Just moved to Montreal - looking for friends
polycounter lvl 5
Salut // Hey!
I'm an experienced 3D envrionment/prop artist from the UK who has just moved to Montreal a few days ago. I love the city and am getting settled here with ease, however I am out here on my own and I would like to make some friends.
If any of you would welcome a newcomer to the city and would like to hangout then I would be very grateful
Currently staying in le Plateau / Mile end area near the Laurier Metro but curious to see the rest of the city too.
PM/Email me to exchange contact info
Merci // Thankyou
I'm an experienced 3D envrionment/prop artist from the UK who has just moved to Montreal a few days ago. I love the city and am getting settled here with ease, however I am out here on my own and I would like to make some friends.
If any of you would welcome a newcomer to the city and would like to hangout then I would be very grateful
Currently staying in le Plateau / Mile end area near the Laurier Metro but curious to see the rest of the city too.
PM/Email me to exchange contact info
Merci // Thankyou
Replies
...but unfortunately, I'm not there.
Welcome to the city, although, it's a shame you're coming when we'r enduring one of the worst and grayest winter I've ever seen in the past years.
Hopefully, during Spring, we'll make a PC get-together in the area. And you really picked a good spot to live; tons of games studio and pubs in the Mile End area.
There is a VERY active developer community in Montreal.
Mont Royale Game society:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/135987799795381/
Our IGDA Montreal chapter is pretty huge, and tends ot meet pretty regularly:
http://www.igdamontreal.ca
Gameplay space just recently hosted a pretty large Indie Demo Night. They're worth following and going to events:
https://gameplayspace.com/demonight/
welcome !
When I first moved here I met a lot of really cool peeps through the Mont royal Game society and IGDA meetup like Jacque just mentionned. Check it out!
Unfortunately it seems that the MRGS socials are on pause and the next IGDA meetup is in 2020 according to their websites. I joined the MRGS facebook page though, which seems to be still active. I signed up to the Gameplay Space newsletter too, hoping to catch their next event.
Last night I went down to one of the bars in Mile End near the Ubi and Framestore offices and met quite a few industry pros and even a couple of artists.
Things seems to be going well so far, but if anyone here wants to grab a drink or some poutine sometime that would be really cool. Je parle Francais petit-peut aussi mais c'est pas facile pour moi maintenant (mais J'essaie!).
Good luck to you!
So Far I am loving it. I came out here prepared, but with nothing concrete lined up in terms of work. So after having sorted out my apartment, cell phone, visa and taking a look around the place, the hussle for studio work has begun!
Best of luck my friend
I have an open work visa which is valid for the next 2 years (it can be extended through employment also). I know Eidos is looking for Level Artists and I have made an application there
Good luck with your hunt for work, you sound very determined so I'm sure you'll land something in no time. Keep us posted bro
I had to come out here to activate my work visa or else it would expire. I am turning 30 this year and would be unable to reapply so it was a "now or never" opportunity. I saved up money over several years and kept good relations with my employer who said I was always welcome back - so although I had nothing lined up when I left, I still felt reasonably prepared. Being in the city is certainly a big advantage - I have already made some connections just from being in the right places. As far as employer's are concerned it is always preferable to employ somebody local (assuming their work is of a high standard). Far less expense and paperwork for relocation and work permits on their part.
Things are moving fast it seems - Only a couple of days after sending out my portfolio and resume I got a call from Ubisoft Montreal! Very excited to be invited there to talk with them - they have some serious talent in their teams!
I was also considering that at some point, to take initiative and go there, have visa and everything ready and then try my luck at some of studios because it's very hard otherwise. It's actually inspiring what you have done and already you have a talk with Ubisoft.
I am curious how will that turn out for you so let us know here.
@Pegbird
How are things, are you a happy Montrealer ? 😀