So yeah, I relocated to Iceland about a month ago. .

A couple months ago I stumbled upon a job opening at CCPgames and applied for the concept art position for EVE ONLINE

After 2 interviews I was given an Art test. The aim was to create a budget version of the Captain quarters for the Amarr race.
Below is the end result:

CCP art test - Amarr Captain

‘Asgeir’ (Art director of Eve Online) liked it, so I landed the job!
(mind that on some firefox browsers the contrast is too high when you open the image)

AND NOW!!

Upon hearing the news Dan Llimatta made this hilarious speedpaint!! Me as an Eve spaceship flying around with a paintbucket More of Dan’s work can be found HERE.

Man.. was I happy with the prospect of exchanging shitty Zaandam for Reykjavik and start somewhere anew..

Here’s a picture of our stuff, all packed and ready to be shipped to Iceland. The cargo includes 2 personal computers, a big Samsung TV, PS3, PS2, a Roland, Bassguitar, bassguitar chair, and more..

Vika was also delighted to leave her base in Holland and move to Iceland with me. Actually ‘her base’ is virtually anywhere since she can work from any place in the world (as long as she has her Roland). If you don’t know Vika, then be sure to check out some of her cover arrangements on youtube (search term: vkgoeswild). Funny enough she was recognised at CCP almost instantly as she started popping up on screens around the office. That was somewhat weird at first.. but those days are over now.

She’s become a CCP regular and is currently following a nitting course there on Mondays.
Two Days ago she played her first non-classical gig in Poland. Here is a small preview of a much longer edit that will be released soon.

Doesn’t she look like a sort of fluffy Cat? Tapping away on the Piano..

vika, democamp from mediafun on Vimeo.

So what is there to say about CCP? So far, it’s very positive.. The people are friendly and fun. The work is cool and the art pipeline is quite effective and comforting. There is a CCP kitchen that provides (free of charge) Breakfast, Lunch, and diner (twice a week). And untill December there will be diner everyday! I can’t tell you how much cash this will save me, and the food is good.

CCP HQ located at a very nice spot, looking out over a shipbreaker yard, with a good view of the mountains, boats, and the town. I’ll provide some pictures soon.

The office itself is also nice to walk around in. While getting my coffee I often stop by a big aquarium located on my floor to look at a collection of exotic fish.
Also all the office spaces have high ceilings which is quite important to me.. It allows me to feel more creative and less ‘locked in’ somehow.

In another blogpost I’ll get more into my impressions of Iceland and the people. But what the guys from ‘CCP Art’ are saying in this video pretty much nails it for the most part.
Esp. after 1.41 when Benjamin (art manager) and Borkur (lead artist) have their say. I think there is a certain ‘magic’ and tranquillity to Iceland that I haven’t encountered anywhere else.

CCP is inspired by Iceland from Inspired By Iceland on Vimeo.

Another things is that the people here have the tendency to settle down quite early. For instance, most Icelandic people of my age are already having kids and being parents! I have to say, there is something looming in the air here which is almost like a whisper telling you to settle down and procreate.. I know how strange and esoteric that sounds, but right now I can’t do better in describing how It feels. Rest assured assured though!! I don’t want any kids – yet.. Really not!!

It´s been ages since my last blog update and I regret not keeping it up to date. But like I said, more about Iceland and the people later. This is it for now. Cheers!