All about ME.

What’s playing on your iPod?

Almost always I have Red Wanting Blue playing. They’re a local Ohio rock and roll band that I’ve been following around for the last ten years, and their music makes me smile every time and never gets old. They are simply fantastic!

 

What shows are always on your DVR list?

Dexter, True Blood, Grey’s Anatomy, Torchwood: Miracle Day, How I Met Your Mother, Futurama, Family Guy, Star Wars: The Clone Wars… Ya know, I play games far more than I watch TV, but I sure do record a lot of stuff…

 

What super power would you want to have?

Mind control like Professor X of the X-Men. Think about it, with that power, I can do anything I want, whenever I want. Think about it, what’s better than getting ice cream in the summer? Getting extra ice cream at no charge because you make them think they have to.

 

Best piece of advice you ever got?

“Never pet a burning dog.” Thanks for that, Uncle Torchy. You’ve saved my life more than once, my friend.

 

When and where were you happiest?

Actually, right now. No really! I’m married to a woman I love every day, we have a great life together, with nice things, a fantastic and exciting puggle puppy and our two cats. We play games all the time together, not to mention I just finished a personal challenge of doing a sketch per day for a full 365 days (jarettwalen.com), and I had artwork displayed at this year’s Game Developer’s Conference and San Diego Comic Con.

 

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

Video game character concept artist, which is not only a passion of mine, but also something I did major in during my Bachelor’s program. I’m a gamer at heart, and an artist by hand. And I figure if that doesn’t work out, I’ll just take over the world.

 

How do you unwind?

I unwind by playing games with my wife. We’re big fans of World of Warcraft and lately, Minecraft. World of Warcraft lets us participate in a cool world, while Minecraft let’s us build our own world. Other times we take the dog for a walk, or I’ll bust out my sketchbook while my wife reads. Other times, I’m plotting with my pal, Brain, to take over the world.

 

Who would play you in your life story?

I’m thinking Chris Evans (Captain America, Push, The Losers, Fantastic Four). Everyone tells him he looks just like me. True story.

 

What modern day technology can you not live without?

My PC. It’s my connection to everything; other people, digital painting, classes, entertainment, news, music, movies, world-conquering-cohorts, and so much more.

 

What was the best gift you ever got?

On my 30th birthday, my wife gave me a Moleskine sketchbook, and not just any Moleskine sketchbook, but a 30th Anniversary of Pac-Man special edition Moleskine sketchbook. That played into both my passion for drawing and video games at the same time, and both myself and the sketchbook were celebrating 30 years of something. Yep, no jokes about taking over the world this time.