What’s New

Over the past year and a half, in addition to teaching myself Unity, I have been working on sound design and experimental compositions. I have received positive feedback from the few who have heard my behind the scenes work. With encouragement from friends, I will be releasing an ambient EP in October.

It’s out of my comfort zone, but then again, so is a global pandemic.

In the spirit of putting out a new project in a new field, I was encouraged by others to choose a moniker. Apparently my last name is pretty popular with Norwegian musicians, so DJ Living Wage is now on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. [Cough, cough <political statement> cough.] I’ll release excerpts of the project soon.

Illustration of woman walking uncomfortably into room. Suzanne Skaar. 2021. All rights reserved.

In the meantime, preparations are still underway for the upcoming Arts at the Armory event in Tacoma on the weekend of October 16 and 17th. I am looking forward to sharing progress on my game with interested individuals, as well as taking a look at all the beautiful work that will be on display. If you’re looking for unique gifts by local artisans, this will be a great opportunity. For my part, I’ll have a limited supply of dinosaur stickers and buttons for sale. (Rawr.) I joined city staff and the Vice President of the Tacoma Arts Commission to talk about the event on TV Tacoma’s City Line last week. If you’d like to learn more about Tacoma Arts Month in general, click here.

If you like what I do and haven’t yet, please follow No Mine! Studios on the following social media platforms:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube

Thank you again for your support!

— Suzanne

News and Game Update

Happy Thursday!

Here’s some news on what’s going on in my part of the world.

I was recently invited to be interviewed for TV Tacoma’s City Line show. City of Tacoma staff will discuss the upcoming Arts at the Armory event and more. I’ll post a link when it’s available. I really appreciate the chance to share my work and the support shown for my latest project. It has been a great chance to take risks, consolidate different areas of expertise and skills, and learn new skills.

I am continuing to have fun building environments and sneaking in nods to my adopted home city. Check out some new progress in the video below.

Work in progress. As yet untitled dinosaur game. Graphics and sound by Suzanne Skaar, 2021. All rights reserved.

If you like what I do and haven’t yet, please follow No Mine! Studios on the following social media platforms:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube

Thank you again for your support!

— Suzanne

Adopt* a dino

*Small rehoming fee. See Redbubble for details.

Button with pixel art illustration of a dinosaur eating a taco. Character design and art by Suzanne Skaar, 2021. All rights reserved.
Duffel bag with pixel art illustration of a dinosaur eating a taco. Character design and art by Suzanne Skaar, 2021. All rights reserved.
Clock with pixel art illustration of a dinosaur eating a taco. Character design and art by Suzanne Skaar, 2021. All rights reserved.
Zippered pouch with pixel art illustration of a dinosaur eating a taco. Character design and art by Suzanne Skaar, 2021. All rights reserved.
Fitted mask with pixel art illustration of a dinosaur eating a taco. Character design and art by Suzanne Skaar, 2021. All rights reserved.
Spiral notebook with pixel art illustration of a dinosaur eating a taco. Character design and art by Suzanne Skaar, 2021. All rights reserved.

Tacos!

Lately I’ve been illustrating comfort foods to sneak throughout my game. Here’s an example just in time for Taco Tuesday (and Father’s Day). If you like what you see, this design is available on stickers, shirts, mugs, and more through my Redbubble shop.

Cheers!

Suzanne

Work in Progress Wednesday


In addition to adding new details to game scenes this week, I’ve also decided to add products to my shop page on Redbubble. Take a look below for a new in-game video clip, and head over to the shop if you’d like to snag some game art early.

In-progress game footage made in Unity. Graphics, animation, and music/ sound design by Suzanne Skaar. 2021. All rights reserved.

Big news!

And now it’s official! I just signed my Tacoma Artist Initiative Program contract. I am grateful to the Tacoma Arts Commission for sponsoring me as I research and develop assets for my video game. I’ll be giving an artist talk later in the year on the technical aspects of this project and what accessibility means in art, community, and our daily lives. I will also be sharing details on how the local community can become part of the game.

Acceptance into this program was the catalyst for another major leap. No Mine Studios LLC (named after a once constant refrain from my daughter when she was younger) is an official business within the State of Washington.

Thank you everyone who has supported me in this endeavor over the years. More updates to come!

Good News

Animated gif of a dinosaur happily bouncing up and down side to side.

I am pleased to announce that I have received a Tacoma Artist Initiative Program Award for the 2021-2022 cycle! I’m honored to be included as there are many great artists on the list. Thank you everyone for your support through this process. More details to come, including how to watch my artist talk later in the year.