Sandra 'SandraMJ' Molina

We got to sit down with SandraMJ.

QRM: Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do in the games industry?

Sandra: I'm a self-published non-binary pan solo game dev! More specifically, I often work as a 2D artist, art director and voice director, though I also accept gigs as a writer and translator. Before getting into games, I used to work as a comic book colorist for companies such as DC comics and Blizzard.

QRM: What about the games industry excites and inspires you?

Sandra: Videogames shaped my life growing up, providing me with a place to imagine and grow when the real world wasn't all that kind. I want to be part of the industry in hopes that one day I can help future generations live all those adventures!

QRM: What about the games industry frustrates or disappoints you? What are the challenges you’re currently facing in the industry?

Sandra: The entitlement many gamers display, the lack of transparency from bigger companies and the misogyny that still persists on many fields. On a personal level, I face the challenge of trying to market a game all on my own with barely any resources to spend on marketing, but that's no one's fault but mine, haha.

QRM: If you could make one roadblock magically disappear from the games industry, what would you choose and why?

Sandra: I'd definitely remove the expectation that entry level jobs' applicants need to have senior qualifications. For example, I have six years of experience working as a professional artist... but since only 4 of those imply the games industry in any way, many companies say they just won't pay me senior rates.

QRM: What message would you give to allies—both individuals and companies—who want to know how to support marginalised people better?

Sandra: Listen. I know you want to give your two cents whenever you find some form of discourse, but you need to listen first. Don't ask people to educate you on their life experience unless you're willing to pay them for consultancy.

QRM: What message would you give to marginalised people who are working in games or would like to work in games?

Sandra: I don't think I've got enough experience to tell you anything wise, so I'll just say 'we got this!'

QRM: If people want to find and support you and your work, how can they do that?

Sandra: You can follow me on Twitter! You can play my game, The Hayseed Knight, for free on itch.io! And if you like the game, you can support me on Patreon!