I usually write a blog post every fortnight or so, but last time I’d done so much artwork, I never got time to write what I originally set out to! Boo! So I’ll do so today.
I’d had something on my mind for a while... I wanted to write a blog post about how I find working as a solo independent developer. I’ve told many people already that I miss an office environment, but to what extent? And how does Germany affect all this?
Well, put simply, I feel isolated. Sometimes focused, sometimes crazy. On good days, I work, work, work! I get so much done and love every minute of my job. On bad days, I rock in my chair, stressing and worrying about silly things in my head; it can range from anything. Anxiety surprisingly sneaks up on you when you don’t have things to fill your mind, so do not take for granted those little everyday conversations and small talk with work mates; they keep you sane!
Anyway, this was more of an issue a few months ago. Some days I’d barely get anything done; I felt unhappy and stupid for leaving my job. Luckily, I have strong support always feel grateful for how lucky I am to be in this position. After all, making a game or a comic or an animation was always my dream, so why would I feel down about it?
I’d been warned of this, of course, but it didn’t stop me from taking the plunge into indie development. For a while, I considered renting a desk in a small office, but then Germany happened. I was certain the isolation I felt was only going to get worse after the move, especially as I barely had a social circle in Germany, but to be honest, I was terrible at keeping in touch with my social circle back in the UK anyway. As an indie developer–mainly working on one, huge project–I’d almost always be consumed by my game and barely think of anything else. This kind of thing isn’t very healthy, so something had to be done.
I joined a gym, back in the UK, and started to gain some muscle mass. I’d grown pretty weak whilst working at my desk job for 5 years and doing nothing about it, often feeling sick and exhausted. Now, in Germany, I’m no longer a gym member, but I bought a bicycle and live nearby an outdoor pool. When I’m not doing those, I’m practicing Yoga and posture at home every working day, along with some Wii Fit. Yep, I’m finally starting to take advantage of working from home!
Another advantage is no commute time and more sleep. I also get to cook healthier food. I guess you could say I’m on a bit of a health kick, but sitting down pretty much every day at a desk is pretty detrimental, so I gotta balance it out! And yes, that also includes mental health. I read lots of books on the topic, and listen to audiobooks and podcasts too. Moodnotes by Ustwo, is also a useful app for keeping a tab on your emotions; I recommend it if you are concerned about your mental health.
Going back to audiobooks and podcasts... these are things I’ve never bothered with before. It was just music for me. Now, I really enjoy a conversation going on in the background, I guess ‘cause I don’t have it anymore. Of course, Twitter, Facebook and forums help with this, but it’s nice to hear people talk too. Although, what I’ve really wanted for a long time is a pet; another living, breathing body around the apartment. Sorry orchid, you’re just not doing it anymore!
Yep, me and my partner are thinking about getting a pooch. It’s a huge decision, but we’ve been talking about it for ages, and now I’m working at home, I can give it all the love, attention and walkies it deserves! No doubt it will be a major distraction, but that’s not a bad thing. If anything, I should be focussing on other things, not just my work.
Anyway, here’s some work! Sorry, haha! But I have to talk game for all those fans out there! (I know all 2 of you will want to see my latest work!) All week, I’ve been re-working Zoe’s studio apartment in 3D. I realised drawing it all out in 2D was doing it the super hard way, when really the style I wanted was using 3D. Well, at least I got to practice my perspective drawing for a short while.
I think it’s looking way better! This is the day version, but there’s also a night one which looks pretty awesome! All rendered in Blender, with some painted details above. The general aesthetic may still change, but this is a good base for me to work from for now.
Next, will be UI design. I feel like I keep saying this, but everything is starting to feel finished now… except for the damn UI! I still have the ugly, default stuff slapped on top of every screenshot at the moment and it’s bugging me! Argh!
Next, will be UI design. I feel like I keep saying this, but everything is starting to feel finished now… except for the damn UI! I still have the ugly, default stuff slapped on top of every screenshot at the moment and it’s bugging me! Argh!
Anyway, I hope this post’s earlier content didn’t bore you. I just wanted to talk about all aspects of independent developing and share some of the struggles I’ve faced. Perhaps now, I’ve gotten used to working alone, and my improved working habits have nothing to do with moving to Germany? Or maybe my occasional homesickness will slowly make things worse? I don’t know what will happen. All I know, right now, is I’m much happier and focussed than I was back in the UK. Perhaps because I’ve got to be.