James L

Art Outsourcing Manager

Bio

Grew up in the NJ/NY area and left the area after grad school when I got a job offer from Origin Systems in Austin, TX. Left TX for a few years to work for Midway Games West in SF bay area
and also taught full time at one of the Art Institutes in Chicago, IL.

Length of time I have been employed in the industry

I started out in the industry as a cinematic artist/animator for Wing Commander III in 1994 for Origin Systems/EA. But I took a few years off teaching full time at Art Institute of Chicago and did some freelance work as well.

Game companies I have worked for

Origin Systems, Firestorm Productions, Midway Games West, Infogrames, Edge of Reality, Terminal Reality.

Titles I have worked on

Wing Commander III, Skins Game, The Incredible Hulk, Ghostbusters-The Video Game

Advice

Resources I would recommend for those interested in getting into game development (books, tutorials, sites, etc)

Resources I would recommend for an artist is that is trying to break into the game industry is scouring the web for forums, tutorials, and anything you get get your hands on.

Favorites

First game I remember playing

I remember playing Asteroids.

All-time favorite game

Last game I played from start to finish was Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.
I am big fan of the old school arcade games...Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Pac Man, etc.

Non-video gaming hobbies

Non-video gaming hobbies include basketball, golf, racquetball, tennis.
Besides sports like to cook, movies, read, etc.

Favorite bands/music

I listen to all sorts of music, too many to list.

Favorite books/authors

Currently reading two books - Next by Michael Crichton and I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Max Tucker.

Favorite TV shows

Don't really watch too much TV anymore.

Favorite movies

Aliens, Braveheart, Gladiator, Fight Club, Snatch, the list goes on...