guys? *chuckles nervously as I unlock my phone under the table and check my bank account*

In all seriousness, I truly believe that joining with DVNC was a good decision. Not only am I learning a lot, meeting new people, and really diving into the industry — it’s just fun to work at a startup. I’ve been here only two weeks, and I already feel like I’m a part of the team and that I actually contribute to all this great stuff that they’re making. Adding on, even though I came on as an artist, with DVNC only being four people, I get to be involved with design decisions and concepts — which is absolutely one of the highlights of working at a startup. You know those great moments when you and a group of friends are just sitting and spitballing ideas, and everyone’s just like: “Oh, how about this!?” and “That would be awesome!” and everyone’s chipping in, and everything’s game because it’s all just concept — that’s still there at game startups, and it’s one of my favorite things to do. And the best part? You get to actually make it.

Since coop doesn’t allow me to work at the employer’s home, and DVNC doesn’t own an office yet, we post up at the business center in the penthouse of Vince’s condo. Which for a free workspace is pretty awesome. The condo is the tallest building for a few blocks in all directions, so the view is fantastic, and oh — are you waiting to for a render or push to finish? You want to kill some time before or after your shift ends? Bam! TV, Chess, and Pool at the back (the board kind not the water kind), they have Connect 4 too but… meh. Most of the time there’s only one or two other people in the business center with us, if any at all, so it feels like we pretty much own the place. Not to mention, the condo is only three subway stops or a 15 minute bike ride from Drexel campus. So as far as location and ‘office’ setup, I think I got a pretty good deal.

So yeah, those are my thoughts on how things are going so far. As to what I’ve actually been doing, I’ve continued working on assets for SHT — I’ve made a few bridges, doors, beams, etc. In the process, getting better at Blender too (all the hotkeys are great once you get the hang of them)! I’ve also been tasked to work on environment design for another 3D VR project — MagiGunner. Meaning I’m in charge of placing assets around the level and making everything look nice and pretty. I just finished planning each room, as well as studying the example scenes in the asset pack — which I’m really excited to use, actually. I’ve used asset packs for other projects before, but this one actually cost a decent amount of money and is pretty high quality and high volume (2826 pieces/prefabs to be exact). So look for updates about MagiGunner in the future to see how it looks!