Owen Hellum

The more people that you show your work to, the more motivated you will become and the more opportunities you will unlock. 

Career questions with Owen

What do you love most about your work, and what inspired you to pursue this career in the first place? 

I'm a programmer, working full time at an indie game studio. To me, making games (and interactive media as a whole) transcends the traditional framework of artistry. Games are living, breathing works that, though the immense effort of the developers, give each player intimate moments with the art that they're experiencing. 

Looking back, what skills have been the biggest gamechangers in your career? 

More so than anything technical, understanding how mechanics, art direction and progression come together to make a game is what defines a game developer. These days, it's almost expected that software and other all-rounder knowledge will be there for new candidates. Knowing how a work will feel when it's done however is the hardest part of all. 

How did Concordia prepare you for your career? 

Though the Computation Arts program, I was able to experience two of the most fundamental aspects of game development: programming and creative direction. This diversity of experience (and especially the broader umbrella of activities and colleagues I was exposed to) is what got me to where I am now. Unique programs produce unique experiences. 

What is a standout memory from your time at Concordia? 

Near the end of my degree, I was able to develop and publish a game demo on Steam alongside two classmates through an Independent Study course. It was the culmination of my entire time at Concordia. It solidified to me the need for such open-ended programs; they existed for students like me who were able to harness their full potential. 

If you could give your younger self one powerful piece of advice, what would it be? 

Get your name, your face and your work out there as soon as possible. Go to all the symposiums, playtests and casual events as you can. The more people that you show your work to, the more motivated you will become and the more opportunities you will unlock. 

What’s the most exciting shift happening in your industry right now? 

While the games industry has never been for the faint of heart, there's a glimmer of possibility for indie developers now. More and more, players and publishers alike are seeing the potential of well-built games at small scales. Being an indie developer is never going to be as secure as some other industries, but as recognition for breakout hits keeps growing, so will the funding opportunities. 

Feeling inspired?

• Join the Computation Arts Student Society (CASS) or explore other student groups and initiatives that interest you. 
• Explore the many teaching labs available to Design and Computational Arts students.
• Experiment with your design project in the department’s professional labs, studios and editing suites.
• Prepare to showcase your portfolio or pitch your independent practice with storytelling and entrepreneurship bootcamps from FutureBound.
• Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to plan your career path.