The birth of Matt Paquette Co. — A look back at 2019
Well, 2019 was a remarkable year for us. We are incredibly thankful to have been involved over 60 different projects, attended 3 conventions, and ended the year by officially changing our name to Matt Paquette co. (formerly 2421442 Ontario Inc.).
Among our 60+ projects in 2019, we had the pleasure of participating in the development of 21 Tabletop Games, refreshed 3 Brands with new Visual Identities, designed 425 linear feet of trade show display, and got to dream up a logo for a new Canadian tabletop games publisher.
We look back on our accomplishments over the last 12 months with beaming pride and our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have walked our path with us and have been instrumental in making our success possible. Thank you!
Here’s a look back at some of our projects over the last year:
the eternal student
All in all, 2019 proved to be more fun and rewarding than I ever could have imagined. As the company continues to evolve, I am constantly looking to develop new skills and hone some old ones, create new partnerships, strengthen current friendships, and pursue new and undiscovered avenues. Learning is just as much fun and rewarding as the work—they really go hand in hand.
Here’s a couple of things I’ve learned over the last 12 months that really stand out:
Don’t bite off more than you can chew — learn your limitations and how to successfully challenge them.
For entrepreneurs who provide a service, it’s often hard to say “no”—especially when you’re trying to grow your business. My philosophy when it comes to taking on new work has always been to only say “no” if we really can’t swing it. And even then, I try to never turn a client away without a recommendation to someone else who can help.
I’m a graphic designer who games AND works in the tabletop games industry, so saying “no” can sometimes be really difficult. There’s a bunch of intangibles that can factor into the decision like the opportunity to work with some of your favourite publishers (or game designers or artists, or writers, etc.), or working on a game that is being themed with one of your favourite IPs. Add these tidbits into the mix and suddenly it’s no longer cut and dry.
As Matt Paquette co. continues to evolve, I see my brush dipping more and more into the creative direction inkwell. In practical terms, this means I’ll get to work with some truly amazing graphic designers and artists on a more consistent basis. I started to dabble with this earlier this year, and since I was already looking to develop my management kung fu, it seemed logical to keep it going.
I quickly learned the value of time management and what my limitations were, not only in how many concurrent projects we could successfully work on, but how many people I could personally manage as well. In the end, I determined that the key (for me) was to find one or two incredibly talented designers and develop a strong working relationship with them. In a small amount of time, we developed a shorthand that was the linchpin to producing fiercely creative work.
Embrace your weaknesses
Let’s face it, right now Matt Paquette co. is an army of one (with some reserve members). I’m the CEO, the Executive, the Middle Manager and the Peon. From time to time I’m faced with the dilemma of tackling a task that I have no experience with. Do I learn the required skills and do it myself, Or do I put my faith in someone else to do it? After a few unfortunate experiences toiling away for hours on tasks that appeared to be pretty simple (but were deceptively difficult—to me anyway), I came to the realization that I needed a game plan when it came to ‘learning new stuff’.
Every time I encounter something that my fellow RPG geeks would classify as an ‘untrained skill’ I take a minute to determine if this skill is something that I will employ on (at least) a semi-regular basis going forward. If so, the next question I ask myself is ‘can a professional do it at less of a cost than the time it takes me? (Even when I have learned how to perform the task)’. It usually makes the decision pretty simple.
I suddenly find myself in a new situation, armed with uncertainty and optimism. I start this new path now not as a lone freelancer, but as an entrepreneur looking to build something larger than just me, which is changing and evolving on daily basis. I eagerly await what 2020 will bring for Matt Paquette co. I can’t wait to make new friends, meet some new colleagues, establish new partnerships, and transform the creative visions we see in our mind’s eyes into amazing new games, signage, web sites, and so many other fabulous things.
Onward and forward
As we sail in to 2020, we find ourselves working on some fantastic projects and can’t hardly wait to share them with you just as soon as we can! We’re working with some fantastic publishers on some truly amazing games. Keep your eyes open for:
Mariposas, Elizabeth Hargrave’s butterfly themed follow up to the Spiel des Jahres winner, Wingspan (AEG).
Cubitos, a fun & quirky little cubic-themed race game by John D. Clair (AEG).
The Paradox Initiative, the reimagining of Brian Suhre’s cataclysmic cosmic adventure featuring the art of 15 of today’s top tabletop game artists (Elf Creek Games)
Jurassic Parts, take on the role of a bullwhip-wielding paleontologist in this game by designer Kevin Lanzing. Race to claim your dig area and piece together the bones of enormous dinosaurs that roamed the earth so many years ago (25th Century Games)
Merchants of the Dark Road, Brian Suhre’s medieval themed game that thrusts you into the role of merchants vying to buy, sell, and trade goods from town to town in a desolate snow covered northern land (Elf Creek Games).
Danger Park, the game fashioned after the ill-fated “Action Park” in NJ. You’ll never forget your death-defying ride on the “Termite-Infested Roller Coaster”! (Story Machine Games)
The Lost Worlds of Josh Kirby. Journey through space as you settle and conquer worlds dreamt up by the uber-creative mind of legendary sci-fi illustrator, Josh Kirby (Bard Games)
Wonderland’s War brings you toe to toe with the characters of Alice in Wonderland, but in a way you never dreamed of. Fight to hold your own against foes like the Red Queen, The Mad Hatter, and the Jabberwocky! (Druid City Games / Skybound Games)
Castle Panic (2nd Edition) is the much anticipated refresh of the award-winning game from Fireside Games. The new look and added gameplay will be sure to entertain you! (Fireside Games)
Tutankhamun. A new take on Reiner Knizia’s Spiel des Jahres winning game. It’s Egyptastic! (25th Century Games)
Sagrada: The Great Facades — Life Expansion is the second of three expansions for Daryl Andrews and Adrian Adamescu’s beautiful stained glass window making game, Sagrada. (Floodgate Games)
These are just some of our current projects. Throughout 2020, we will be sure to have more news about other new and amazing projects that we’ll be sharing as they happen!
We are very excited about what 2020 has in store for us and look forward to taking those steps forward with our clients, partners, friends and colleagues. Cheers.
Matt