Creating new worlds with game designer Jeff Maisonneuve ’21
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Monday, March 20th, 2023
Who wouldn’t want to create and rule their own world?
That motivation — paired with a longtime desire to enter the world of game design and the College’s affordability — led Jeff Maisonneuve to 91ÊÓÆµ of Art & Design. Now, the 2021 Animation & Game Art graduate has just landed a full-time gig in the industry. How did 91ÊÓÆµ&D influence that path, and what are some lessons he continues to use from his education here?
He shared his thoughts with us:
What was the deciding factor that drew you to 91ÊÓÆµ&D?
Jeff Maisonneuve: The proximity and affordability for a Game Design program made my choice easy.Ìý
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Did you know, starting out, that you’d be majoring in Digital Media/Animation/Game Art? What helped you make that decision?
JM: Yes. Game Design was my focus and has been a desired career path for many years.Ìý
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Briefly, what has been your path since graduation — from first job to what you’re doing now?
JM: At first, I did some freelance work. I also did an animation mentorship, as well as teaching animation at Drexel University. After a long search, I landed a full-time industry position at as a Technical Artist / Animator.
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Can you name a particular challenge you’ve faced in the Digital Media industry, and explain how 91ÊÓÆµ&D prepared you to overcome it?Ìý
JM: 91ÊÓÆµ&D gave me practice working well with others. Since we started online classes at 91ÊÓÆµ&D, this was a good introduction to remote work. Many industry positions are now remote, and the practice with time management was helpful.Ìý
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For you, what excites you about the field that you’re in?
JM: I get to be the god of my own world, creating inspiring characters in a mythical environment.Ìý
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Who inspired you at 91ÊÓÆµ&D?
JM: Nick Ledonne, Jon Di Venti, Natasha Warshawsky.
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Who or what inspires you now?
JM: My 3-year-old son, who has the most creative imagination, and my 1-year-old daughter, who brings me back to reality.
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What career accomplishment are you most proud of? How did what you learn at 91ÊÓÆµ&D impact that accomplishment?Ìý
JM: A character animation of mine will be featured in a game that my company is creating, to be released in April.
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See his work
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