WHO ARE YOU?

Before diving in deep, let's try and understand the basics: what kind of creator are you?

I decided to use the common playing cards we all know as a way to categorize the different types of designer, because everybody understands them and because, well, I think it is funny.

And obviously I choose aces because hey, you're an ace, aren't you? 

So, every kind of creator is represented by an ace. Let's see how.

ACE OF HEARTS

You have a full time job (yes, "student" is a full time job), possibly a family, and this takes almost all your time. Still, you have a passion and, obviously, an idea.

You spend part of your free time on your project. The rest will be spent on other hobbies, going out with friends, family, love interests... you just do it when the fancy strikes you.

Creating a game is not more important than your other pastimes, you just do it in between things.

The Ace of Hearts is a Hobbyist.

ACE OF CLUBS

You are a passionate hobbyist. You may have a job, perhaps part time, to pay bills, rent and so on; you have regular game nights with friends, and make time for your designs. When they're developed enough, you try them with your friends. You don't have experience as a "professional" side, and probably have never pitched your creations to a publisher, but you know them.

Creating a game is your most important pastime, and you can't wait for the day it will be ready and you can start showing to a publisher, or crowdfunding it.

The Ace of Clubs is an Aspiring Creator.

ACE OF DIAMONDS

You are focused on becoming a pro. You study hard and work hard on your projects. You're still having fun, but that's the point: you're having as much fun in putting a prototype out there as you have in playing someone else's game. You follow your favorite creators and every game they publish.

You looked into selling your game (or games) to a publisher, or to crowdfund them - you haven't decided yet. You even looked into printers, costs and such.

The Ace of Diamonds is a Semiprofessional.

ACE OF SPADES

You are the Motorheads. Just kidding, the Ace of Spades represents an accomplished professional - someone who probably doesn't need my advice - but you never know.

You have one or more games out there on the market, either through a publisher or through self-production, and you keep creating, and you're happy with it.

If you find something you like, or think I missed something drop a message - I am keen to listen!

The Ace of Spades is a Professional.

So, who are you? Look at the descriptions above. Find the one you feel more akin to - but don't forget that this may change. Many Aces of Spades started as Aces of Heart, and went through the whole deck of cards, so to say. Or you may fluctuate among roles: you may be well into the Semiprofessional phase, then switch for a while to Aspiring Creator, and so on.

These definitions are not set in stone, neither they are a ranking system - one role may be best for you, but terrible for someone else.

Look at them. Choose one. Or three. There you are: create!