Art Department Podcast

“Could you walk us through your background and how you first broke into the industry?”

This is the standard opening question to establish the guest's career origin story.

“When you're hiring, what are the key things you look for in an artist's portfolio?”

Aimed at extracting practical, high-level advice for the show's core audience of artists.

“What's the biggest mistake you see artists make in their portfolios or during interviews?”

This question seeks to identify common pitfalls for aspiring professionals to avoid.

“What's your advice for artists trying to break into the industry right now?”

This is a forward-looking question that addresses the current, often challenging, industry climate.

“How did your past experience as an artist inform how you manage your team now?”

This question explores the transition from being a maker to a manager of creative talent.

“Can you describe your process for a specific challenge, like adapting a design or building a world?”

The hosts use this to dive deep into the practical craft and problem-solving of concept design.

“What's your take on the current state of the film or AAA games industry?”

A broad question to get the guest's perspective on high-level industry trends and anxieties.

“How are you seeing AI practically impacting the industry and the day-to-day roles of artists?”

This question addresses the most significant contemporary controversy and technological shift in the field.

“What was the thinking behind your career transition from one role to another?”

Used when a guest has made a significant jump, for example from concept artist to production designer.

“What are you looking toward as the next frontier in your own career?”

This question explores the guest's future ambitions and personal goals.

“Looking back on a long project, is there anything you wish you had done differently?”

This prompts reflection on personal growth and the lessons learned over time.

“What's a favorite recent or all-time piece of entertainment you'd recommend?”

This is the show's signature closing question, used to get personal recommendations and insight into the guest's taste.