The Next Chapter

In the summer of 2017, I relocated from my hometown of St. Louis to learn, grow, and pursue an MFA from the NYU Game Center in New York City. I’ve since spent the last two years living in Brooklyn, studying with brilliant game designers, and growing in ways I could never have imagined. I am so, so grateful for my time here, but my academic studies are coming to an end, and I once again find myself at a crossroads—what’s next?

I’ve decided to return to St. Louis this autumn. This hasn’t been an easy decision for me—I love New York, and will deeply miss the city, friends, and mentors who have made such a profound impact on me in such a short time. I have grown immeasurably from my time here—I’m both proud and grateful to be part of the Game Center community.

As I examine my personal and career goals, however, I realize New York isn’t the right place for me right now. I hope to continue working on my own projects, and between St. Louis’s affordable living, passionate communities, and arts-friendly culture, I’ve found it is a great city for creative independence. I look forward to reconnecting with the thriving St. Louis games community, as I also hope to continue actively building the PixelPop Festival community that proudly celebrates inclusivity, experimentation, and self-expression in interactive arts.

My current career goal is to spend my time designing, developing, and promoting games and interactive experiences that help people to discover more about themselves and each other. To do this, I plan to work on my personal projects, community efforts like PixelPop Festival, and selected contract work that aligns with my values.

Starting in November 2019, I’ll be available for contract work in game design, UX & digital product design, Unity (C#) development, and web development. I’ve worked and studied for more than 12 years in interactive media—I’m a skilled designer/developer with an iterative, user-centered design approach. If our goals align, I’d love to talk about teaming up. (And if you think I’d be a good fit for an open full-time role, I’ll be happy to discuss that as well!)

On a personal note, if you’re in NYC, I wanna get together before I leave! Please reach out—I’ll be at the Game Devs of Color Expo this coming weekend, nearly all of the NYU Game Center’s Playtest Thursdays this summer, and at the NYU Game Center Incubator Showcase on September 5th, when my team and I will show our game, We should talk.

Also, if you’re in or near St. Louis, please come say hello at PixelPop Festival on September 14 & 15.

I’m really looking forward to the next chapter.