Dream job in the game industry and how I intend to get there

ROAD TO INDUSTRY

Hello again folks

Earlier in my blog I mentioned my aspiration of a job in the gaming industry and I am using this blog to talk to you a little more in depth about that. Firstly, to all those unaware, I am in my first year, studying game art design at De Montford university.

Conceptual art and character design are two jobs within the gaming industry which I have always found most interesting. In fact I am passionate about the work that has been produced from these areas. It would be a dream to be a character artist for ‘Creative Assembly’ or a conceptual artist for ‘Crytek Studious’, both based in the UK. However I can tell there is a long journey ahead.

Conceptual artists create illustrations which help the designers to visualise the type of environment needed to be produced. They play a keen role in the production of video games for without them there is essentially no game. I say this because the concept artists create the world with their ideas. A character artist puts concept art to fruition; they work under the supervision of the art director and lead character artists to create character assets for use in video games. I wanted to work for ‘Creative assembly’ and ‘Crytek’ because they produced two of my favourite games, ‘Rome: Total war’ and ‘Crysis’.

Conceptual and character artists in the gaming industry require a lot of skill especially ion the gaming industry. Although, there are multiple teams within the development of video games, the artists, more so the senior artist are expected to be a ‘Jack-of-all-traits’. I looked over a handful of job descriptions for both occupations, but picked out one from ‘Amiqus games’. This firm asks for: strong concepts/ designs, confidence, ability to create ideas from brief, strong degree  (usually 2.1 or higher), industry experience, excellent communication skills. In lewt of these traits, what I find fascinating is how they ask for the ability to create ideas and have a passion for video games.

I highlighted these two traits last traits of the job requirements because of all, I felt they were of the most important traits to have as an artist. As stated before, the artists generate the imagination, which start the development for everyone else. It also goes without saying, if you have passion for your work then the likelihood of you being more enthusiastic to produce better outcomes will be much greater.

As spoke of earlier, there is a long way before I reach my aspirations. Over the next few months, I will continue to world on my digital art and 'Imagineering' ability and post on this blog, so please stay tuned. I will continue to hone my skills and in turn it shall reveal what I shall become.