Women in Games: A.J. Hateley, Camouflaj Concept Artist

My Women in Games Series focuses on women that work in the games industry. It’s about how they’ve gotten where they are and what it’s like for them. My intent is not only to inspire other females, but to inform others wishing to gain careers in the games industry of how others have made it, and to provide an intimate view into the industry itself.

The following is an interview conducted in late 2011. As of 2013, Miss Hateley is now co-founder of the British video game apparel company Gametee and a concept artist for the videogame company Camouflaj and works alongside the teams responsible for Halo 4 and Metal Gear Solid 4.

I recently had the honor to talk with upcoming artist A.J. Hateley to discuss her popular Thirty Days of Videogames project. Hateley is an accomplished illustrator that has created artwork for books like George Orwell’s Animal Farm and The Outsider by Albert Camus. But most recently she has gained renown within the gaming community as it turned its eyes to Hateley’s ambitious and innovative project: create thirty book covers based on video games.

Hateley’s gorgeous and unique work has caught the attention of gaming sites such as Game Informer and video game culture blog Kotaku. In the following interview, I ask Ms. Hateley details about her project and her own personal connection with the world of video games.

Please introduce yourself, as I believe no one could do it better than you.


A.J. Hateley: My name is A.J. Hateley. I’m a twenty four year old English illustrator currently completing my Master’s Degree in the subject. I am an academic young woman and I love videogames. My passion for them directs and informs my work as an illustrator. I also love cycling. And reading, of course.
I have always drawn, but creating illustrations with confidence has been a recent development. I felt I could legitimately call myself an illustrator after I gained national recognition at the British Northern Design Competition.

Let’s talk about your Thirty Days of Videogames project. How did this come to be?


AH: I wanted to embark on a project that would allow me to give appreciation to the multitude of games I have enjoyed in my life. With each book jacket I try to consider the essence of the game, its most moving moment, and encapsulate it in a single image.

How do you feel about all the attention and fans you’ve garnered from the gaming world as of late?


AH: The gaming world has always been one I’ve loved to be involved in. In fact, I spent five years working at a videogame shop to fund my university studies. I’m thrilled to be here. It honestly is a dream come true.

Have you played all of the games you are showcasing?


AH: Every one. Usually repeatedly. You’ll notice there’s no sports games in the project for that reason. I’m not a big fan of them!

What’s your favorite cover you’ve created so far?

AH: That’s a difficult question. I think it might be the Portal 2 inspired “Mia Cara, Addio.”


What are your tools of the trade and your method? 


AH: After gathering ideas and replaying the game I begin with thumbnails like many concept artists. I have a sketch book of written and drawn notes that I use for primary inspiration. I work up a sketch into something approaching a finalised illustration, then correlate the image digitally using rendering software.

How long does it take you to complete a book cover on average?


AH: From draft to final product, I’d estimate at between 12 – 16 hours illustration. Some take much longer, and I have multiple discarded drafts of book jackets.

How do you decide what a cover is going to look like? Is there a specific art style you try to stick with while making the covers or do you just let your inspiration from the game take over?


AH: I try to be adaptable and to challenge myself to create an illustration that is sympathetic to the game’s art style. It’s a way of paying homage to the collaborative creative effort that is game production.

Have you decided what games you’re going to do for the rest of the project, or do you just decide each cover at a time?


AH: I have a hit list of games I would like to approach; themes I would like to incorporate into those illustrations. Some of my favourite games I have yet to approach. They are the most difficult. Designing a suitable Halo influenced cover has been something I have been working on since the project’s inception.

How do you pick the games you are going to create a cover of?


AH: Simply, they are my favourite – Shining examples of creative storytelling in the art form.

Please tell our readers a little about your gaming background. When did you start gaming? I recall reading that you said you remember finishing Super Mario Land one day while you were fishing with your dad. Was that your first video game?


AH: It was. I grew up around Nintendo and Sega but I didn’t own my first gaming console until I was ten years old. It was a Sony Playstation and the last Christmas present I had from my Dad before he died. The first game I really fell in love with was Abe’s Oddysee and Lorne Lanning is something of a personal inspiration for me. That might give you a clue for a potential future book jacket!

I notice you have a wide variety of covers. What kinds of video games do you prefer to play?


AH: I have a wide and eclectic taste. There’s no particular type. I’m as comfortable with Japanese RPGS as I am with FPS. I’m not really into motion controllers. I like to dominate on Halo: Reach, of course. Who doesn’t? My Spartan is bright pink, naturally.

Are there any video games you’re looking forward to?


AH: Too many to recount, but Skyrim, Deus Ex, Halo: CE Anniversary, Professor Layton VS. Ace Attorney, a new Timesplitters would be nice!

Have you seen the trailer for BioShock Infinite? Since you’re a BioShockfan and I notice it seems like you have an interest in ‘steam punk’  (as do I), I’d love to know what you think of it.


AH: I’ve spent months anticipating it and the art style is utterly breathtaking! I’m entranced by the creativity and innovation glimpsed in the trailers. Bioshock, and its spiritual predecessorSystem Shock, are two of my favourite games of all time. Rich storytelling and a sparkling narrative are what is compelling about the series and I hope for an involving story in Bioshock Infinite. I love a difficult game and I think Bioshock 2 was a little easy for my tastes. That’s subjective, of course. I enjoyed being Delta, but I preferred being Jack because of his weakness, his fallibility and humanity.

What are your other hobbies and interests? 


AH: I love reading, I live for my cycle, which I meddle with relentlessly when I’m not illustrating. I love steampunk fashion and style and costuming; Whenever I have the chance I travel with my sketchbook. I love to draw and I’m so, so lucky to be here.

You can view and even purchase Ms. Hateley’s work here (it’s even available for Kindle!). You can also follow her new and latest work, including the Thirty Days of Videogames project here. You can also view or purchase her work at her company Gametee.