Game Mentoring with Julia
Turn your idea into a real game on a real shelf, with guidance from someone who has done it in New Zealand many times.
Got a game idea but no idea where to start? Stuck on a design problem? Wondering how manufacturing, crowdfunding, or distribution actually work in Aotearoa? Should you self-publish or try to pitch your game to a publisher?
I'm Julia from Cheeky Parrot Games. I've spent over 10 years designing, publishing, and selling tabletop games in New Zealand, and I've been quietly helping other creators for much of that time. Now I'm offering that help as an independent mentoring service.
How I can help you:
I will always give you my honest opinion about whether your project stacks up financially, before you spend money on manufacturing. A single session can save you from expensive mistakes!
Game development
-
Shaping and streamlining your game idea
-
Playtesting approaches and feedback
-
Making your game clearer, tighter, and more fun
Manufacture
-
Where to start and what to expect
-
Understanding the production process and your options
-
What today's market expects from a finished product
Crowdfunding
-
Whether crowdfunding is right for your project
-
Planning, budgeting, and running a campaign
Distribution and selling
-
How to get your game into retail sales
-
Working with distributors and retailers in New Zealand
Not sure if your question fits? Ask anyway. That's what the free question is for.
Pricing: All prices in NZ dollars and GST-inclusive
One free question:
Send me one question about your game project and I'll give you an answer at no charge and with no strings attached.
Zoom session: $30
A 40-minute one-on-one video call to discuss whatever you like.
In-person session: $45
A one-hour face-to-face meeting in a public location in Manukau or Manurewa, Auckland. If I am requested to travel beyond 5 km of my home for the meeting, mileage costs of $0.50/km will be added.
Free for under 18s
If you're under 18, mentoring is free. I will ask for a parent or guardian's details when you book.
Why me?
There aren't many people in New Zealand who have taken games all the way from the drawing board to the shelf and kept doing it for over a decade. I've been through the design, publishing, manufacturing, and distribution of many diverse games and I'm happy to share what I've learned, including the mistakes.
Mentoring doesn't commit either of us to working together on your game.
Testimonials
"Julia has been invaluable on our publishing journey. We've worked with many game designers, but Julia's expertise in the business of gaming sets her apart. Her insights and experience gave us clear direction and helped cut through the noise. She's awesome."
--Dave Turnbull, Chrometoaster
"Julia went out of her way to assist me in my educational board game project. She had a lot of helpful ideas and tips. Her industry knowledge gave me a much clearer picture in terms of processes, today's market expectations, manufacturing guidance, and where to start for someone like myself who is a complete novice in this field. Her assistance has helped me streamline my ideas and I hope to work more with her in the future."
--Alison Shaw, Taupo
"The youth organisation I manage is developing a social deduction game, and Julia has helped me immensely to understand the publication and production landscape as well as the options available to those like us just starting out. I recommend Cheeky Parrot Games not just for the awesome games they produce, but for clear and respectful communication, as well as a thorough understanding of how to take a game idea from the drawing board to the shelf."
--Will, Director, Lighthouse Aotearoa
