Hey guys and gals!
It's been quite a while since we last introduced you to one of our own. New year, new season of Meet the Team! If you want to know more about us, or your nephew wants to learn more about the career path of a game developer, or if you're just curious, read on.
You've recently loved his pugtapult artwork for Make War Not Love, meet Aurélien, aka Aurel!
Who are you and what is your job at Amplitude?
I’m a concept artist & illustrator. I draw the pretty pictures that appear throughout the game. I also work on ship and character design (that's the concept art part!).
What were you doing before you joined the studio?
I followed the same path as Thomas and studied electrical engineering... does electricity lead to art? I also have a degree in computer graphics.
I started my career as a 3D generalist in an ad agency doing postproduction, but I decided to steer towards concept art after spending sleepless nights modeling couches for the catalog of a luxury brand. Afterwards I did some freelancing for several trading card games, and when Amplitude suggested I come draw spaceships for them, I jumped on the occasion.
What do you like the most at Amplitude?
We take the time to do things right. Even when scheduling is tight, we don't botch our work to speed things up, we make a point to meet our own quality standards.
What feature have you worked on that you're super proud of?
I'd say the Vaulters in Endless Legend. I remember we were treading water at the start of their creation, but there was a watershed moment when I suggested space Viking dudes. It must be because anybody would look cooler with a beard and an axe.
What are you currently working on?
At the moment I'm working on faction quests. I believe it is super important for our game because it is through them that the player discovers our universe and its secrets. It's also a very interesting subject to work on, we exchange with the writers to make sure it all stays consistent. It is very rewarding.
What's your favorite game of all time?
Mass effect 1! I loved the depth and cohesiveness of their universe, and especially the impact lore has on character personality. Having Garrus shooting jokes in elevators is just the cherry on top. I'm so hyped for the next one!
What’s the game you dream of creating?
I love SF universes, there are so many things to create and imagine. I'd love to work on an RPG in a sci-fi setting, so we can really focus on character development... did I already mention I loved Mass Effect?
Is there anywhere on the Internet where I can see more of your stuff?
Yes, I am everywhere!
https://www.artstation.com/artist/aurel
https://twitter.com/artofAurel
https://www.facebook.com/artofAurel
http://a-u-r-e-l.deviantart.com/
What's your favorite race or character in our games?
It must be the Pilgrims. I love that they combine explorer, adventurer and sophisticated aspects. I loved working on their visuals and I hope I'll have the occasion to do more images showcasing them.
Is there a funny story that happened to you at Amplitude?
During one of the first Beer2Gether, I sat backwards on a chair and I broke it in half. Romain even made a gif of the security footage:
What's the most played song in your music library?
I am rather obsessive with music, when I find a song I like, I can listen to it on repeat for hours.
The most played is undoubtedly Stand up for rock n roll by Airbourne, I remember listening to the album for days on end.
What are your hobbies in life?
I draw... it's original!
What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
All of them! Ask my wife!
That's it for Aurélien! We hope you found this interesting. Comments or additional questions, feel free to comment!
If there's a question you would like us to ask the interviewees, let us know!
