Ian Palmer has been working in and around the video games industry for most of his professional life, working for (among others) EA, Codemasters, and Supermassive Games. A keen musician and bike enthusiast, he spends his spare time gigging, recording, or riding around the Alps.

Tell us more about your role at Magnopus.

I’m the Director of Art for the UK studio, which basically means I’m responsible for anything art or animation-related! There’s a lot of management and project planning involved, but I still find time to “get the crayons out” and do some proper work every now and again!

What attracted you to Magnopus?

I love the diversity of projects as well as having something I can apply my games-related experiences to, which doesn’t involve making games! Also, I’ve always been someone who enjoys working with like-minded people who know their stuff and Magnopus is full of people like that. I feel like I’m in my element and part of the family!

What made you decide to pursue a career in this field?

I’ve been working in and around computer graphics since the mid-1990s, when I happened across some 3D modelling software while studying modelmaking at University. I’d always been arty and always been into computers (particularly during my school days when I was regarded as a proper nerd, ‘cause I knew about computers and stuff!) Sufficed to say, I was hooked and never went back to the workshop again.

After graduating I worked as a technical illustrator before falling into a job in the games industry. And I guess that’s where things really took off. I joined as an artist and 20+ years later became a Senior Art Director, with some fun/interesting/challenging projects along the way.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?

Music. If I hadn’t studied art, it’s likely I would have been in or around the music business in some capacity or another. I’ve been playing in bands for 40 years now (!!!) and still find making music as rewarding now as it’s ever been. More recently I’ve got back into recording, so I have a room at home decked out as a studio with all the gear in it. I also have a very understanding wife!

If you could go back and give your 18-year-old self some advice, what would you say?

Enjoy it… it goes by too quickly.

How do you approach challenges and setbacks?

I think you just have to roll with the punches sometimes. I don’t think I’ve ever worked on a project where everything has gone as initially planned. “No plan survives first contact with the enemy” tends to be my mantra, so I guess I’m always expecting everything from a hiccup to major course correction. The best advice is to stay positive and professional while adapting accordingly. And use what’s happened as a learning experience.

If you had unlimited resources and funding, what project or initiative would you launch?

Capture that big asteroid that’s worth gazillions of dollars, mine it, and unlock resources that could transform our world. Imagine what we could achieve if scarcity and competition for wealth were no longer driving forces.

Asteroid 16 Psyche a giant metal rich asteroid, about three times farther away from the Sun than is Earth. It’s estimated to be worth $10 quadrillion. This is more than the combined GDP of all the nations on Earth! Credit: NASA Concept Image

What’s your power anthem for when you need to get in the zone to get stuff done?

Something heavy. There’s something about double bass drum patterns and detuned guitars that get me fired up!

If you could wake up in the body of another person (just for one day) who would it be and why?

Probably someone who lives on a remote island in the middle of nowhere, has no connection to the outside world, hunts for food, and lives in a self-built hut with no TV, internet, or idea of what a completely crazy place the world is! And could I have a couple of days, please?

What would your tactic be for surviving a zombie apocalypse?

I’ve seen Zombieland, so probably my first priority would be to lose some weight!

Meet the Magnopians: Ian Palmer