Interview — Jesse Lucas
Interactive Director / Developer / Cartoonist
So, can you start by sharing with me a little bit about your role
as Interactive Director at Forest Giant?
I kind of have a lot of different roles. Basically, I oversee new technologies and the development of software on the production of our projects, as well as planning for future projects. As a partner at the company, I figure out how we are going to accomplish the projects we take on. Sometimes that means assessing a project and being the one to say that it’s not a good investment of our time, which is sometimes weird because you typically think most service-based companies take on any project they receive a proposal for. But, we’re a little different in that way.
Could you share with me a little bit about your path to becoming a developer?
In high school, math and art were my favorite classes. But I didn’t really connect well with my art teacher in school, so I pretty much just doubled up on math and physics. Then when I went to college I actually went for art and graphic design. When I got out I became a designer and did that for about 3 or 4 years. When Dave, Jon and I started Forest Giant we needed somebody that could program and no one else could do it. So yeah, thats how I got into programming.
That’s interesting. I interviewed Jon a while back and it seems like both of you are pretty self-taught. Would you say that’s true?
Yeah, well, we grew up and went to high school together. I guess you could say we had similar take-aways from life experiences. But I think most great developers are self-taught because technology evolves so fast. I don’t even know if self-taught is the right word because I would buy every book I could and read blogs. I remember when Lynda.com came out with a whole bunch of courses on Flash and Action Script and I think I watched something like 40 hours of those. There’s just such a strong community out there, with forums and IRC. Really, I think you just need to have the passion, kind of that do-it-yourself mentality, because in, like, two years what we are doing right now and working on is going to be different, so you have to constantly be able to teach yourself.
What keeps you excited about software development?
I was at an elementary school giving a talk on software development, and I was telling the kids, “the amazing thing about being a software engineer is you don’t need a lot of money to make your own world.” You know, any other type of engineer — say someone who builds bridges — needs a lot of resources and money. But really all you need is a computer, and the possibilities to create your own world are there. I think I’ve always been interested in creating something from nothing.
I know you’ve been working on a project for the Apple Watch recently. But before we talk about that, what are your thoughts of the Apple Watch so far?
I think it’s great. Can you imagine just 5 years ago having something so powerful on a small device? I wish it could do more by itself, but it’s only the first version. The need for a phone to do most of its computing is understandable for what it can do. I mean, the technology is amazing, so I feel bad even wanting more from it. But I think that’s what’s great about it. I want it to do more and I think that is a very positive thing about the watch.
Can you tell me a little bit about the project you’ve recently been working on?
Quantified is basically an easy way to track the things you do in your life. The Apple Watch really opened up the ability to do that easily — we had tried some early prototypes just on the iPhone and it worked well, but really with the watch it made a lot of sense.
Can you tell me a bit about what it’s like developing an application for a new Apple product?
I feel that Apple makes the best development tools in the world — they have a long history of making great development tools. They really lay the path well for people to start doing something in a short time. It’s a similar paradigm that they’ve already established when working with notifications. Lots of people really criticize the restrictions and limitations of the Apple Watch, but I think I really appreciate those restrictions — because it’s for the end user, to give them the best experience.
What challenges or new discoveries have you had in developing an application for both iPhone and Apple Watch?
The restrictions, although I respect them. It’s that learning process of, what can or can’t I do? Figuring out those small things to make it work. Thinking about function and design really is more important. Really that it’s a whole experience, not two separate apps.
On a more personal note, I know you are big into walks throughout the day, any thoughts on that and your daily routine you care to share?
Adam really promoted it more than anyone. A lot of people like to play video games, but that’s not something I really get into. Early on when we started the company I’d work countless hours, and I realized you need that break to help you reflect and solve a problem. You have to know when to take breaks and turn off your brain for a bit. It helps to give you perspective.
What is your dream project?
I almost feel guilty because I feel we’re really lucky. Sometimes I think you lose sight of how good your job is when you do it everyday. But there are very few people that get to bring their dog to the office, or just begin working on a new Apple Watch project as soon as it is announced. My dream would be to have a super successful product and keep building our own products.
Are there any tips or advice you’d give to someone aspiring to be a developer?
I’d say, don’t think you need someone to tell you how to do anything, because you can do it yourself. It’s weird, but software development is kind of like the wild west of jobs. In really 6 months to a year you could probably have a job. Don’t get caught up in one thing with development — look at the bigger picture. Try to gain a holistic perspective.
Originally published on Forest Giant’s blog.
