#MeetIronGalaxy - Lauren Quinn: Environment Artist

It’s no secret that Iron Galaxy wouldn’t be able to release so many great games without our talented group of developers. On social media, we like to give our amazing fans a chance to learn more about the developers working on some of their favorite games. To do that, we decided to put together a blog series - #MeetIronGalaxy.

Lauren Quinn, an Environment Artist based in our Orlando studio, started working at Iron Galaxy shortly after graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). In fact, Lauren was able to graduate from SCAD early once she had her Iron Galaxy job offer in hand. Read our Q&A interview to learn more about Lauren below!

Where do you consider to be your hometown?
I’m from Des Moines, Iowa. I’ve lived there my whole life so I’m happy to move far away from the Midwest.

What is something that no one at IG knows about you?
I strongly dislike the taste of coffee and tea. It’s a mystery how I get through the day without drinking either.

What moment in your IG career made you most proud?
Since I’m a new hire, getting the job/starting work while finishing up college from home! My last quarter at the Savannah College of Art and Design went online due to the coronavirus. I didn’t get a commencement ceremony, but the college shutdown and WFH situation allowed me to start working at IG sooner.

What about the gaming industry drew you in initially?
In college I was an animation major, but applied for every internship related to 3D art. The summer before my senior year I ended up getting an internship at Xbox. I worked on the environments team at Turn 10 Studios and did a lot of summer events with the 343 Industries interns. I loved the dedication and high-quality work produced in games. I wanted to see where that path took me!

What are some of your tips for WFH during the coronavirus?
Do your best to ignore your nosy family constantly asking what game you’re working on.

What fictional world would you like to visit for a week? Given the chance, which character in that world would you swap places with?
I’d love to visit any world in a Studio Ghibli movie! I want to live in that fantasy setting, experience magic, maybe meet a Totoro, etc.

Favorite movie that bombed?
I love watching B movies! I can’t get enough of cheesy, old films that are hilariously bad. One of my favorites has to be Troll 2 (not to be confused with Dreamworks’ Trolls 2).

What game have you put the most time into?
I’ve been slowly making my way through Breath of the Wild for the first time. But in my entire life I probably put quite a few hours into Guitar Hero as a kid!

Favorite Netflix show / YouTube channel / etc?
On Netflix, “Nailed It!” is one of my favorite shows! The host is so funny and the creations by normal non-professionals are hilarious.

Is there a genre of game that you think doesn’t get the respect it deserves?
I feel like multiplayer online games always get the spotlight, so shoutout to single player adventure games.

What is the best book series you have ever read?
I collect art books for animated movies. I love looking at the concept art and original ideas for my favorite movies.

Hobbies outside of conquering the game development world?
I love going to thrift stores and seeing what weird stuff I can find. I also watch a lot of animated movies and shows. Most of the time I’m working on my own personal 3D projects. Deep down I’m more on the cinematic side of 3D, so I like shading/rendering my projects with Renderman.

What's one thing you've always wanted to do creatively?
Try being a foley artist. Making sound effects for movies is such a cool job.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steamed dumplings! Nothing better than dumplings from your local Chinese restaurant.

What’s something you want to try and cook while you’re quarantined/WFH?
I learned how to make crab rangoon pizza. One of my local pizza places makes it, but I found an awesome recipe online.

What is your favorite travel spot that you have visited?
Hawaii -- I love to snorkel

What is one place you have never been to and would like to visit?
I haven’t traveled outside of the US too much, so places like Australia or Japan would be awesome to visit.

What underrated superpower do you wish you could have?
Ability to talk to animals.

You get 1 wish, only rule is you can’t wish for more wishes, what do you wish for?
I’d wish to have an unlimited amount of money. I could start my own studio, help out a lot of other people, etc.

What is your favorite candy?
Reese’s Pieces