Dawn Ellen Hodgson

Experience

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  Gamestation

  Apr 2003 - Mar 2005

  Customer Advisor

  As part of the team at Gamestation I worked first in the store above New Street Station and was later asked to work in the new store that opened on the high street on Birmingham which was at the time the largest dedicated video game store in Europe.I was in the top 5 country wide for preorders of the new consoles (Xbox360 and PSP) and was part of a team that would be assigned to new stores opening up to both set up and work the initial busy opening period in order to lend expertise, work fast and competently and create a great first impression for new customers at the launch of stores!As part of working the flagship store on Birminghams busy highstreet I would be involved in special events and promotions, often being expected to produce posters, promotional material, organise entertainment and run tournaments.I moved away from the area and straight into a position at PC World when I returned to the North East Show less

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  Currys Business

  Apr 2005 - Nov 2008

  Technical Sales Advisor

  I worked as part of the team at Pc World engaging with all parts of the business from B to C sales on the shop floor advising customers to deliveries, store front set up of POS, doing highly specialised repairs and dealing with customer service in the tech centre to B to B transactions in the business centre.I applied a wealth of technical knowledge and great interpersonal skills to any task he under took. Applying a friendly and enthusiastic attitude to dealing with the public and colleagues.After suffering a stroke and losing sight in one eye, I had to leave as I found it difficult to readjust to these changes and reentered education to make a positive change ready for re-entering the job market. Show less

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  Teesside University

  Oct 2010 - May 2013

  Undergraduate Student

  At university I studied Computer Games Art at Teesside Univesity.For my Final year project he specialised in Motion Capture creating a tutorial for Karate and Martial Arts. For this project he received a First, and for his degree over all he achieved a 2:1Over the 3 years he studied at Teesside University I did a variety of modules, from concept art and pre-visualisation to cutscene design, Motion capture and non-bipdeal animation.I mostly used 3DS Max and the Adobe suite programs while at university as well as traditional media. Motion Builder and Cortex were also used extensively and I gained experience with animation pathways to unity and the unreal engine.To suppliment my learning I also attended life drawing sessions and local networking nights for digital industries as well as getting involved with the animation society and practicing Iaido. Show less

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  ONECon

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2014

  Chairperson

  Managed a team who ran a not for profit orgaisation and events in the North East celebrating Anime, Manga, Geek Culture and Gaming.Event management, for an event of over 600 attendees, 20 staff and additional runners.Booked guests from the UK and America, managed a year long social media campaign in the run up to the event. Managed artists and traders. Negotiated lisences to show movies at events with the property holders.Smaller events ran upto the main event to build community and raise funds. The main event was very succesful and won an award for best newcomer in the year it took place!www.ONECon.co.uk Show less

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  Yellow Snow Studio

  Jan 2013 - Jan 2013

  Administrative Manager
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  The Geek Show Limited

  Oct 2013 - Oct 2015

  Show runner (BitPanel) Presenter and lead interviewer (The Geek Show and Keyframe.)

  ! was a regular presenter on The Geek Show, a podcast running for over 3 years broadcasting from middlesbough.As part of this I ran a show called BitPanel, a dedicated gaming podcast on The Geek Show network.This involved managing the presenters, compiling research, engaging with social media and using audience feedback to help the show evolve into something bigger and better!Show plans were written up and sent to the other presenters typically 5 days in advance, with timescales, talking points, calls to action and supplementary research to help give informed viewpoints and opinions on the games industry topics covered.Reviews, both audio and written were coordinated in advance. Dave also networked with other professionals and fans to help generate content for the show.On The Geek Show I was a regular presenter, and edited the majority of Youtube content produced. I also conducted most on camera interviews and developed great improvisational skill, thinking on my feet - whilst relying on the pre-planning and depth of knowledge he has to support that.I helped source news articles and show themes and has had well over 2 years of experience on the mic as part of a team of presenters. Show less

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  Yellow Snow Studio

  Nov 2013 - Jul 2014

  Lead Artist

  I worked as part of a team at Yellow Snow Studio, producing bespoke animation, custom infographics and character animation for clients.I also managed the companies social networks and community interactions as well as taking on many administration tasks on a day to day basis.Most work was produced in Adobe After Effects but photoshop, traditonal illustration, and flash were also used when creating work.

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  - Freelancer

  Aug 2014 - Aug 2018

  Freelance 2D / 3D animator and artist

  I have been currently producing art prints, costume props and comissions for tables at conventions. I am also taking on freelance video editing and motion graphics work. I have been using the skills from his degree in small indie games projects based around the north east, creating 3D animation cycles to be used in the unity and unreal engines.

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  Rockstar Games

  Oct 2014 - Nov 2014

  Play Tester

  During the run up to the release of the Heists Downloadable content for Grand Theft Auto V, I was involved in playtesting the new features, scenarios and modes of play within the new content to be added to the game.Detailed records of playsessions were kept, logging issues such as bugs, crashes, graphical glithes and functionality.Tables were kept updated regularly on excel and written reports were compiled daily in word documents to aid the developers in highlighting not only issues but how long gameplay tasks took to complete and what the flow of the experience was like.I was also involved in feedback sessions to ascertain the quality of experience for the players.All information about the project was under NDA untill release. Show less

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  Cardboard Sword Limited

  Apr 2015 - May 2015

  Quality Assurance

  I was brought on for an intensive 3 week period in a critical time in the development of the game 'Not a Hero' by roll7.Testing was outsourced to the company Cardboard Sword Limited who provide bespoke game testing, QA and 'last minute genius' with a view to providing feedback that will be useful and tailored to developers.I had on the job training to write bug reports that would be concise, descriptive and in a manner that would be helpful to designers and programmers to enact fixes.Using team communication tools like assembla, I liaised with programmers working on the game, reporting issues, regressing and checking fixes and providing input on aspects like game feel, difficulty and character balance. Show less

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  RadiationBurn.net

  Aug 2015 - Aug 2015

  Additional voices - Voice Acting - The Living Dungeon.

  Provided voice acting for a game project in development for Steam and Xbox One.This included character dialogue, grunts, barks and emotes as directed by the script.http://thelivingdungeon.com/

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  Sci-fi weekender

  Mar 2016 - Mar 2018

  Games Room Organiser

  I ran a video games room with over 30 full console set ups as part of the entertainment at Sci Fi weekender 7 on the 17th-20nd March 2016. I was asked to come back and do it every year after the success of the first event. I added value and entertainment for the attendees of this big budget sci fi event through the use of my specialist subject knowledge and organisational skills.I communicated with the Retro Computer Museum, rented equipment, filled out purchase orders and compiled full inventory lists.The games room was a big success and I have been in talks for a repeat performance every year.I was also asked to prepare and speak in an hour long panel called 'The Evolution of Video Games' which went down very well with the audience and covered a wide range of topics and has since became an annual feature in the event time table. Show less

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  SpaceBoss LTD

  Sept 2016 - Jan 2018

  Director

  Created costume and props for business to business clients for product launches and trade shows as well as private bespoke commissions. Over saw the whole process from client management, customer service and leads, right through to design and production of props and costume using 3D modelling, CAD programs, laser cutters, embroidery machines and 3D printers.Used Microsoft office packages to produce invoices, purchase orders and finance spreadsheets.Brought the business to a close due to rising costs of materials leading to tighter profit margins that we could no longer feasibly live off.http://www.spacebosscosplay.co.uk/ Show less

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  Triage

  Aug 2018 - Jan 2020

  Receptionist/office Administrator, working front of house with a focus on creating great first impressions and fostering lasting business relationships through enthusiasm, empathy and professionalism.Organised and adaptable individual with experience working in various office environments.My attention to detail and excellent time management skills means that every task is completed efficiently and to the highest possible standard. I have a calm and patient disposition meaning that I am able to work effectively under pressure and focus on the task in hand. I am proficient working in a team, but also work well independently. Bringing innovation to my position, supplementing my communication skills with bespoke documents and presentations using the skills I’ve gained from working in visual mediums. Show less

  • Receptionist

    Aug 2018 - Jan 2020

  • Receptionist

    Aug 2018 - Jan 2020
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  Barclaycard

  Jan 2020 - now

  Complex Queries