Meet Squanch Presents Garrett Brown!

Aaaand we’re back with another interrogation! I mean...uh...erm...Meet Squanch. Haha...anyways…

👏 A round of applause for our insanely talented, dog-with-extra-toe-owning Environment Artist, Garrett Brown! 👏 Y’know when you hear someone say “it’s all in the details” when the art is that good. That's definitely thanks to him–and that’s exactly what we need to continue conjuring up these absolutely fire games. So shoutout to you, Garrett! We couldn’t do it without ya, buddy. Huzzah!

Get to know the coolest guy around by checking out his words below. It’s the good stuff. We wouldn't lie to you (or would we?). Jk...unless...

Garrett Brown, Environment Artist

What do you do at Squanch?

I'm an Environment Artist, which means I get to be hands-on with crafting the unique and crazy worlds that Squanch is known for. There are a lot of different aspects of building an environment for a game, so I get to wear a bunch of hats in my day-to-day. For example, I can work on asset creation - Modeling and Texturing props or set pieces for a level, Lighting, and even Worldbuilding - which is a bit more abstract because it's how an environment is put together while keeping in mind the visual story it should be telling. Not only do you have to plan accordingly to have the assets/tools needed, but you also have to make sure that it all meshes well with the overall gameplay goals and any limitations. It's a very creative, team-oriented position to be in, and it’s so rewarding to see a level come together after all the hard work.

What got you into the industry?

Before I was in the Games Industry, I was working as a Graphic Designer doing work for local restaurants and businesses. During my free time, I began to dabble with creating my own small game projects because I had an interest in game design and thought that I could try and combine that with my art background. After I gained more interest in the idea of actually creating games, I decided to take some classes on 3D art as well as game design. Next, I started reaching out to various recruiters, and industry artists to gain some insight on how I could get my foot in the door at a studio. Eventually, I connected with a recruiter that helped me land my first job in the industry with BioWare as an Environment Artist on Star Wars: The Old Republic. That experience definitely opened my eyes to see how awesome it would be to work in Games. The people, projects, and all around creativity in this industry as a whole were exactly what I was hoping for! 

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

I don't really have a 'moment' where I knew I wanted to be an artist, but I do know that from a young age I was always sketching/painting, or making something. I have also always been drawn to playing instruments and making music. Really anything that felt 'creative' always pulled me in, and that led to a strong interest in Arts overall.

What game had the biggest impact on you growing up?

For me, this is pretty difficult to answer because I have so many good memories of playing video games. I think it is less about a specific game for me and more about how I would play games with friends and family over the years. Like playing Mario Party or other Nintendo games on the N64 when I was very young with my siblings and cousins. 

Or the all-nighters spent waiting in line for a midnight release, just to go home and play till sunrise in my teen years. It all shaped my opinion on Games, and how they can bring people together. Though, If I had to pick a series that has impacted me the most, I would say that would be Halo.

You’re out one day and find five baby aliens that are BEYOND adorable. Unfortunately, you know they are going to quickly grow into big, aggressive, carnivorous beasts (that are still SUPER cute…) What do you do?

Oh, uh... What aliens? I think you have the wrong person.

What’s your beverage of choice?

Unsweetened Iced Tea, or fresh juice.

If you were gifted a free, first-class trip to anywhere you wanted, where would you go?

Can this trip have multiple destinations? I really want to visit Brazil and Japan. Love the cultures, food, and scenery for both, so they are high up on my list to travel to.

Do you have somewhere that people can go and check out your art?

You can follow me on Instagram @Sunbaked.Creative or on ArtStation.

Anything else we should know about you?

I'm a huge NBA Charlotte Hornets fan (haha, yes, Charlotte still has a team), and enjoy when I have the chance to go out and watch the team play in person! I also have a 6 year old St. Bernard that I rescued. Her name is Indie, and she has extra toes. No, I will not photograph them, but here are some pictures of her lookin’ cute instead.