Champaign Illinois
polycounter lvl 18
Any Polycounters out in the Champaign area?
I've recently got a bit fed up with the way things are going at Activision here in Santa Monica so I decided to change careers a bit and finally make a push into the art scene.
Along with the change of careers I've also decided to take some time off and run away to Champaign Illinois to move in with a friend that works at Volition.
I'm just about to get in the car and start the drive, so from here on out I'll be working on contract work and living in the cornfields of illinois.
If any of you are in the Champaign area let me know and we can meet up when I get out there.
I've recently got a bit fed up with the way things are going at Activision here in Santa Monica so I decided to change careers a bit and finally make a push into the art scene.
Along with the change of careers I've also decided to take some time off and run away to Champaign Illinois to move in with a friend that works at Volition.
I'm just about to get in the car and start the drive, so from here on out I'll be working on contract work and living in the cornfields of illinois.
If any of you are in the Champaign area let me know and we can meet up when I get out there.
Replies
Harl and Tins live in Champaign as Harl works at Volition along with a few other polycounters, and I live about half an hour south. I've been close to escaping out to the west coast on a few occassions myself, but I've never heard of the reverse case.
On the plus side, I'm sure you'll be able to afford a higher standard of living for the same amount of money, as Champaign is only a moderately sized town with really only the University and related culture keeping it from being deadly boring, so if you're doing contract work it might not be a bad place to keep yourself focused.
On the other hand, you might find it deadly boring anyhow. I've lived in central Illinois my whole life apart from travel and college of course, so the flatness and cornfields thing does hold a certain nostalgic charm for me. Other people who move here from, ahem, more varied geographies tend to find it dull. Or possibly soul-crushingly so.
I suppose if you're really going to make an earnest attempt at bettering yourself and your art in relative isolation (and have the willpower to make that approach work) then it could be a good move. But if you respond well to and indeed highly regard a stimulating environment ( I think most artists do, to some degree), then it could be a very bad mistake. Something to think about before you put the keys in the ignition.
That being said it's a lovely drive from California if you take the scenic route. 2 years ago I inflicted my presence on a number of polycounters along my way to and from the west coast. If you do end up in Champaign within the next month or so, send me a PM and we'll catch a drink and sketch, or do something terribly likewise terribly nerdy
And, as mentioned, the midwest is a very boring and laid back area. Even the larger metropolitan areas (less Chicago) are fairly quiet and laid back, especially compared to the gogogo of LA and the like. Some of the upsides are, however, the cost of living out this way is very cheap. You could probably afford a house and have a payment equal to a "decent" apartment on the west coast.
Hrm, I think I may need to head IL way again sometime soon.
I've been here since May of 2004 and I still enjoy it. I'm from the midwest to begin with, so i'm used to it and get to be relatively close to my family and friends from back home at the same time. Plenty of people and activities to do, especially when school is in session. Welcome!
If I could live anywhere I'd move to Arkansas or Iowa
As Gauss mentioned above myself and TNSLB live in the area, and Swamp and Millah have already raised their hands to say hi. Delo (probably before your time) also works at Volition. There were more Polycounters around, but a bunch of them buggered off to Bungie (amoung other places)
As to boring, well, life is what you make of it - I like it here, it's kinda quiet, but I like that. If you like food this is a pretty good town too, it's got one of the largest (if not the largest) number of eateries per capita in the US
Boraxman is yonder and Muckywetnoodle too.
I've been here my whole life, and never had a reason to leave. It's a big enough town for me. You never have that cramped, big city feeling and it's very laid back.
For those in the area I'd love to meet up this coming weekend some time. I've only been in town for 2 days or so, but my roomate was kind enough to introduce me to Guidos bar
My roomate is Kevin Manning, who is working on Ramahan's team as a character artist.
I'm still getting settled a bit but as the week goes along I will pick a day and time that is convienent, and I'd love to meet up with everyone for a drink or two somewhere in town.
He's not on Ramahan's team anymore though, on account of Ramahan also having buggered off last week (but not to Bungie
Post when you'd like to meet, I'll see if I can make it.
If you want to meet up, show up at Guidos at 5 and look for Kevin, or if you have any questions go ahead and ask him at work today or tomorrow.
See you there.
Luck with the move!
although I'll be tired as it will be straight from work.
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not to mention drunk as a skunk. hope to see you people soon