Can you introduce yourself?
Hi, I'm Wayne and I'm also known as DeadBird. I'm a freelance graphic artist providing a professional design service for the video game industry, working within esports and branding. I create identities for developers, organisations, players and creators. Also, an avid gamer.
You drew all the player art we've been using as part of the UKIN shows, how has that compared to other projects?
Simply, it was great. I've been a huge fan of Siege in recent years so to be able to work with Ubisoft directly was a huge privilege. The UK league is always super competitive with some huge talent so it was amazing to be involved with such a new project and the individuals who worked so hard in getting it up and running.
Over the years you have been solidified as a very prominent part of the Siege community with a lot of your work being used by the community, pro players and creators. What got you into Siege.
I had always been a fan of the franchise and had been playing R6 since the beginning (showing my age) but for me Vegas and Vegas 2 were standout titles. I played those so much. I loved the game mechanics and running through it in co-op with friends. When R6 Siege initially released I didn't like it. It felt so alien and not what I was expecting at all. I started playing it again around the end of year 1 as my partner loved it and since then it's been a huge part of my life.
You have created so many amazing drawings and assets, what has been a standout project for you?
That's a tricky one, I've created more than I can recall. I guess something that springs to mind which I'm hugely proud of is having designed some content creator logos that had been chosen to be a part of the creator charm program so having those in-game is incredible. Another thing that really stands out is having my content displayed twice at 2 consecutive Six Invitationals, that's an honour!
With all these amazing projects, what first got you into drawing and wanting to be so creative? For people out there wanting to get into design, what are your top tips?
I remember drawing from an early age, creating cartoons and comics and my Dad was always good at it. It's something I've been doing for as long as I can remember, and I seem to just be one of those creative 'types'. If people are looking to get into design then the best tips would be just put the time in and practice.
I find studying and recreating things gives an understanding of basics which you can then use and introduce in your own work. The good thing is that any form of art and design is completely subjective so as long as you're enjoying doing it and enjoy the content you're putting out then keep pushing, you're always learning.
Recently you have been designing some amazing concepts for weapons in Siege, if you could create ANYTHING and it would go into the game, what would it be?
Without a doubt it would be a weapon skin. I feel there is so much opportunity in terms of in-game cosmetics that can be explored. A DeadBird skin would be incredible, gory, detailed and incredible although I'm sure that may be difficult to implement in-game. A DeadBird charm on the gun wouldn't be a bad idea either ;P
Create your own team - you are the coach, what 5 players are you picking up? It can be any player Pro or Am across the world.
I'm pretty attack minded so I've got to have CTZN for his fragging ability, let him run entry. Rampy is there for sheer dominance and kills. If we do need to plant then hands down it's Goga, nothing else needs to be said about his support. Bosco wins his 1v1's and 5v1's he's always going to clutch. IGL has got to be LeonGids, the guy is a talent, not only can he lead but he can frag!
