An engineer turned designer!

Formerly a video game programmer, Xavier CRESPO is now an author and designer. Based in Canada, he co-founded the MX Editions publishing house and published his first comic strip "Cohabitation". 

The first volume is currently on sale on Ulule until April 22, 2021. 

Interview with this engineer who became a designer! 

What is your background ?

I worked for 18 years in video games where passion and creativity are essential keys. I have thus collaborated, among other things, with the largest publisher in France in the design of about fifteen games. 

I also have a vivid imagination, a good pencil stroke developed over the years and a great desire to change things. From all this was born my Comic Book "Cohabitation" and my new career as an author and designer. 

What are you doing today ? What is the daily life of a freelance author and designer? 

“Being a designer, without depending on a big publishing house, means being versatile and highly motivated. " 

When I am in the creation phase, I spend most of my time drawing the thumbnails of my comic strip, coloring my drawings and then integrating decorations and dialogues. When this step is completed, my days are busy promoting my work (via social networks, the press, etc.) and contacting all the service providers I need (printer, hosting site, translator, etc.).

From engineer to author-designer: what click? 

I have always worked on my Comic Book, alongside my work as a computer engineer. This personal project has become more and more important in terms of interest and priority in my life. Wishing to remain independent in this publishing project, I took advantage of this new turn in my career to also co-create my own publishing house and thus edit my works as I wish. 

Do you know other ESEO Alumni working in the same field? 

I think I am alone in this area. But I think I am one of several ESEO graduates to retrain in such a radical way! 

“The ESEO provides an excellent multidisciplinary foundation that allows to enter any career. " 

Any advice for someone wishing to get started in this profession? 

First, I would advise him to dare to approach people in this profession. Feedback and advice are very valuable. I would also like to tell him that perseverance is an asset. Because the path that will lead him to this profession will perhaps be longer than expected. But all the steps he has to go through will be helpful in one way or another. And finally, I would remind him not to forget this desire to do this job despite what others might think. Let's live without regrets! 

The ESEO and you? What memories do you keep of student life and of school in general?

I remember a video I made with friends from my class about entering the school in a competition. We were not selected but the shoot was filled with good times! 

I also have excellent memories of the 100 days! Dress up, be all together, celebrate our last days as students. A big moment ! 

What does the #ESEOalumni network represent for you? 

The network represents a great opportunity to stay in touch with your class and also with the school itself. 

When I launched my Comic Strip on Ulule, a crowdfunding site, I quickly contacted the association for support. And the response was immediate.

“I knew that as students we had support. And I'm glad to see that even afterwards, the support is still there! " 

Source: www.eseo-alumni.com 

Interview by Yoann DIGUE