End of Year Post Mortem

So this is a thing some folks are doing and hey, why not. I’ll reflect a little, note things that went well career wise, things that didn’t go so well, and hopefully folks can learn from this.

Where I Started:

Huh. So, just this year, I had started on some ADHD meds. This was major, as these meds let my brain function a bit more like a regular person’s. And by that I mean actually get stuff done. This was all new to me.

I also had an interview lined up, and therapy was going well. So definitely some bright things on the horizon.

Projects That I Worked On:

There was an attempt at a monthly ko-fi rewards thing, in an attempt to get more regular donators. With a lack of subscriptions, that unfortunately fell away quickly.

My Digital Museum was started, in a way to test my new meds, but also in an attempt to do good. This museum was part of why I got a grant from Qweerty games, which aided in keeping my site going, and programs in use.

Secret Project at Perfect Garbage. My first studio contract! I’m still pleased about what I worked on, and hope to do more work with Perfect Garbage in the future!

Nerdy Unreal Dev. I kept my youtube channel going, with its usual sporadic updates. Affiliate links were attempted, but not successful. I also did some streams showcasing indie games in a couple charity bundle

Nerdy Dev Games. Due to my enjoyment of streaming, I separated the tutorials and the streaming. Unfortunately I fell off the streaming after the first one, but it is not forgotten.

What Went Well:

I do believe my work at Perfect Garbage was successful!

Additionally, I discovered more about how I think, how my brain works, and I’ll be attempting to integrate that into my workflow. Some things like regularly updating things like my Redbubble, Ko-Fi, and youtube channels don’t work, but things like going WITH inspiration can work.

I was given an opportunity towards the end of the year to give a paid talk for Code Coven, something I’d like to do more in the future.

I also received tips on my ko-fi for a couple twitter threads I did, and it seems I’m becoming more known as someone knowledgeable about leftist topics as well as game design, and breaking down technical topics.

I figured out the role I’d like to be, though I remain open to other roles. Tech artist focused on shaders seems right down my alley.

On top of all this, I also seem to be improving how well I promote myself.

What Didn’t Go Well:

So as mentioned, regularly updating things is NOT something my brain vibes with so to speak. I don’t believe I’ll give the regular ko-fi rewards a go again. Maintaining youtube channels is also more difficult than I initially thought, so I suppose I’ll have to accept that while its fun to do, I doubt I’ll get much income from it.

Working regular, fulltime hours is something I’ll have to work on, as well as completing commissions in a more timely manner.

Unfortunately, these things can make it seem like I’m a flake, which I’m sure can look bad. I also have a tendency to put too many eggs in a single basket so to speak, which can leave me without work for a bit.

Updating my portfolio has also been a challenge. My skills are many, but showing them off is a different matter.

What I Didn’t Have Control Over:

Whatever is going on with twitter, I sadly don’t have much control over, nor over what platforms the industry moves to.

I also have no control over how much funding people have, the state of the tech industry, and the flaws of gig working.

Where I Go From Here:

I have some lofty goals in a way. A nice home, a car, a large dog, funds for DIY projects, funds for mutual aid projects, all those require stable income. Especially since it’s just me. These goals, they’re motivation. But as to how I get there?

For starters, more applications. I stopped applying when I received contract work, and I need to up my job seeking game so to speak. Additionally, I need to get back into writing cover letters to aid in being noticed.

Applications are one step. Additionally, I’ll be keeping in contact with potential contracts. For one thing, the people are awesome, but also being up to date on future work is important.

On top of that, I’ll be utilizing my blog more, as I find it’s helpful as evidence of things I’m capable of beyond an image. Plus it helps keep my writing skills sharp!

My youtube channels are lower priority, but things I’ll upkeep to aid in becoming known, as well as to help people. It’s fun to stream games sometimes, tutorials are helpful, and when the itch charity bundles come around, it’s nice to show those off! Similarly, my redbubble will be promoted a bit more, but overall, it’s a lower priority and more for extra funds.

My digital museum IS higher priority, and will be both helpful to folks, and a way to show my skills.

Final Words:

All things considered, this was a year of growth and learning. My mental health has been improving, as has my work. There were some down turns, but I’ve learned from them.

2023 doesn’t look too bad either. I’ve got two, maybe three, potential contracts. I’m more connected with the game dev community. Additionally, I’m becoming more bold than I was back in 2020 when I first graduated college. I know what I want, and I will achieve my goals.

I hope this little personal post mortem is helpful to folks, or at least provides some entertainment. Happy New Year!

(oh, and if you want to support what I do, feel free to drop a tip at my ko-fi!)