Welcome to the world where creativity meets technical expertise! I’m Harvey Newman, a seasoned animation consultant and game director with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. My passion for animation and game development drives my commitment and enthusiasm in every project I undertake. I have been involved in significant projects like Total War Warhammer, showcasing my expertise in storytelling and animation.
If you’re a studio aiming to elevate your game’s animation quality or an individual aspiring to break into animation freelancing, you’re in the right place.
In today's competitive gaming landscape, stellar animation isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. High-quality animations can make your game stand out, providing immersive experiences that captivate players and keep them engaged.
Game Development InsightsAs a seasoned Animation Director and Game Creator, I’ve gained valuable insights into the game development process. One key takeaway is the importance of storytelling in game creation. Games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Star Wars Battlefront have shown that immersive storytelling can elevate the gaming experience to new heights. These games captivate players not just with stunning visuals but with compelling narratives that draw them into the game world.Collaboration is another crucial element in game development. Working with renowned studios brings fresh ideas and perspectives, fostering innovation and creativity. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the best in the industry, and these experiences have enriched my approach to game creation.Sharing my knowledge and expertise on platforms like YouTube allows me to reach aspiring game developers and animators, helping them navigate the complexities of the industry. By providing insights and tips, I aim to inspire and guide the next generation of game creators.
I start by familiarizing myself with your project and identifying the problems that need to be addressed.
Once I’m familiar with your project, it’s time to plan how to tackle the identified issues and streamline processes and pipelines.
With our plan in place, we tackle each hurdle one by one, knowing some may take longer.
Once we’re in a good rhythm, we document new processes to cement the way forward.
One of my recent AAA clients was struggling with an inefficient animation pipeline that caused their animations to look subpar. The lack of robust systems and overall project organization was clearly impacting the game’s quality...
A mid-sized studio venturing into Web3, had virtually no animations or animators on board. They wanted to set up their animation department the right way from the start, which was music to my ears...
The client wanted to learn more about process, implementation, and the practical aspects that make animations such an integral part of a game's high-quality look and feel.
Throughout my career, I’ve faced numerous challenges in game development. One of the biggest hurdles is balancing creativity with technical constraints. Ensuring that a game is both fun and functional can be a delicate balance. It’s about finding that sweet spot where innovative ideas meet practical execution.Staying up-to-date with the latest game development tools and software is another significant challenge. The industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to adapt and learn new skills to remain competitive. This continuous learning process can be daunting but is crucial for success in the field.By sharing my experiences and insights, I hope to help others overcome similar challenges. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of a new game engine or finding creative solutions to technical problems, my goal is to provide valuable guidance to those on their game development journey.
As a game development expert, I’ve worked with a range of tools and software to bring games to life. From animation software like Maya and 3ds Max to game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, each tool has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these tools is essential for creating high-quality games.Motion capture technology is another area I’ve explored extensively. It allows for more realistic character animations, adding depth and authenticity to the gaming experience. Whether it’s creating a AAA title like Battlefield or an indie game, having the right tools and software can make all the difference.By sharing my knowledge of these tools and software, I aim to help game developers and animators make informed decisions about which tools to use for their projects. The right choice can streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and ultimately lead to the creation of exceptional games.
As well as his ability to fulfill his role, he's also a really good team member, this is so important. The sharing of knowledge, opinions, and advice as well as the ability to learn from team members. Harvey has been responsible for documenting procedures, tips, and tricks, for gathering information to help develop new tools and improve existing ones. Getting involved with designers and engineers in order to do so.
I cannot but say how a tremendous pleasure that time was and how much I've learned from his expertise. Not only does he produce amazing quality assets in a very tight schedule, but he also understands the technical side. Communication flowed flawlessly. This resulted in fast iteration with quality in-game results. One of the best animators I've met.
Harvey is great, creative, and inspiring. Always maintains a very good relation with co-workers. He is a strong and goal-oriented team player; with every problem, there was a solution to bring the characters to life. Highly recommended.
