Guest Post: Externing with Lucid Dream
Hello, Everyone! đź‘‹
I’m Ryan Elizabeth Grady, an Art Instructor in the Simulation and Game Development department at Wake Technical Community College (WTCC). I teach 3D modeling, drawing, and other disciplines to help students develop artwork and assets used to create games, simulations, and other exciting projects! Earlier this summer I was fortunate enough to participate in WTTC’s Externship Program, where they send faculty members back into their industry, so those instructors can bring new-found knowledge and skills regarding contemporary industry practices back into the classroom.
Our department always wants to be on the cutting edge of technology and luckily, we had been connected with Lucid Dream VR earlier this year who happened to be in our own backyard! It just so happens they were also working with the hottest new technologies; Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, but in a non-gaming way. This was fascinating and encouraging to see since our game development students sometimes forget that they are not limited to game studios when it comes to career opportunities. For instance, they can create simulations for museums, corporate training experiences, or marketing interactions that engage people with a product. Lucid Dream does all this and more; they build worlds. Of course, this made them an ideal target for a possible externship and after a few email chains and interviews later, I was able to be an extern for Lucid Dream VR!
On my first day, I was greeted by the large Lucid Dream VR brain logo on the wall and the smell of Larry’s Beans Coffee. Being part of the American Underground, the space is reminiscent of Google Headquarters with the southern charm that comes with being surrounded by entrepreneurs in the heart of downtown Durham. I remember catching up with a Lucid Dream staff member as he came down the Mario slide; a yellow tube decorated with paintings of pixelated gold coins. It's a unique and fun space.
During my time at Lucid Dream VR, I helped build a Proof of Concept Simulation that illustrated the variety and power of what they could do for companies. Our example included a scenario where a hospital employee would “quench” an MRI Machine. I began as a 3D artist on the project but ended up wearing a variety of hats throughout my time there. Many of the skills I acquired while working on the project corresponded with new developing opportunities back at WTTC.
Our program received a grant award from the National Science Foundation this year to create new certificates in Technical Art & Photogrammetry and Technical Animation. It includes the development of four new courses in Technical Art, Technical Animation, Motion Capture, and Photogrammetry. And here I was, using Lucid Dream’s motion capture suit, and obtaining Tech Art skills during the summer before we started developing classes on these exact topics! It was an incredible opportunity that prepared us for our grant award this fall.
Additionally, one of my favorite parts of this experience happened later in my externship. I was tasked with creating several pieces of art capturing both the essence of the Lucid Dream brand and its targeted audience. I am a 3D Artist by trade, but a 2D Artist by heart so I always treasure the chance to draw! This small side project led to several illustrations that can now be seen on their website, swag, and collateral. Their commercial team was so supportive and it definitely gave me confidence both as an artist and art instructor. The Lucid Dream team is full of vibrancy and support. If you ever have the opportunity to work with the company, I strongly urge you to do so. It is a dream, pun intended!
Written by Ryan Grady
Simulation & Game Dev Instructor at Wake Tech
Previous Extern for Lucid Dream VR, 2019
Find her on Instagram @ryegrady and Linkedin in/ryegrady
