Hypemasters insiders: Kate Safronova, 2D artist
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work somewhere? We will be sharing a series of interviews with Hypemasters employees to give you a feel of what it’s like to be part of our team. We asked our employees to be as honest as possible with their responses and tried to go beyond the standard “what’s your favourite part of…” type of questions. What did they say? Let’s find out.
This week, we spoke to Kate Safronova, our 2D artist. Kate talked about her journey at Hypemasters over the last 3 years and shared advice for women who are looking to join the gaming industry.
Q: How have Hypemasters changed since 2019?
A: Everything has actually transformed with time — games, offices and, most importantly, people! And it’s not about the team members leaving and new team members being hired: it’s about changes within us. I think that the key feature of the company’s culture is the general openness to new ideas. We discuss them in an open manner and embrace the ones that we feel are right. This makes me happy — I know that when I bring something new to the table, it won’t get disregarded, regardless of my rank.
Q: With all the instability in the world, how do you feel about your job?
A: Regardless of COVID or world conflicts, Hypemasters has continued to grow! Back in 2019, I’ve started working in Russia, but now relocated to another country as many of us did. I’ve spent all my life living in one city and it was hard for me to take such a step. It helped me a lot that we were doing this collectively, with great support. One could go crazy with all things happening, but I now see it all as a great adventure!
Q: What’s the most valuable feedback have you ever received?
A: For me, any feedback is valuable, even if it is a poop emoji in slack. The most valuable feedback usually arrives when you mess up somewhere. Sometimes I lose direction in my work and a constructive kick helps me look at fresh ideas. This kind of feedback can be painful, but it makes me stronger. The main thing for me is not to think that I cannot cope with it. You never know what you can do till you try.
Q: What is it like to work with the team?
A: We spend a huge part of our lives at work, so the team can rightfully be considered a second family. And as in any family, creating a positive atmosphere within the team is everyone’s job. In my team everyone is friendly and respectful — we never get to argue! This helps me with my self-confidence. I can offer my ideas and get heard.
Also, teamwork means passive learning from my colleagues — I learn about things that are not related to my main craft and slowly turn into a multi-specialist. You never know what skill might come in handy, even if it’s the ability to tell ambiguous jokes.
Q: What is it like to work as a female employee?
A: Our current project is aimed at a male audience, so it is not surprising that the development team is mostly male — they are simply interested in the subject of the project.
But I don’t think that gender somehow affects my work. On the contrary, it helps me to look at the project from the outside and give feedback on how the non-target user sees the game.
Right now I’m the only girl in the art team, but not the only one in the company. In addition, many women in our company are in charge and know how to manage processes, so many of them have grown into leads by now.
It’s important to know that not every gaming company has discrimination. Do not set yourself up negatively in advance. Otherwise, it can undermine your self-confidence. How you present yourself plays a big role.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I joined the company immediately after university as a junior 2D-artist. Every year I have been discovering myself in a new light — as an artist, as an organizer, as a team member and a cultural cell of Hypemasters. My dream is to become an art director of one of our future games. I really want to work with a completely crazy visual style, full of fun and Easter eggs for our players!
Are you interested in joining our team? Visit our careers page or simply contact us: join@hypemasters.com
