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So, I've had some experiences with Clauf, a company that nobody seems to be able to figure out, and felt that I'd share those experiences so they can be 1 stars like the rest of my blogs.
Around the later half of last year, I noticed a tweet from Frodan asking if there were any graphics people that were looking to work in eSports and get paid. I've been working a Customer Support job for the past 4+ years after college, making ends meet and trying to get a job working in graphics because I have this crazy expensive degree in graphics, seemed like a good idea to try and put that degree to use, ya know? So I respond to the open call and start talking to Frodan about what they’re looking for, what the position was and what it required, ya know the basic stuff.
Let me start this part by saying that Dan “Frodan” Chou is far and away the best recruiter I’ve ever had the experience of working with. Despite being what I can only assume was monumentally busy working for a new endeavor, he responded to my emails promptly with as much information as he could give at the time, and if there was something he didn’t know, he would find out for me. That is pretty much unheard of in every other industry I’ve worked or attempted to work. You’re lucky if you get an email back at all, having questions answered and answered honestly, with an individual who will find out answers that they don’t know before giving you incorrect information is amazingly refreshing. For months he’s corresponded with me, keeping me in the loop, and for that I’m eternally grateful.
This was the first company that I was asked to complete an art test for, essentially showing the skills that I have and how they might be used to fit the position. + Show Spoiler + and + Show Spoiler + are the two main things I ended up making for the art test. I’m proud of how they came out, with the only real problems I had being working with ripped youtube assets. I simply couldn’t get them to flow correctly and the stuttering just wasn’t something I could fix. Everything else, however, was done well in my opinion. Considering the amount of time I had (I want to say it wasn’t more than 2 weeks) I pushed myself and my computer to the limit and really did something that I was proud of. Despite being terrified of the outcome, Dan was kind, and even put a positive spin on my submission, thanking me for being thorough. It was a huge weight off my mind, and I was determined not to let myself be disappointed regardless of the outcome.
It ended up that I didn’t get the position. There was an opportunity for remote freelance work that I was also turned down for, but that’s how things go. What I ended up getting from the whole experience was a sense of confidence. I hadn’t known about how to apply for this kind of job, just kind of sending off my resume and praying. Dan and everything about this application gave me a feeling that I can work in eSports, I have skills, I have drive, I love video games and I love competition. I’ve been able to finally get a job working in graphics, and for the next year at least I’ll be working for my current company in a graphics capacity. I don’t know if I would have had the balls or ability to apply for the position if I hadn’t answered that tweet. After that year I’m going to be working my tail off to get into eSports permanently, to do something I love with a subject that I love. I dunno if I’ll make it, but I’m going to do my damnedest, and if I don’t it won’t be by lack of effort.
I’m not sure what the purpose of this post was, I guess to give anyone that cares my experiences with the shadow company. For what it’s worth, if the rest of the company handles themselves the way that Dan does, I think we’ll all be glad they’re around within the next year or so.
 
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On January 22 2014 04:32 Sn0_Man wrote:So you didn't get the Graphics job, but you did get the PR job? + Show Spoiler +
Nice :p
I'd be abysmal at PR. Just figured I'd post my experiences 
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The opportunities always come up at the same time don't they? Fate is cruel Unfortunately I'm stuck where I am for a year now. But I'll make due
Thanks for that tip, I'll look into it, maybe I can do some freelance stuff on the side for him. I appreciate it!
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Didn't even know you applied! Sorry to hear you didn't get the job man ):
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On January 22 2014 06:08 Noobity wrote:The opportunities always come up at the same time don't they? Fate is cruel Unfortunately I'm stuck where I am for a year now. But I'll make due Thanks for that tip, I'll look into it, maybe I can do some freelance stuff on the side for him. I appreciate it!
Np :D While I'm at it, have you checked out MLG's website? They are hiring a lot ^^
http://www.majorleaguegaming.com/careers
Altough they don't hire graphical designers right now. Just harass Sundance on twitter 
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I'm glad you managed to get a job in graphics! Those two videos you posted are quite well done.
I enjoyed the read, thanks for sharing.
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Is it really that hard to make 2 videos like that? :O
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On January 22 2014 08:01 Nerchio wrote:
Is it really that hard to make 2 videos like that? :O
It was hard for me. I was doing the work while also working 8+ hours a day and I don't think I had more than a week or two. There are certainly people that can do better in less time, but I was extremely proud of what I did
Yeah Torte, I didn't think it would be a great idea to throw that around. Was looking forward to meeting you :p but there's still time, one day, sir!
Thanks Khenra, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
And thanks for the heads up, Amestir! I'm definitely still looking into working for MLG, and I'm hoping to do some more work with FearDragon, and even TeamLiquid has need of a graphics guy, I plan on talking to Heyoka a bit after I go through this 1400 mile move for work. Things are looking up for me, just gotta keep plugging away
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There is some good stuff in here. I would encourage you to work on your still assets a little more to bring the quality there up as I think that is what is holding you back based on what I saw. The animations and transitions looked good and the timing for them felt good as well.
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On January 23 2014 01:51 SigmaFiE wrote:
There is some good stuff in here. I would encourage you to work on your still assets a little more to bring the quality there up as I think that is what is holding you back based on what I saw. The animations and transitions looked good and the timing for them felt good as well.
I appreciate the feedback!
My degree was in animation specifically, and I'm still working on increasing my ability using photoshop/illustrator and the like to make good looking assets for the animation, and I agree it's definitely my weakest skill (aside from the ability to correctly convert videos so they don't stutter, though that's less a problem in the field). I've gotten considerably better though, and a lot of my overlays are starting to use layered textures for instance which I really feel are helping my visual skills.
I think that a lot of the problem with these videos were the time I had. I think I could have done much better given another week or so, at least on the still assets. But your assessment that those were lacking is absolutely correct.
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EPT
