For Christian Millado, applying to the IG50 was a way to understand where his portfolio stood professionally and to take a step toward breaking into the games industry. “I wanted to see where my portfolio stands and was hoping to get into the industry,” he explains. Winning the IG50 gave him exactly that clarity. Having his portfolio professionally recognised reassured him that he has the skills and qualifications studios are looking for. That validation has been a powerful motivator as he continues refining his craft. Christian has taken on work outside the industry to support himself, but he hasn’t stopped building. He’s actively improving his portfolio and is now seeking Junior or Internship roles in Character Art, determined to make his way into the field he’s passionate about. His advice to future applicants would be to “Go for it! You only stand to gain something from it, win or lose.”