Meet the Artists: International Women's Day

During International Women's Day, we wanted to celebrate our Founder and Creative Director Ellie Cooper in our 'Meet the Artists' series.

We are talking about how Athena started, and about Ellie's experience as a woman in the Film and Video Game industry.

How did you start your career?

This is probably a similar story to a lot of other people, but breaking into the Film and Game industry was not easy! I started in the Automotive industry at a software company on the support team helping customers. I was waking up as early as I could each morning to practice concept art until I left for work, and then working late into the evenings. I just loved doing concept art whenever I could!

Eventually, as my concept art career gained traction I was able to become a full-time freelance Concept Artist which I did for several years working with some incredible companies.

What one thing do you think transformed your career?

Mentorships! I was very lucky to have been able to take mentorships with Senior Concept Artists when I first started out in the industry. Being able to have that 1-on-1 guidance with an artist in the industry was incredibly beneficial, not just for the skills but to be able to ask questions you may not be able to ask otherwise.

For anyone who is interested in trying to find a mentor, I just privately messaged artists whose work I admired and asked if they offered mentorships. Don’t be afraid to ask, as long as you are polite and understanding of their time the worst they can say is no!

What's the story of Athena Productions?

Athena started when I was quite a few years into my freelancing career. I found I was having to turn away some very interesting projects or I was taking on too many.

I decided to hire other artists to operate as a team so that I could help on more projects and still be involved. From there, more clients began hiring the team, and that is how Athena was created!

Why ‘Athena’?

I find Greek mythology fascinating, and Athena is the goddess of Wisdom, and Strategy.

She was a strong symbol for a woman-led company!

What is your experience as a woman in the Film and Video Game industry?

My experience has been overwhelmingly positive, and I know that I am lucky in that regard, as not everyone has those same stories to tell.

I have been able to meet incredible people who have strived to open doors for me, given me opportunities, vouched for me, introduced me to others and believed in me.

All of those people have made such a huge, and positive difference in my life and career. I will be forever grateful to them.

What do you think are the biggest challenges for women in the gaming industry?

Social media harassment. I have had occasions where I have been targeted with misogynistic, cruel or inappropriate comments that have at times been very disturbing. The lack of boundaries that people show on social media can be shocking.

In the past, I have received messages asking about my relationship status, or commenting about my looks and it does not endear me to you. It does the opposite. The fact that anyone believes sending messages like these is professional or appropriate is mind boggling!

Fortunately, this has been a very rare occurrence for me but I have heard of women online, or in more public settings where they have received unwanted comments or experienced more threatening behaviours from others.

What does International Women's Day mean to you?

This is a day that we can reflect on how far women's rights have come, and focus on how far it still has to go.

It is a day to celebrate the determination of women past and present, and a day of solidarity and strength.

It is great to be able to see other women in the industry, and hear their stories as well. There is an amazing sense of community during International Women’s Day.

This years IWD theme is ‘Inspire Inclusion’, what does that mean to you?

For me, it means being visible in the industry, and being as real as I possibly can about my journey.

I am in a privileged position where I am able to do podcasts, interviews, talks, and classes and as a woman in leadership, it's even more important that I am visible, and sharing as much as I can for others to see.

As a teacher, it has been amazing to see people taking my classes, and receiving messages and updates from students and fellow artists.

Any parting words?

I receive so many emails and messages from other women in the Film and Video Game industry looking for advice or just wanting to say hello. I love the sense of community we have with one another.

It's so inspiring!

Happy International Women's day from our team at Athena Productions!