Troy professor’s dreams come true by signing with Epic Games

Troy Online Art and Design Professor Aaron Washington recently signed a contract with Epic Games to join their ranks as a brand designer. 

Branching out from teaching his online graphic design courses, Washington has signed a contract to work on graphics and visual media for Epic Games’ largest title, Fortnite. The contract is for a full-time position, working 40 hours per week. 

His first day was on Aug. 11. 

“I keep pinching myself,” Washington said. “I’ve always dreamt of being in entertainment full-time.”  

According to Washington, working for Epic Games has been a long-standing goal in his life.

He said after exploring design through classes in high school, he decided he wanted to design long-term and wanted to eventually get to work for Epic Games.  

Washington previously worked for Marvel, but worried for a while he wouldn’t have the opportunity to keep following that trajectory. Those worries were quelled, though, when Epic Games reached out to him directly with a job offer – something he says is both incredibly unorthodox and affirming.  

“It’s been kind of cool to see it all come full circle, especially in a way that I didn’t expect,” Washington said. “They found me. 

“That was the biggest part of it, and that’s the biggest part of why I’m still pinching myself, too. I didn’t apply to anything – I filled out no applications.” 

Washington has been working for Epic Games for a couple of weeks now, and confidently said he’s proud to be working for them. 

“I told my wife that they’re going to have to get rid of me because I’m not going anywhere,” Washington said. “I’m looking forward to being a part of something like this because it’s not about just Epic Games’ characters and cool stuff, it’s about doing something that I love and I’m passionate about.” 

Washington also said his career in design has been a tough and rocky road, but it’s paid off.  

“I’m 10 years into my career and I’m finally just now doing what I really want to be doing,” Washington said. “It’s been a long time coming and there are times where you get impatient.  

“There are times where you start to lose hope […] but bottom line is just being where I’m at right now, I couldn’t be more grateful. Looking at how things have progressed and looking at how long it took for me to get here, the journey I’ve been through, all the ups and downs that I’ve had and just finally being able to say that I made it – it’s pretty sweet.” 

Washington is set to continue his contract with Epic Games for one year.  

“Even if this just goes for the one year […] I’m going to do the best job I could ever do with this. I’m going to put in my best effort.  

“I’m going to really try to kick their behinds and just be like ‘Look, wow this guy’s awesome.’ For whatever reason, if that doesn’t work out in a year from now […] I’m still going to be grateful, and I’m still going to say, ‘Man, I did it; Now what’s next.’”   

Washington will continue to teach his online design courses with Troy as he continues his work with Epic Games.