GDC Observations Walker

Post date: Mar 25, 2016 3:3:28 AM

Observation 1 - Visit the Ringling Booth

This one is probably obvious, but on wednesday, I had this utterly random feeling to visit the Ringling Booth. Good thing I did, because when I got there, the lead VFX Artist at Blizzard on Heroes of the Storm was there. This led to me talking to him, trading contact information, and an invite to the Blizzard party (although that came later through meeting this guy again at the Blizzard Q&A Relations panel). Also, drop off your business cards!! Some people took some of my cards. 

Observation 2 - Even other students are really good to talk to

One thing I noticed waiting in line is that you get bored. I made it a commitment to try to get to know everyone around me who was also waiting in line with me (Or at least the guy/girl in front and behind me). Most of these people were students, and some may shy away from talking to other students, but sometimes it leads to good information. This is how I found out where most of the parties were and what were invite only and who I could talk to in order to get in.

Observation 3 - Don't sell yourself as a student at first

A very strange, yet interesting observation I noticed is how certain developers treat students. They can be very condescending and matter-of-factly with you if they tag you as a student from the start. This can make it hard to talk to some of them sometimes. I found it useful to introduce myself as VFX artist first, tell what I'm working on and where I've worked first. This normally sets a higher respect level. It was also interesting to note that wearing my Riot hoodie on the last day garnered more respect from people on the expo floor who didn't treat me with the same level of respect the day before.