Dane Kuhn, Art Director for the Minnesota Rokkr and Version1 has an interesting story of starting as an intern with the Minnesota Vikings, and then moving into the esports world. In this episode Dane and Rebecca discuss what it’s like being in the extremely fast-paced world of esports, and how his team goes from an idea to a full-blow concept for design in just a few days.

He also talks about what has made how he keeps up-to-date with the world of esports so he can make sure that same camaraderie is brought to life in their brands. Plus how a creative team can connect and stay creative in times of COVID lockdowns.

To learn more about Dane, visit:

Version =1: https://version1.gg/

Minnesota Rokkr: https://rokkr.callofdutyleague.com/en-us/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kuhndane

To connect with Rebecca, visit: https://www.happywarrior.us/

And follow her on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/RLongawa

Full Episode Breakdown:

1:31 – Dane talks about his design background and what let him in that career, and how he got his start with the Minnesota Vikings.

2:37 – Dane discusses how that job with the Minnesota Vikings led him to working in esports.

6:36 – How Dane had to learn esports quickly as he moved from football to Call of Duty.

9:30 – Dane discusses the process of getting a Rocket League team, and what it looked like being on that side of knowing the team was coming.

11:21 – What goes into creating a logo in just a few days? Dane walks through the process.

13:50 – What other surprises and obstacles had to be overcome in order to bring this whole brand to life so quickly.

17:55 – How closely do the content and graphics team work together, especially when it comes to making sure the camaraderie of the esports world comes to life?

19:30 – What else needs to be considered outside of merchandise and logos when it comes to building the brand?

21:05 – How does Dane utilize social to build a brand in real-time vs. knowing what the brand is going to be in the future.

23:05 – What are the tips and tricks of a design team to work together when locked down in times of COVID, and what are the tools they’re using to stay connected?

26:05 – Getting into the mind of a designer in understanding how they go from an idea to conception, and what other teams are setting great trends in design within the world of esports.

29:44 – When it comes to staying on top of what’s happening in the esports community, how does Dane keep a pulse on what’s going on.