Systems Administrator
Polly is our Systems Administrator and on-site Information Technology problem crusher. She brings light and warmth to the studio as well as a great deal of know-how. Having always been tech-savvy, she is interested in video game design and one day hopes to share some meaningful experiences through her games with future players. She strives to give back to the gaming community which has shaped her into the person she is today.
Polly moved to New York City from Connecticut to attend the School of Visual Arts from which she earned a degree in Computer Arts. She is taking classes with CG Master Academy to continue to hone both her artistic and technical skills.
Polly’s hobbies include playing games, eating tons of Japanese food, watching cartoons and anime, and taking care of her lovely hairless cat, Harry.
A BRIEF INTERVIEW WITH POLLY:
What is it like to work at Aardman Nathan Love?
NL was one of my top choice studios that I wanted to work for when I graduated, and I have not been disappointed! It’s so freeing to be in a work environment that encourages you to be unapologetically yourself. There is a warm atmosphere, and with such a small studio, everyone really feels like family. Everyone is so kind and talented, it really motivates me to do my best work. When we aren’t focusing on an upcoming project, we may go grab some dim-sum together or duke it out in Settlers of Catan. I feel so lucky and grateful every morning that I get to go to work at one of my favorite places!
What advice do you have for anyone trying to break into this industry?
It’s really hard! But I have to say, I think with today’s economy it is so hard to find a job in any field. I worked at five different places in the year after I graduated because I was trying so hard to secure a place to live and survive. When I graduated, I immediately became a waitress so I could pay my bills. It was so disheartening to not be able to work in anything related to what my degree was for but I didn’t let that stop me. I continued to search, to learn new skills, and to better myself as a person, and I am so grateful to be exactly where I am today. Your path may not be the same as everyone else’s; don’t get hung up on your friend who got his dream job right out of school. Just focus on trying to be the best version of yourself you can be- someone that maybe you would have looked up to when you were younger. Keep creating what you love and bettering yourself, and eventually it will work out. I believe in you!
What is your favorite video game and why?
My favorite gaming series is definitely The Legend of Zelda, with the Wind Waker being my favorite of the series. However, the game Undertale holds a very special place in my heart.
I’m a big fan of stories that revolve around friendship, and Undertale is just oozing with good food, good friends, and bad laughs. I don’t want to spoil anything from it, as it is a game I highly recommend going into blind, but it was one of the most fun times I’ve ever had playing a game.
It’s great from the game play, to the amazing art and story, to the impeccable sound track. I actually cried for about an hour when it was over, and it’s been a very long time since a game of all things has been able to make me feel so deeply for some pixel skeletons. It’s the one game I wish I could play over again, for the very first time.