First week done.
What an incredible experience so far. Being able to come out here to Dallas with my family means so much to me; not only is this their first time in Texas, but more importantly, I’m going to be here until the last day of the games. I can’t imagine being away from them for that long.
This project has been in the works since last summer, and it’s surreal to actually be living this moment right now. Days are short because time just flies when you’re constantly locked in. I average around 10 to 12 hours a day. The first two days were the longest because I was just figuring things out—like the workflow, the process, and the general lay of the land (this place is ginormous!). Essentially, FIFA has taken over the entire Dallas Convention Center and converted it into the International Broadcast Centre (IBC).
Security is tight, as expected, but even digitally, every computer is locked down to the point where standard file sharing is impossible. No AirDrop, no plugging in drives, and no access to platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox. Everything goes through their own proprietary file-sharing system.
I’m working with countless edit teams composed of producers, motion designers, and editors. I think there are around 5 to 6 edit suites. Each team is responsible for certain games, and each team gets full access to me without a mediator or traffic coordinator. Initially, I was caught fending for myself and managing my own workload since my role is brand new to FIFA; they’ve never had an artist/illustrator on board to help add extra visual flavor to their sizzle reels.
Once I deliver my work, someone from somewhere (I have no idea who actually approves it) will give it a thumbs up or a “KG” (Keep Going). How things work around here is based on pure instinct, speed, and fury. Weirdly enough, I love it. The environment is amazing because I’m working with people from all over the world. At times, I feel like I’m working for the United Nations. My immediate team is from Munich, so I get to hear German all day long, which I love. I’m also working with producers and editors from Britain, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Spain, Argentina, and more. It’s so cool. As a Canadian, I feel quite special among all the Europeans and South Americans.
I start my day with a workout at the hotel gym, a quick shower, and then a short 10-minute walk to the IBC (it was a 5-minute walk from our first hotel). They have free coffee and water, so naturally, I’m back on coffee (yikes). After that, I lock in and just crank out art all day. It’s intense and hard work, but I love it. I truly believe it’s the conditioning of working in advertising (especially in Toronto) that has given me the endurance, durability and more importantly, the discipline to survive in environments like this. Long gruelling hours in front of my iPad and laptop cranking out artwork like clockwork.
For this illustration, I’ve had this visual in my head since I laid my eyes on this building where I’m working from. To me, it’s incredibly important to capture core experiences like so it’s immortalized on my blog.Â