1. Create a simple side scroll game on unreal engine 4
1.1. Creating a game on my own will help strengthen my portfolio
1.1.1. Alice in Wonderland Themed
1.1.2. Content, need futher development
1.1.2.1. Ideas
1.1.2.1.1. Follow the white rabbit through levels while dodging obstacles
1.1.2.1.2. Collect teacups
1.1.2.1.3. How dark do I want to make this?
1.1.3. Unreal Engine
1.1.3.1. Need to watch tutorials, and experiment with the blueprints
1.1.4. Side Scroll
1.2. May 2016 to March 2017
2. Focus creating art on photoshop / illustrator vs traditional art
2.1. I am a traditional artist, I draw paper to pen. As great as that is, it isn't enough to keep up with the gaming world. I NEED to focus on refining my skills on photoshop and illustrator
2.2. May 2016 to August 2016
2.3. Need to do
2.3.1. Lynda.com
2.3.2. Start a collection of brushes
2.3.2.1. http://www.psd-dude.com/tutorials/resources/pencil-drawing-brushes-for-photoshop.aspx
2.3.2.2. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.849585885187924.1073741847.848651298614716&type=3
2.3.3. How can I get zbrush for free?
3. Art Competitions
3.1. I was published in the New York Times in 2011 because I took advantage of a competition. Since then I've realized just how important these are for promoting myself.
3.2. At least one every month
3.3. Websites:
3.3.1. https://www.talenthouse.com/
4. Environmental Art
4.1. Create at least five portfolio pieces
4.1.1. Piece 1:
4.1.1.1. Victorian England
4.1.2. Piece 2:
4.1.2.1. Castle On a mountain
4.1.2.2. Dark Souls Inspired
4.1.3. Piece 3
4.1.4. Piece 4:
4.1.5. Piece 5:
4.2. May 22 to January 1
4.3. Inspiration:
4.3.1. Rapheal Lacoste
4.3.1.1. http://www.raphael-lacoste.com/www.raphael-lacoste.com/___Home___.html
4.3.2. Lorin Wood
4.3.2.1. http://lorinwood.com/
4.4. I need to update my portfolio. Right now my portfolio is catered towards illustration and not game design. The subjects I really like to draw are monsters, props and environments. However the pieces that are environments in my portfolio are not up to par with my other pieces. So I need to focus on that. If you want to see my portfolio here it is: http://www.ash-butler.com/
5. Networking
5.1. Go to many events as possible for each month
5.2. In the game industry, it really seems to depend on who you know.
5.3. Events:
5.3.1. Game Expo at Aceme
5.3.2. IndiNomicon
5.3.2.1. 1st thursday of every month
5.3.3. Full Sail Events
5.3.4. Game Dev Drink Up
5.4. What do I need to do?
5.4.1. Update business cards with new phone number
5.4.2. Create a portfolio catered to game design