Student Jippe Dijkgraaf's experience on YouTube series Samsung Game Crafters

About Samsung Game Crafters 

In this new series, creators like Jippe are given a platform to showcase their creativity. Each episode presents challenges, with Samsung providing the gear to empower the participants. The goal is to unveil the talents of these creators in the gaming industry.  

How did you decide to participate in this series? 

Jippe: ‘My sister sent me a link to the casting call. She thought it would be a great fit for me. The process moved swiftly after I mentioned the games study programme that I am in. The response was positive, and I received an invitation. I was one of three participants in the fourth episode of the series. The filming took place in an abandoned factory.’ 

What was the challenge you faced on the show? 

Jippe: ‘The task was to create a Sims character for Twitch-streamer Saarlive, including designing her clothing. We had to figure it out without prior knowledge of the challenge. Samsung provided the tools, like a laptop and tablet, to work on the assignment from home.’  

‘I used Blender to work on the clothing, facing some hiccups in transitioning it back into the Sims due to UI differences. Learning experiences included tackling UV mapping, the process of unwrapping a 3D model's surface onto a 2D plane and applying textures or images to the model's surface, challenges too.’ 

‘The second day of filming allowed us more interaction with Saarlive, providing a great networking opportunity. I can now message her to ask her to play one of my games.’ 

What did you learn from this experience for your future in the gaming industry? 

Jippe: ‘Currently specialising in procedural art, working with software like Houdini, Maya, Substance Painter, ZBrush, and Unreal Engine, I aim to become a technical artist. This experience broadened my understanding of UV mapping, especially its application in different games, among other things. I would have preferred to start from scratch, instead of working with an existing game. However, the exposure was invaluable for showcasing my creative work.’ 

For more about Jippe Dijkgraaf, connect on LinkedIn or explore his portfolio on Artstation.