Recommendations

Art Director

Edge of Reality

“Alan is a very experienced Art Director that would be an asset to any studio. Alan is highly organized and level headed. He can objectively tackle problems and has been a champion for artists. Alan is always looking out for the best interest of the art department and for the best interest of the game. Whenever we faced major challenges as a studio, Alan can be counted on to help tackle the issue no matter how complicated the matter is. Alan is technical and has a broad knowledge of making art for games. Alan is also highly ethical and a good person to have in your corner.” September 11, 2008

Binu Philip
President, Edge of Reality
worked directly with Alan at Edge of Reality

“Alan has a lot of experience in every phase of video game art production. He’s a talented artist (both traditional and digital) and understands the technical aspects of video game production. As my Art Director, I never hesitated to bring a problem to Alan’s attention. I would describe Alan as detail orientated, professional, direct, balanced, creative and an all around good guy that was fun to work with. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with Alan in the future.” September 2, 2008

Rick Kohler
Lead Environment Artist, Edge of Reality
Reported to Alan at Edge of Reality

“During my five years at Edge of Reality Alan Johnson was my Art Director. Many of Alan’s tasks and management duties had a direct and positive impact on the studio which resulted in one of the most talented art staffs I’ve seen put together. I have always admired Alan’s traditional art works as well as Alan’s technical savvy ness. On top of all this, Alan is extremely organized which shows through his carefully crafted game development docs, excel sheets and company Wiki pages. I have learned a great deal from Alan and it was pleasure to work with him.” September 1, 2008

Mike Sneath
Senior Artist, Edge of Reality
Reported to Alan at Edge of Reality

“Alan Johnson and I have worked together for about 11 years on many projects and at several studios. Alan always encourages the staff to submit the best work possible and to continue working to improve their craft. He’s a skilled traditional artist as well as being adept with the technical aspects of game development. Alan’s positive disposition, his reflective way of operating his department as well as his cordial people skills are all character traits that make him an outstanding leader. Alan is also one of the most organized and well spoken people I have ever met. It was a pleasure working with him.” August 26, 2008

Shane Tarrant
Senior/Lead Animator, Edge of Reality
Reported to Alan at Edge of Reality

“I've worked with Alan on a number of occasions dealing with Autodesk Maya representatives, concerning: new product versions, features and feedback about our experiences using their product. Alan is a friendly coworker with a good sense of humor. I would not hesitate to work with him again.” August 18, 2008

Chuck Karpiak
Senior Programmer, Edge of Reality
Worked with Alan at Edge of Reality

“Alan has a vast amount of experience and expertise in every aspect of video game art production. He is one of the most organized people I've ever met, and this is reflected in all aspects of his work, from defining job descriptions, to planning the art needs for projects and the company. He is rational, direct, and professional, under all circumstances. Whenever I came to Alan with a problem, I could count on him to attack it with urgency, and follow through to the tiniest detail.” August 13, 2008

Rob Cohen
CEO/Tech Director, Edge of Reality
Managed Alan at Edge of Reality

“For six years I worked with Alan at Edge of Reality. He helped lead and shape the art department of the company as it went from a relatively small company to a company of a hundred, while the gaming industry itself, and its demands, changed almost overnight. Alan had to walk the tightrope of addressing upper management's interests and the interests of the people in his depatment. Its not always an easy task, and it is a thankless one which only those in his position can really appreciate. Alan took on and accepted these responsibilities in a quiet manner, while placing a lot of trust in the people under him do their jobs. On a more personal note, when Alan would come around or if I had some concerns, I found that he was easy to talk to and get his perspective on things while considering mine.” August 12, 2008

Kelly Goodine
Senior Artist, Edge of Reality
Worked indirectly for Alan at Edge of Reality

“In my 15+ years in the game industry, Alan is the best art director that I have had the pleasure to work with. I'll start at the top: he knows how to make games. He knows the industry, the people, the techniques and the pipelines. He knows that to ship a game, artists need to work with designers and programmers. Next, he keeps current with the latestest technology. It is not easy for managers to keep there tech skills sharp when they have so much else on their plate, but I could always go to Alan for help solving tech problems. Alan also has a great eye as an artist. After reviewing portfolios from candidates for art positions at Edge, I would go to Alan with my recommendations, and he would patiently sit down with me and show me a lot in these portfolios that I hadn't seen. (“if you can't find your way around his website, he's not a good candidate for a HUD artist!”) He would also bring this critical ability to bear during game production. And Alan is a good manager. He had this difficult job of balancing what is best for the art team with what is best for the project and what the executive management of the company required. I highly recommend Alan as an art director. I would not hesitate to work with him again.” August 11, 2008

Billy Sullivan
Lead Artist, Edge of Reality
Reported to Alan at Edge of Reality

“When ever I had any suggestions... Alan was always there to listen to what I had to say and help foster my ideas. Which is a good quality to have as an Art Director.” August 7, 2008

Edward Lee Bowman II
Senior Animator, Edge of Reality
Reported to Alan at Edge of Reality

“I have worked with Alan for about three years at Edge Of Reality and he was the one who showed me the ropes when I first arrived. I consider Alan to be very professional and great to work with. He's always did his best to help me when I had an issue and I would recommend him in any of his future endeavors.” August 7, 2008

Michael Thai
IT Administrator, Edge Of Reality
Reported to Alan at Edge of Reality

“I worked closely with Alan for 3 years and I have to say he was absolutely incredible, both as an artist and a manager. I learned so much from him about management in my time at EoR, I can't even begin to thank him enough!” May 9, 2005

Richard Ham
Creative Director, Edge of Reality
Worked directly with Alan at Edge of Reality

“I’ve worked with Alan in many capacities, not only as a co worker in two different studio offices over the years but I’ve also freelance for Alan. Alan as a manager is very approachable and he’s truly a very fare and honest person. He has always kept his business focus on the target and that has rewarded him well. I look forward to working with him again and at anytime in the future.” August 12, 2008

Al Artus
Facilities Coordinator / Hardware Engineer, Acclaim Studios Austin
Was with another company when working with Alan at Acclaim Studios

“I had the pleasure of working with Alan 10 years ago at Acclaim Studios. He is a consummate professional with an ability to see an artist's capability and their potential. As a trained artist himself he understands what it takes to be an artist and also the importance what is required to make a video game and manage a team of divergent personalities to meet the goals set forth by the company Alan hired me when I was new to the industry. I am grateful and impressed with his ability to see what I was capable of accomplishing. As a manager Alan always had an open door policy. I would definitely work with him in the future.” August 9, 2008

Jorma Auburn
Animator, Acclaim
Reported to Alan at Acclaim Studios

“Alan is a great manager with a lot of attention to running a good team. His personality was always helpful and at the same time a fun person to be around. I had a wonderful experience and highly recomend Alan.” January 4, 2008

Patrick Thomas
Artist, Acclaim
Worked indirectly for Alan at Acclaim Studios

“I worked closely with Alan for many years. He is a consummate professional who is absolutely dedicated to his craft. Alan displayed vigorous energy and a fierce drive to push for quality that had profound impacts on the success of our titles, and of the studio. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Alan again in the future.” July 20, 2006

David Dienstbier
Studio Design Director, Stormfront Studios
Managed Alan at Acclaim Studios

“Alan is extremely talented and was an excellent influence and mentor to those around him. I worked closely with Alan in employee issues and recruiting efforts and he is professional, good natured and easy to work with. He sets high standards for himself and for his team and works diligently at achieving his individual and group goals.” July 14, 2006

Julie Pomeroy
Human Resources, Acclaim Entertainment
Worked with Alan at Acclaim Studios

“As an Art Director Alan commanded respect from all levels in the organization. As an artist, he is talented, serious and very versatile. He has an unwavering commitment to high quality work and expects no less from his team. I continue to reach out to Alan for advice on professional and artistic issues and respect his opinions greatly. I highly recommend him.” June 15, 2006

Roger Barcilon
President, Gemini School of Visual Arts & Communication
Worked with Alan at Acclaim Studios

“Alan was my first Art lead in the gaming industry. His dedication and artistic vision were pivotal to the enormous success of the Turok franchise. I learned many invaluable skills from him. Alan also has enormous technical skills. He is also a very approachable manager.” August 18, 2008

Mike Janke
Artist / Animator, Iguana Entertainment
Reported to Alan at Iguana Entertainment

“What can you say? We sold millions. The original Turok games were highly respected and ahead of their time thanks to Alan being a great Art lead pushing the N64 to its incredible limits.” June 5, 2006

Ryan Tracy
Senior Artist, Aspyr Media
Reported to Alan at Iguana Entertainment