Michael Kokkinos

I am a highly motivated and passionate 3D Artist at Escape Studios and am looking for a place to work in the gaming industry. I have always had a passion for art and would love the opportunity to venture into the creative world of games. I am especially into 3D Prop Design and 3D Character and Creature Art, but I am also willing to study a range of specialities within my skill range like texturing. When it comes to work, I am always eager to join a team as I can gain knowledge and experience to improve myself.

SCREENSHOTS

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GET TO KNOW MICHAEL

What hobbies do you have?

I really like online gaming, especially all the sci-fi and fantasy types such as 'Monster Hunter' and 'ARK: Survival Evolved'. Another is the outdoors and to have adventures. I really enjoy creating highly detailed sci-fi/ fantasy type art (2D/3D). Really love listening to music, it is relaxing and influences me. Watching funny videos and interesting tutorials and documentaries on YouTube. I also like to watch 'Discovery Documentaries' to learn about the world and what we can do to help.

If you were an animal, which one would you be and why?

If I could be an animal, I would be a Gray Wolf (Timber Wolf). Wolves are incredibly successful animals and are some of the smartest creatures on Earth. Wolves are also amazingly adaptable, capable of living in a variety of climates with various conditions. Wolves have the ability to hunt almost any type of prey, from buffalo and deer, to fish and mice. Most importantly, wolves are social and care for each other. Doing this ensures the survival of their species and their pack members.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself in the industry as either a 3D Prop Artist creating high quality assets or a 3D Character/Creature Artist working on a mix of people and animals.

Describe a challenge that you had to overcome in your group projects.

One issue that I struggled with was the ‘Demon’s Souls’ group project, back in Year 2, was working out the appropriate techniques to build complex assets in Maya. I had trouble modelling the low poly versions of my props. I needed to use a lot of my free time to solve these issues which sometimes led to shorter breaks than normal. There was also making sure I updated the team schedule to keep my team up-to-date.

Which game inspired you the most to choose this career path and why/how?

Skylanders on Wii and Monster Hunter on Xbox 360 were the first proper games I ever played and influenced me into becoming a Games Artist.

What video game character best embodies you and why?

If I had to chose, I would say Spyro the dragon. Although young at heart, he is brave, courageous and is always willing to work with others, which is how I see myself. What I admire most is he is always willing to do right thing and put himself at risk for those he cares about.

What was your crowning moment of your time at Escape?

When I completed the final assignment in Year 2. That my first official time working in a team in a similar manner to working in the industry. This project gave me the opportunity to push my skillset higher than in Year 1 and expand my knowledge in using software like Zbrush. It also taught me how work on my time management skills while also coming up with new ways of organising my assigned roles. It also strengthened my friendship with my team mates.