Indie Game Lunch Hour How To Be Satisfied With Your Art When You're Never Satisfied With Your Art
Jun 4, 2025
Sydney Clara, an award-winning filmmaker and game developer known for her work on QUALIA, joins the conversation to explore the often tumultuous relationship artists have with their creations. She navigates her journey from film to indie game development, revealing the importance of problem-solving and embracing imperfection. Sydney discusses the value of shorter, impactful games and the necessity of early playtesting. Additionally, she encourages listeners to balance professional standards with personal satisfaction, ultimately inviting a playful approach to creativity.
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Making a Solo Game from Scratch
- Sydney Clara created her first game, Qualia, as a solo developer using Twine and stock assets.
- She focused on writing and player immersion, overcoming lack of programming skills by learning minimally and seeking help.
The Myth of Perfect Art
- Artists often imagine a perfect version of their work that can never be fully realized in reality.
- The true "perfect" version is the one that exists, despite inevitable compromises made during creation.
Embrace Imperfection to Finish
- Stop worrying about perfection and just finish your project; releasing is an achievement itself.
- "Done is beautiful" means completion outweighs endless refinement.