Any digital artists/graphic designers/web designers/etc out there? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

yakimushi · 05-31-2004, 06:44 PM

The reason I ask is that I'm an aspiring digital multimedia artist and I'm looking for work in the field.

I don't have any "real world" work experience, just my BFA in digital art. My skill set is large and varied, consisting of 3d modeling and animation, texturing, imaging, photo manipulation/digital photography, web design (XHTML and CSS proficient), and some Flash/Actionscripting skills.

My problem is that I have yet to find a job where I would be of value to a company with this skill set. I don't really have an expertice in one field. For example, I'm a decent 3d modeler, I can model, texture, and rig a 3d character or scene, but my animation is sketchy. Or I'm great at imaging and Photoshop stuff, but I don't have a good graphic design background. And I can develope the front end of a website no problem, but when it comes down to JScript/PHP/ASP I'm lacking.

Where the hell do I get started, and how do I promote myself in the best way? I see a lot of jobs that I would excel partially at, but lacking experience in certain requirements would fail me in the position. I can't lie to a company and tell them I can do things I really can't...

I'm really at a loss so if there's anyone on this board that can provide some insight into my conundrum I'd really appreciate it. Oh, and if you'd like to take a look at what my skill set might be, check the homepage link in my profile.

Thanks in advance,
Adam.

apeman · 06-01-2004, 07:24 AM

not really, but a friend of mine has ended up doing computer animation... think the company is called KUJU
and i know he did a 2 year art and animation course

so games companies are probably worth considering - that's all I know about it, hope it isn't entirely useless

Rlyss · 06-01-2004, 09:06 AM

Hi yakimushi. I can't figure out if you're into the computer/video game side of the digital art world at all, but if you are then head on over to http://www.polycount.com/ Have a look at the headlines and then try the Message Boards on the left-hand column of links. I'm Redlemons over at those forums, not to be confused with the redlemon here at TFP

We've got a bunch of threads about portfolios, demo reels, jobs in the game industry, digital art, etc. With lots of lay-offs at the moment the topic of art industry careers is really hot.

Everyone there is very helpful, and if you post a link to your website or demo reel you'll have a bunch of people who can critique it and give you tips on how to break into the game art/web-design/traditional art industries.

Ripp3r · 06-03-2004, 04:05 AM

I think the best thing to do is compile a portfolio of your work... and practice your skills.

A good thing to do would be to choose one particular skill, example 3d modeling and become very strong in that.
The skill you choose is usually the skill you want to use in your working environment (eg: gaming industry nowadays need tons of 3D modelers)

In most cases you will no doubt work in a team where your experience will grow as you see other people at work and get tought the ways of the trade.

In graphical Design, your portfolio is your resume...

good luck with the jobhunt !

yakimushi · 06-03-2004, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ripp3r
eg: gaming industry nowadays need tons of 3D modelers

I wish! If that were the case I'd be employed right now...

edit: While there are still few jobs in industry, they are 80% in California where I am unwilling to move to.

exizldelfuego · 06-07-2004, 01:38 PM

I'm going to be in your shoes here in the not too distant future. I have one year left of schooling, and then I'm out in the REAL WORLD™. One of the things that will be most difficult is getting over the inferiority complex involved with never having any work experience. You might try the tact of applying to jobs where you might be unqualified for some of the things (letting them no as such) just to see how it goes. Perhaps they're flexible in terms of giving you time to learn? Because after all, that's what its all about for the first job. Show them your portfolio of the classwork stuff you've done. Hopefully they'll see your potential, and let you have a go at it.

05-31-2004, 06:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
yakimushi Addict	Any digital artists/graphic designers/web designers/etc out there? The reason I ask is that I'm an aspiring digital multimedia artist and I'm looking for work in the field. I don't have any "real world" work experience, just my BFA in digital art. My skill set is large and varied, consisting of 3d modeling and animation, texturing, imaging, photo manipulation/digital photography, web design (XHTML and CSS proficient), and some Flash/Actionscripting skills. My problem is that I have yet to find a job where I would be of value to a company with this skill set. I don't really have an expertice in one field. For example, I'm a decent 3d modeler, I can model, texture, and rig a 3d character or scene, but my animation is sketchy. Or I'm great at imaging and Photoshop stuff, but I don't have a good graphic design background. And I can develope the front end of a website no problem, but when it comes down to JScript/PHP/ASP I'm lacking. Where the hell do I get started, and how do I promote myself in the best way? I see a lot of jobs that I would excel partially at, but lacking experience in certain requirements would fail me in the position. I can't lie to a company and tell them I can do things I really can't... I'm really at a loss so if there's anyone on this board that can provide some insight into my conundrum I'd really appreciate it. Oh, and if you'd like to take a look at what my skill set might be, check the homepage link in my profile. Thanks in advance, Adam.

06-01-2004, 07:24 AM	#2 (permalink)
apeman Wah Location: NZ	not really, but a friend of mine has ended up doing computer animation... think the company is called KUJU and i know he did a 2 year art and animation course so games companies are probably worth considering - that's all I know about it, hope it isn't entirely useless __________________ pain is inevitable but misery is optional - stick a geranium in your hat and be happy

06-03-2004, 04:05 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ripp3r Tilted Location: Dublin, Ireland	I think the best thing to do is compile a portfolio of your work... and practice your skills. A good thing to do would be to choose one particular skill, example 3d modeling and become very strong in that. The skill you choose is usually the skill you want to use in your working environment (eg: gaming industry nowadays need tons of 3D modelers) In most cases you will no doubt work in a team where your experience will grow as you see other people at work and get tought the ways of the trade. In graphical Design, your portfolio is your resume... good luck with the jobhunt ! __________________ We All Have Questions What Seperates The Men From The Boys Is The Ability To Use Google To Find Our Answers

06-07-2004, 01:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
exizldelfuego Crazy Location: Seattle, WA	I'm going to be in your shoes here in the not too distant future. I have one year left of schooling, and then I'm out in the REAL WORLD™. One of the things that will be most difficult is getting over the inferiority complex involved with never having any work experience. You might try the tact of applying to jobs where you might be unqualified for some of the things (letting them no as such) just to see how it goes. Perhaps they're flexible in terms of giving you time to learn? Because after all, that's what its all about for the first job. Show them your portfolio of the classwork stuff you've done. Hopefully they'll see your potential, and let you have a go at it. Last edited by exizldelfuego; 06-07-2004 at 01:44 PM..

06-01-2004, 09:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
Rlyss The Pusher Location: Edinburgh	Hi yakimushi. I can't figure out if you're into the computer/video game side of the digital art world at all, but if you are then head on over to http://www.polycount.com/ Have a look at the headlines and then try the Message Boards on the left-hand column of links. I'm Redlemons over at those forums, not to be confused with the redlemon here at TFP We've got a bunch of threads about portfolios, demo reels, jobs in the game industry, digital art, etc. With lots of lay-offs at the moment the topic of art industry careers is really hot. Everyone there is very helpful, and if you post a link to your website or demo reel you'll have a bunch of people who can critique it and give you tips on how to break into the game art/web-design/traditional art industries.