A Pixel at a Time

In this episode, we sit down with Mares, a seasoned games industry professional who has journeyed from QA tester to production roles, embracing every challenge along the way.

We explore:
​Taking unconventional career paths – How stepping back can sometimes be the key to moving forward.
​Embracing change in the industry – From QA to production, what it takes to shift roles successfully.
​The impact of leadership and culture – How leadership styles affect creativity and team dynamics.
​Breaking into the gaming industry – Advice for those trying to get their foot in the door.

Ad Sponsor - ELVTR:Use our links for 200$ off your course!UK - ⁠⁠https://uk.elvtr.com/r?c=M55CYA⁠US - ⁠⁠https://elvtr.com/r?c=PZVTVG⁠

Links and Resources: Connect with Mares

X - https://x.com/mares87
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mares.the.martian
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mares.the.martian
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MaresTheMartian

Recommended Materials on Production, Leadership and Coaching:1 - The Coaching Habit - Best easy to digest intro to coaching ⁠https://www.mbs.works/coaching-habit-book/⁠2 - Dare to Lead by Brene Brown⁠ - ⁠https://amzn.to/40qQCLx⁠3 - The Infinite Game - ⁠https://amzn.to/3NLP7QD⁠

Mental Health Resources for Creatives:https://safeinourworld.org/wellbeing/
Connect with Us:Follow us on Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/apixelatatimepodcast/⁠Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/apixelatatime⁠Visit Our Store: ⁠https://www.ineslagarto.online/category/all-products⁠Email us: [email protected]

Mental Health Resources for Creatives:

⁠⁠⁠https://safeinourworld.org/wellbeing/⁠

⁠

Connect with Us:

Follow us on Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/apixelatatimepodcast/⁠

Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/apixelatatime⁠

⁠Visit Our Store: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.ineslagarto.online/category/all-products⁠

Email us: [email protected]

Credits:

Host: Inês Lagarto

Guest: Jenny Muhlwa

Audio Design: José Machado

Production: José Machado & Inês Lagarto

Subscribe and Leave a Review: ⁠

⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1AZu52Z09ORKpa61ALRhQ5?si=19e4ea7487584a2a⁠

Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode.

In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Sample, a Games Designer and Director for multiple titles such as Hitman. Currently working as Studio Creative Director, Mark brings us a unique perspective into enabling creativity, making teams shine and question out own limits as creatives and team colleagues.

If you work in games or aspire to lead in the industry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Ad Sponsor - ELVTR:

Use our links for 200$ off your course!

UK - ⁠https://uk.elvtr.com/r?c=M55CYA

US - ⁠https://elvtr.com/r?c=PZVTVG

Links and Resources:

Marks 's accounts:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksample/

X: @marksample

Recommended Books for today's episode:

1 - Ask Iwata ⁠ - https://amzn.to/3BdvWwz

2 - The 48 Laws of Power⁠ - https://amzn.to/49kTNqL

3 - Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebook⁠ - https://amzn.to/3ZleXAB

Mental Health Resources for Creatives:

⁠⁠https://safeinourworld.org/wellbeing/

⁠

Connect with Us:

Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/apixelatatimepodcast/

Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/apixelatatime

⁠Visit Our Store: ⁠⁠https://www.ineslagarto.online/category/all-products

Email us: [email protected]

Credits:

Host: Inês Lagarto

Guest: Mark Sample

Audio Design: José Machado

Production: José Machado & Inês Lagarto

Subscribe and Leave a Review: ⁠

⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1AZu52Z09ORKpa61ALRhQ5?si=19e4ea7487584a2a

Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode.

In this inspiring podcast interview, we dive deep into the challenges of impostor syndrome, the transformative impact of coaching, and the secrets to becoming a more effective leader in the competitive world of gaming.

Our guest, a seasoned industry veteran, shares their personal journey from self-doubt to confidence and reveals practical strategies that aspiring leaders can use to excel.

Whether you’re struggling with feelings of inadequacy or looking to improve your leadership skills, this conversation will provide you with actionable insights and motivation.

Learn how coaching can shape your career and hear firsthand stories that prove even the most successful industry figures have had to overcome self-doubt.

If you’re passionate about self-improvement and leadership within the games industry, this episode is a must-watch.

Subscribe for more empowering content, and don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Ad Sponsor - ELVTR:
Use our links for 200$ off your course!
UK - ⁠https://uk.elvtr.com/r?c=M55CYA
US - ⁠https://elvtr.com/r?c=PZVTVG

Links and Resources:Connect with Zoë
LinkedIn - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoecurnoe/
Website - https://www.lumina-leadership.com/

Zoë's Podcast Recomendations:
- Fixable - Frances Frei and Ann Morris
- Rethinking - Adam Grant 
- Dare to Lead - Brene Brown

Recommended Materials on Production, Leadership and Coaching:

1 - The Coaching Habit - Best easy to digest intro to coaching https://www.mbs.works/coaching-habit-book/
2 - Dare to Lead by Brene Brown⁠ - https://amzn.to/40qQCLx
3 - The Infinite Game - https://amzn.to/3NLP7QD

Mental Health Resources for Creatives:
https://safeinourworld.org/wellbeing/

Connect with Us:
Follow us on Instagram:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/apixelatatimepodcast/
Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/apixelatatime
Visit Our Store: https://www.ineslagarto.online/category/all-products
Email us: [email protected]

Credits:
Host: Inês Lagarto
Guest: Zoë Curnoe
Audio Design: José Machado
Production: José Machado & Inês Lagarto

Subscribe and Leave a Review: ⁠
⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1AZu52Z09ORKpa61ALRhQ5?si=19e4ea7487584a2a

Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode.

In today's episode, we sit down with the incredible Yasmin Curren (YagmanX) — game developer, content creator, and all-around inspiration.

🌟From navigating the world of indie game development to working in AAA games and singing, YagmanX shares her journey, challenges, and invaluable insights on thriving in the gaming industry.

We will be discussing topics like:

🎮 The importance not being afraid to change

🎮 Dealing with hardships and burnout

🎮 Questioning your career

🎮 Creating strategies to keep the creative flame in your life

Ad Sponsor - ELVTR:

Use our links for 200$ off your course!

UK - ⁠https://uk.elvtr.com/r?c=M55CYA

US - ⁠https://elvtr.com/r?c=PZVTVG

Links and Resources

Instagram - https://lnkd.in/d_BusJev

Youtube - https://lnkd.in/dhAxre7D

Recommended Books on Game Writing:
1 - Games Narrative Toolbox⁠ - https://amzn.to/4brB4Jn
2 - Slay the Dragon: Writing Great Stories for Video Games⁠ - https://amzn.to/3zDVDVG
3 - The Art of Game Design⁠ - https://amzn.to/4bwpqNB

Mental Health Resources for Creatives:
⁠https://safeinourworld.org/wellbeing/

Connect with Us:

Follow Ines on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/apixelatatimepodcast
⁠Support us on Patreon: ⁠⁠https://patreon.com/apixelatatime⁠⁠
Visit Our Store: ⁠⁠https://www.ineslagarto.online/category/all-products
⁠Email us: [email protected]

Credits:
Host: Inês Lagarto
Guest: Yasmin Curren
Audio Design: José Machado
Production: José Machado & Inês Lagarto

Subscribe and Leave a Review: ⁠
https://open.spotify.com/show/1AZu52Z09ORKpa61ALRhQ5?si=19e4ea7487584a2a⁠

Thank you so much for listening to today’s episode.