The Ask. Ponder. Educate. [X]. event on Feb. 8 featured video game artist Josh Singh’s presentation, “From Used Car Salesman to Marvel Entertainment: Building a Career That’s All Yours.” Singh started at the bottom, working for small companies, and finally made his way to working for Marvel Entertainment.
Singh began by explaining that he was always that kid who would draw in class and fail to focus on the lesson. However, the passion he had for art helped him create the career he loves today.
According to Singh, to be a video game artist, you have to work hard and take on some side jobs. In the video game field, rejection is common.
“A creative path is a lonely path. You will constantly be rejected,” said Singh.
Singh briefly brought up the concept of AI-generated art, asserting that AI creations lack the individualism of human-produced art.
“Learn to develop your own artistic voice,” advised Singh. “When you cultivate your own style, that’s yours.”
When starting from the bottom, toxic companies can be very common. Singh moved all around the country for different jobs because of the priority he placed on positive culture. He knew when companies were about to implode based on the habits displayed by leadership.
“Company culture always comes from the top,” explained Singh.
Networking is extremely important when beginning a career in the video game field. Singh emphasized the need to actively work to build relationships.
“When you are first starting, you have to be scrappy and make friends,” said Singh.
Just like the way movie characters come together and cross paths, Singh said that networking will be the key that brings people together.
Singh said, “[If you] network well, people will all come together in your own life.”
Singh went after many jobs, ignoring the fear of rejection. He quoted advice he received from his father, saying, “Just ask. The worst thing they can do is say no.”
At the end of the presentation, Singh said, “When times are tough, keep creating. Don’t stop. That’s who you are. Eventually you will be worth more.”
The next A.P.E.X. event will take place on Feb. 15. The guest speaker will be Lisa Diamond with her presentation, “Social Safety and Human Thriving Across the Spectrum of Sexual and Gender Diversity.” Find more information about upcoming A.P.E.X. events here.
Author: Christina Schweiss
Photos: Bria Hansen
Editor: Nick Stein
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