SJ Longthorne

Marketing is something most industries need, so I applied to do roughly what I was already doing at game studios. Once I was there, I got speaking to some of the higher ups, told them I was a writer and wanted to contribute. They gave me several opportunities to contribute...

...things like lore books, short stories, etc, which went down well. People started approaching me for similar stuff, and eventually I was asked to write the barks for a new character in Block N Load. Also took part in game jams, game design competitions, etc...

By the time I left, I had enough for a small portfolio, and I plugged the hole with original work. Jagex wasn't about to open up a role for me when I was already doing this stuff for free (a whole other story), so I left and set myself up as a freelancer...

Got most of my gigs from networking, both online and at conferences. I reached out to people and some of them passed on work, or even contracted me themselves. That's kinda how the mentorship with Greg happened too. Two months later...

Two of my applications (Fusebox and UNRD) came back with job offers, and I had an offer for a second interview with Wooga. I took the Fusebox job and never looked back.

I know of a few folks who have pivoted further down the line following established careers -- I don't think it's impossible by any stretch. I think a lot of it is simply doing the thing. If opportunities aren't coming, make a portfolio of original work.