How I Got Hired as a Character Artist For Games
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- čas přidán 9. 06. 2024
- Strategy can go a long way in creating a portfolio that gets you hired.
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00:00 Intro
01:09 My First Portfolio
07:20 Strategy
13:05 Be Open
19:26 Be Persistent - Zábava
sir your " you don't need to be famous on social media " is a blessing to extreme anti social people like us ❤
Hyyy...! Are you also a 3d artist ?
asocial not antisocial
@@kit2691yea people need to understand the difference to avoid misunderstandings lol
@@Artsyjason they should also learn that social media has similarities with but does not equal to being social
Its also such total bs... I spent 10 years in multiple design schools including one of the best in the nation and graduated in 2016, still havent been hired. In fact, Nima in his portfolio was my roommate's original design. Ross Tran... guess what his skill is? Being an uuuultra cringe famous social media star. Hmm how bout that folks, you don't need any of that social stuff or an insane portfolio.
This might help someone that is on the look. But my journey has been quite interesting here on our 3D world. I was always focusing my portfolio on very cartoony/stylized 3d character to get into studios like Pixar, Disney, etc. I was working in Brazil on a studio for almost 3 years, building my folio and a good professional network. And as J said, I started applying to places in general in Europe, in the end I joined LEGO Group, which if you think about it isn´t animation industry anymore, but hey it is a massive company, very good life in Denmark, amazing benefits and I get an insane work-life balance. So yeah, never stop looking and close doors even if they aren´t the ones you started looking initially from day one. Stay patience, if you do this every day and every week, at some point you are going to end up in a nice place guys!
Great vid J, thanks a lot!
Thank you
hey, also a Brazilian who just graduated and dreams to be a character artist. It's tough trying to get a position in the industry among so many great and experienced artists. I wake up every day hoping that some company will hire me, always doing my best and making new characters for my portfolio and improving as a 3D artist.
I used to really look up to yoji shrinkage and eventually it settled in that i could never reach his level of talent. Not only that but productivity, the amount of art that goes into any one game is nuts
I think met you before. Did you used to attend A Bunch of Short Guys meetings at Spring Creek Campus in Plano, Texas?
I landed my first job as a 3D artist around 18 months ago so I thought I'd share my journey and offer some advice. The first thing I would say is that your'e never to old to pivot career. I was working in construction until the age of 26 before deciding I wanted to become a 3D artist. This wasn't an easy decision as I knew nothing about 3D and the idea of leaving a good salary job to start again was a scary one. I was lucky enough to have the support of my parents who let me move back in with them whilst I worked full time on a portfolio - something I hated doing but knew I needed to do in order to focus fully on learning 3D and getting a portfolio together as quick as I could. It took me around 18 months to learm Maya, zbrush, and substance painter and get my portfolio to a place where I was ready to start looking for jobs. This was a pretty greuling 18 months, 12 hour days and minimal social life but this is what it took and if you learn to love the process - which I did (although extremely furstrating at times) you will get there. But you need to fully commit and envision yourself one day finally landing that first job - and truly believe that it will happen. However it took me close to a year of constantly applying for jobs afte this, before getting my first interview. I found a list of all the game studios in the UK and I emailed every single one of them. It will be difficult to land a job through the usual job sites like linkedin/indeed as there are thousands of applicants, so I'd advise emailing companies, even if they are not hiring, as well as attending industry events to get face to face with employers. I felt like giving up after a year of applications and was close to pivoting again into a more reliable career, but I stuck at it. You will get there if you truly want it enough. Anyway, hope that helps anyone who is struggling with their first break at the moment.
Thank you for sharing your story, good fucking job getting after it and going all in
congrats on getting that first job in a new career
What's the job if you don't mind me asking, like what are you modeling for specifically. And man, what a struggle that sounded like, congrats though. Ironically enough, I'm in a similar situation. I've done construction my entire life, I'm also in the military in the process of separating, and construction is also my job in the military. Now I'm getting out and as I personally like construction work, I'm pretty good at it at least I'd hope so... Been doing it since I was 16 and I'm turning 30 soon. I've also played around with blender for years because I've dabbled with game dev since I was a kid. What got me into 3D the most was that I wanted to create my own assets, now here we are, I'm working on a 3D portfolio a long with other projects because I'm putting the military behind, I don't want to make it a life long career. People think I'm crazy for getting out, but I just ain't happy doing it. They also don't understand that I've never stopped learning on the side and have became skilled in other fields. So, it's a risk. But we'll see where I end up I guess. Hopefully land a job with an indie game studio or something, maybe free-lance if possible. Thanks for sharing and the transparency/realness of how much of a struggle it was.
@@artofjhill Thanks man, appreciate that!
@@xSTstSTx Thanks man! So I do a bit of everything - hard surface vehicle moddeling in max, but also sculpting environment assets like trees rocks etc. I also make textures for the terrain in substance designer and do a lot of procedural world generation in Unreal. It's the perfect first job as i get to do a bit of everything and learn things I wouldn't have otherwise. Cant explain how much I enjoy working and cant recommend it enough! You should definately go for it if you feel it's what you want to do. The money isn't great but if you love what you're doing, that's all that matters. Good job on learning 3D alongside the military/construction job! Can I ask what kind of stuff is in your portfolio? If you're looking to do freelance I recommend getting into product advertising, that's where the money is at. I'm actually learning blender as well at the moment with the intent of doing some freelance product animations/renders. Also experimenting with 3D printing which is a lot of fun! Good money to be made selling 3D models for tabletop games like DnD . If you ever need a hand with anything or got any more questions I'd be happy to help - as I remember how much of a struggle it was for me a couple years ago.
@@davidwilson932 That's awesome man. For sure, how can I get in contact with you?
Im forgetting who I heard this from, but someone once told me to make "art" and not just "game art" for my folio. That really opened my eyes and it lines up perfectly with what J is saying about being true to our interests and all that stuff. Great vid!
I heard the complete opposite from people. That if you want to apply for a job in the game industry, the portfolio should only contain game art and nothing else. Well every company is different and there are many different opinions about this topic.
Someone told you that but was that person a trustworthy person who succeeded? Why would game devs hire you if you showed them a bunch of abstract art, watercolor landscapes, etc?
@@olgfried3630 That's also what my teachers in CG school said : studios want to know if you can do the whole process, sculpting, retopo, UVs, baking, texturing, etc. If you only have sculpts, you might be a killer at style and anatomy and completely fail on the technical side.
I should've been more precise with my previous comment, sorry about that. It's not about ditching the technical side or making an entire portfolio with traditionnal art. What I meant to say is, like J said towards the end of this video, working on pieces that inspire you will help you build a stronger folio. Obvioulsy you want game art with breakdowns in there. Obvioulsy, if you only have sculpts, you'd need a full character or 2 (or even more) in there. If you're aiming for game art jobs, don't go and do VFX to apply with VFX work, some studio won't even look at the VFX stuff, which makes sense (although imo you could, to some extents, but thats an entire different convo). My point was that making "art" comes from exploring our own interests and passions, game art falls into that too if you approach your work this way. I thought that was something really valuable to take away, so I wanted to higlight that
@@olgfried3630 I agree... if you ask for some advice from the internet, you will get various responds...
Some people will tell you that you need to be able to do EVERYTHING in order to get hired because companies don't want to hire 10 people for 10 different tasks, if they can save the budget by only hiring 1 or 2 who can do all kinds of tasks...
But some people will tell you that you need to focus on what you can do best so companies will instantly know your specialization...
this is what i’m actually looking into. I’m studying in college and i’m still improving art because i want to be a character designer for video games. This is perfect for what i want to do
Awesome, good luck
I want to know one thing do I need 3d models I can make concepts but I don't have experience in 3d modeling
@@lola-to9om It's not mostly a requirement but having an experience in 3D is good thing since you have more options and opportunities you can explore.
@@dabonkyI use blender how do I find studios that specialise in requiring 3d modellers?
if you want to be a character designer then study concept art, not games art. only some indie studios will let you design and 3d model a character
I applied three times to a freelancer studio, they never answered. Then a friend got a job in that studio thanks to another friend who knew the boss, they needed people to make stylized assets, told them about me, got an interview with the boss and he said that my style was exactly what they were looking for, I got hired immediately.
I wonder if it's worth it to even spend months or years sending resumes. They don't give a shit, they don't even look at them, it feels like most studios hire people who know people working for them.
Don't even send them the whole portfolios, only chose a few pieces that match the kind of stuff they do and join them to the email. If the studio is known for making stylized art, send them stylized characters and assets. If they make realistic military shooters, show them that. Match the style of the studio you're aiming for.
And if you want to become a character artist, focus on ANATOMY based on photos and real people. I see a lot of aspiring artists who can't even sculpt a face correctly or have bad proportions.
This is actually the first advice that helped me understand on how to get started in the industry and how to build a good portfolio. Usually I‘m overwhelmed by all the great artwork and the competition out there. Thinking I have to be able to create all kinds of things and work way faster than I am. So makes a lot of sense to focus on the work you want to be hired for and have diversity in your own limits. Being persistent and patient not just with the studios but also with yourself helps a lot!
You got it
Hey man, you killed it!
When I was in the Air Force for radar systems, our best instructors were the people who still were passionate about the material. I feel that’s why so many people gravitate towards the channel, you give a fun look into this world of character art that is pretty fresh and exciting. We can tell from the amount of care and prep time that goes into each video. Plus your member portfolio critiques are all extremely helpful and don’t pull punches which is what someone needs to get better.
Every video like this of yours I feel like I’m getting a paid product for free lol, one of the reasons I’m a channel member because it’s such great content.
Keep it up J.
Thank you so much man and thank you for the support
I was working at Deck Nine Games as a junior animator, but I was laid off on May 19. I am searching for jobs again. I would like to get into film/animation. The most amazing thing I experienced was working at Pixar as an intern in Summer 2019.
What has stuck with me the most is what they told you, "do more of this." I was given that advice on a specific image, and on my previous instagram people would heart that image alot. I do like the explanation of doing production big projects and in between small projects that are not production. That can serve as a reminder to fall back into doing work for yoy, but also showing the original ideas one has as an individual. Also changing one's thinking about thumbnails as marketing, your art as a product, and yourself as a business of one is another big take away for me. Not just having an artistic mind but also a business mind is important to get work. Businesses don't wait to have the perfect product, or be famous to start selling to their target clients.
"businesses dont wait to have the perfect product" well said.
Even thought I am trying to be a environment artist this video did gave me some insights I should look into and I am very grateful for it J hill, big fan sir 🤩🤩🤩
Great, thank you
Thanks J, really needed this video right now, it works as a therapy and obviously helpful in all ways. We're so grateful of your videos!
The big pillars/small bricks analogy is super helpful, thanks!
I 100% agree about having fun, when you're enjoying what you're working, this is when the magic happens, having the passion, seeing the hard work evolving and shaping into something nice, even with duty jobs this has to be the way to go.
After some rough time looking for a job, I finally start working in a game studio here from my country, and we are working hard to ship our first title, but this going to be HUGE for me. Currently, I'm trading knowledge with this studio, being humble by give and receive, at the end we both grow up.
I also agree and think the patience is the key, for some of us this may be sux for the inpatients, but let's take a day at a time.
Thanks so much for this video J! 😛 I'm an aspiring concept artist and have been lucky enough to have done a few art tests recently for 2 big names but didnt quite make it in this time. Its been a bit hard to keep up the passion I've always had while currently going through my own "waiting period" at the moment looking for opportunities etc, your advice gives me a lot of reassurance thankyou so much 😊💯
Also I couldnt agree more with making sure you're having fun and enjoying the journey because in my sprint to become a professional I put aside the things that excite and inspired me to become an artist in the first place and I've had to take time to spark and rekindle that crucial joy and passion once again 😊👍
Thank you so much for the transparency and the humble advices. I've seen and heard so many times 'make the absolute perfect portfolio with an entire array of full-sized game res characters including wires, uv shots' etc... While it's good on paper, it would take an individual an eternity to get a base level job to start growing from. Overall, this is the best 'how I got hired' video for me!
Glad you liked the video. Good luck!
What i gleaned from the first one, is that you make a portfolio with different things. They want to be able to see and pick specific types of art they like and want you to expand on it.
You are seriously my favorite person to learn from in this industry. Always inspiring, always well thought and well put. Awesome stuff.
tysm
Thanks so much for this J. No idea how much this helps. Been trying to get into the games industry for years and never hear back. Hearing your advice helps alot in seeing what I could be doing differently and maybe some projects I should have. So thank you so much !
This is the exact video I need at this time, I'm studying 3D, not applying to jobs yet because I don't feel that I'm good enough, but def once I start to apply, I'll do itevery single day as you said.
Thank you J, you are an inifite source of inspiration.
You got it
start now, or let A.I take over
Thanks for the video dude! Stuff like this helps with my direction and focus when I feel stuck. Keep rocking it 🤙
Thank you so much for this video, really. I was a bit frustrated about my self-progression and without a nice perspective, but you got straight to the point, it sounded as a therapy to me.
Solid advice J - Great videos as always, glad you are still making vids! - I agree, versatility has helped me career wise on my portfolio. Experience is always great to see in the portfolios but being able to show how much further you can stretch your artistic ability also helps others visualize your potential and passion! Thanks for sharing your past work, I know it can be gut wrenching, I know it would be for me lol
Thank you for this video! Handing in my last exam this week, and I’ve been hesitant to start applying for jobs. Definitely gonna work over the summer and try to build the portfolio a bit, and just test out in general what I wanna focus on more within character art and styles.
it's all cool until you realize that in your country there is not even an art school that specializes in game art and everything related to 3d graphics.
Me too that's why I opted to study abroad
there is a bigger art school in every country called CZcams and the internet
@@Kata-oy4gl I agree, but looking to the future, no big studio job or AAA game is out of the question until you decide to move to another country and graduate there.
You don't need art schools, trust me... Just study anatomy and search some online courses on the internet and work work work!
There's enough information on the internet to cover all the technical knowledge you need to get a job. CZcams alone covers every major topic in game art.
you dont need a perfect porfolio. shows a perfect porfolio
This is great advice, thank you so much! ❤ Will be implementing a few of these changes asap
Amazing and super clear information, thanks for the great contribution to the community as always J!
Hey J, thank you for that I was needing some of it, have a wonderfull week, love you man!
Thanks for making this video man, really helpful insights! Keep up the great work✨
You are pure inspiration to me J! Your videos are packed full of golden information and they are all so helpful! Thank you as always!
I'm so happy I found your channel, I really want to make my portfolio better as a character artist, and I cant wait to watch more of your videos and learn from them!
Let’s go
Been in an animation art school, i have an animation based portfolio and worked fulltime in a studio for some time. But in my free time ? i only do character and creature design bcs its more satisfying and fun, kinda was reticent to apply for this as I think it wouldn't fit studios needs, but you got me more confident to present more of the things i really enjoy🙏
follow your heart
I'm in the same process about getting the first chance at the video game industry... and to be honest is some time so discouraging getting the "unfortunately bla bla bla" I really would like to get some feedback of my portfolio. But your video really helps.
"Play the long game".
Hey man appreciate all your words and wisdom, especially about adding fun exciting side work and how to portray it to professional studios. Thanks again!
Thanks a lot J, really needed this!
Jason thanks! Such videos really inspire and help go through foggy times !
❤️
love your journey! it's really relatable to me and i think most of us here. 100% agree on "don't forget to have fun" if and when it feels like a chore, it's always good to take a break. Took me 4years of grinding to finally get into the game and film industry. If i can do it, anyone can.
love to hear it. Congrats on getting there
Having fun and being patient are such a great indirect skill to learn. I am trying to work on that :) Great video thank you.
Glad you liked it and that you’re working on it
Thank you very much for the tips, I really respect you for helping us with these tips😁
Very useful video! im making im trying to get into the game industry and this helps a lot!
I didn't know I needed this. Thanks a lot for this video!
I see you got a new light, looks good just a bit more dim and it’s perfect! Keep making great content.
Thanks dude
Hey, it's so great to see you posting these videos. Keep it up and Thanks!
Thank you will do
I needed this so much, very informative I really appreciate it :D
What a video!!! Thanks for all the tips, J.!
You got it! I hope it helps
Thanks for your insights! I found this really helpful
every video you do give me a boost! Thx!! keep on Man!
Thanks man. This is just the advice I needed today
Thank you for sharing! I believe the 3D industry will continue to thrive in various fields, not just in gaming. In fact, sectors such as healthcare, technology, the internet, and marketing are now also showing a growing demand for 3D expertise. However, based on my observations, it seems that entry-level artists may not invest enough time in understanding what companies are looking for, which can result in these industries struggling to find suitable candidates.
awesome advice!! Loved watching this video! Very inspiring, keep it up!
Thank you! Will do!
So much courage sir and really helpful for us new comers
2:24 Great information bro, this is why I’m doing my own creative art.
Awesome video. This is really helpful. I'm kinda struggling to narrow down and focus on one thing. I love character modelling and asset modelling equally, AND I both love photorealism and pixel art equally. I can't decide what ones i'd want to ditch. I've never been able to commit just to one thing - I feel like doing a thing and I do that thing. Idk if i'd be happy forcing myself to do one thing in one style
Hey, J, thanks a ton for this video. It's insightful to see your journey throughout the time you've been creating and working in the industry. The particulars of how you mention the smaller projects, in between, are interesting. Wouldn't some entities looking for artists count it as a detriment if there are projects in the portfolio that do not have UVs and texture sheets? I definitely hadn't considered doing a "big project > little project > big project" juggle, but I definitely will take that into account now and plan out some things like that.
Thanks a ton for sharing this info with us. Definitely value everything you have to share. 🙏
Glad you liked it. Most of my work in portfolio at this point either isn’t a full character, doesn’t have UVs or production topology, or a mix of all of the above. After you have some production ready examples, more would be redundant. Better to make things that stand out and are examples of art, style, drama etc.
Great to see what u achieved nowadays ... Love it !!!....I think i am in the "be patien" step at the moment got frustrated so many times due to not getting the first job yet but i am still having fun ....so yea again thx for the vids always pleasure to watch J !!
Thank you. Stay strong and keep making stuff
Your message truly touched me, thanks for this video :)
thank you, your comment truly touched me. good luck
Thank you very much this was very helpful
Thank you very much for this video, it really helps a lot!!!
Thanks J, this video came at the right time.
I'm only 32 seconds into the video but I paused to write this...
Today I went to Instagram, my goal was searching for some art inspirations...
But then I ended up feeling intimidated by how insanely good the arts posted there...
Kinda made me down because it seems like I can never be as good as them, let alone compete with them...
But heyyy... I'll just keep modeling things that I love... It's still better than scrolling through random people's rant on social media...
It's okay if no one likes my arts, as long as I like them.
Thanks for this video, first of all! Second, I just found out you're the responsible for those amazing Back 4 Blood characters, which I LOVE! This video is a has huge boost for us that were seeking for guidance and get all the relevance we wish.
Thanks again, you're really inspiring!
Thank you for the comment! Glad you liked the video and the characters :)
Such a helpfull video, thanks mate i appreciate your effort :)
Hello from Paris! Love your artwork and advices.Inspiring 🙏🏻
Hello and thank you!
Fantastic advice! Especially the last sections.
Haha your first portfolio was MUCH more cohesive than mine.
Thanks for the good info!
This video hasn't taught ME anything new, but it's contained a lot of information I've been told from various other sources. This is a very valuable video for artists I think, thank you for this.
great talk! this was really helpful
So much great information here, thanks for sharing. PS: The fact that Ostrogoth is still back there warms my heart!
YOU warm my heart
Always loved your advice, especially this video. I am also very close of finishing my bachelor of design, but also want to go towards a more 3D Art Direction. It feels kinda overwhelming being at the start with so many talented people out there. Nonetheless We just need to keep going, looking for opportunities and have fun. Again, amazing video, keep it up. Much love from Germany💙
as someone who just graduated, this video is extremely useful and motivating.. thanks J!
Thanks for the video J!
Thanks for this video. Puts a lot of things into perspective and helps with some questions about what I should be doing. Would you say its a pretty good primer for other types of 3D art as well? ie. environment, props, rigging/Technical Artists, etc.? Thanks again!
A lot of motivation dose ,, thanks J.
This was rly motivating! Thank u
Oh man, thank you for the tips and advices, I have been struggling to get a job.
This is such massive help especially when you did a project not too long ago but you don't feel as confident yet to use certain software skills on the job but you just randomly add it to your portfolio. I feel like that doesn't help, including not having too many projects to show and showing up like a unicorn saying you have all these skills meanwhile you're not as strong in all of them. I think the idea of you saying to add bigger pieces to your portfolio of what type of work you desire on the job and adding smaller pieces really simplifies everything
Thank you, i needed these advice
You got it
the flipping part tip was cool and fun.
maximal helpfull, thank you!
I feel like I was on this mindset for almost all of college until this year- I’m a rising senior in art school rn and since 2019 when I took a gap year after graduating highschool I was in the long term mindset that if I kept working hard on my skills and being patient, learning, etc. there’s no way it won’t work out. I feel like the problem arose this past year where I got so discouraged and burnt out I lost sight of the fact that this is all supposed to be fun. I think I got swept up in the stressors that it all started to feel like a pointless journey if. But I think the patience is so important and I’m on a quest to grab it back fr burnout and going a little too hard and actually feeding in to discouragement sent me a couple steps back. I suppose it’s all necessary learning for the future however
It should always be fun. Do what you’d do for free. Improve as if you’re in competition with yourself. Do it long enough and I do think good things will happen
This is why I love JHill, defo one of my favourite artists since I started 3D. Thanks for a great video!
Thank you
@@artofjhill I got let go back in October from my first ever studio I was working for. Today I was offered a job from a different studio after going through the interviews/art test but I would never have applied there If It wasn't for your suggestion of the game dev map. So thanks J Hill, wouldn't have got there if it wasn't for your help!
Thanks for sharing your strategy. I believe having great soft skills and making better art than so called industry pros do is winning strategy 😉.
thanks for the advice mate best I've gotten so far as this is so relatable
Thanks for making this video! J Hill
That's super interesting that the piece that took you least amount of time and wasn't for production was what stood out.
wish i came across you six month ago when you posted! either way i'm grateful that you did
6:48 it’s a concept and most veteran artists kinda lose their creativity on concept creation bc the studios make them create the same looking concept. Sorry for the many comments but this is a great video J!
This video really helped. Thanx
Glad to hear it helped
MAN! I gotta go to work, but I just see your first portafolio and I still thinking that even at the begging you are the master . You inspire me so much! My computer was stoled but I do my skins on the train on nomad.
I prefer zbrush to start but it’s what I got..
Best regatta bro I will see it later! 😂😂
I just bought my tickets to the Lightbox Expo. I will take these tips to heart Hill. Thank you!
Thank u so much for this precious info 😍
I hope it helps!
Thanks J! I'm a self learner and sometimes i get frustrated because of the amount of things to learn and the AI stuff, but the truth is that I really enjoy 3d modeling and sculpting and hopefully one day I'll get a job in the industry and become a great artist as you are! Great video and thanks for the tips! 👍
You’re welcome. Follow your heart
This was really good advice, I’m pretty sure it’s sticking in my head and I, hopefully, won’t forget [:
Thanks for such a rich in quality video ❤ big hugs!
Its good for you to know from the start what branch you wanted too, I for one have a problem in deciding what to do, for example I like to sculpt but I also want to make environments and animations, can't decide between them.
You can do anything you want for fun but to become and expert enough to land a job sling it, you must focus on one.
One of the best videos for people that are kind of confused. You absolutely gave me the piece of inspiration not to give on what I want to do and a lot of helpful information I needed to keep up and work in the right way, which is my own. Thank you, you are AMAZING.
happy to hear it. you got it!
Best video ever for artists
love this ❤ thank you
Hi! I did all this 4 years ago while starting in the industry as a concept artist exactly as you explained, like, same steps even the same websites xd, and I succeded too. So now I know they really were the right ones.
Do you gave any social media pages I can follow?
This was an awesome video. I've just graduated from SCAD and the job hunt is really stressful. Do you have any recommendations for 2D character/concept artists trying to navigate a 3D world? I have so much respect and admiration for 3D artists, but I personally excel in and enjoy 2D Illustration/Concept Art for Games/Animation. It just seems like every job out there requires 3D experience and I'm trying to not be disheartened and stay true to what I love to do.