If I get a job as a Character Modeler, is it hard to jump over to concept art later?

[tn100]

I really enjoy both concept art and 3d character modeling. Concept Art is my DREAM JOB while 3d character modeling is something I also enjoy doing. I know some artists have both 2D and 3D work in their portfolio.

I don't think my concept art skills are at a level to get work yet though so I'm wondering if I got a job as a character modeler, would it be hard to make a jump over to concept art later on in my career? In this situation, what would you do?

[Seedling]

Take the job. Any path into concept art is going to be difficult.

[edit] There is a link in my sig to info on the games industry.

[Micaiah Nelson]

Not hard! Just let people know that you have a variety of talent! Dont be stereotyped in being just a modeler when you want to do other things as well! But thats mostly looking at a freelance aspect of it! When taking a full time job, I'm guessing its impossible to do both!

[CouchPotato]

It's tough from personal experience lol. Character modeling can eat up a lot of time especially if you're just starting out with little 3D knowledge. Learning the tools can be a really steep curve, because you not only have to learn how to model, but you have to learn to model to technical specifications, for texturing, and then for rigging. That means a lot of clean up even with zbrush lol. It's also expected for a modeller to unwrap his creations, and I can safely say, that part NOBODY likes haha.

Unless your job allows you to do nothing but model characters all day, then I think you will find that either your 2d or your 3d will start to slow down in terms of improvement for a bit. But I really doubt you'll only be doing character modelling. Most likely you'll find yourself doing all sorts of stupid stuff lol.

Well, just my very shallow experience anyway.

[Nightblue]

I have only second-handed knowledge of this, but it seems like the difficulty of changing your job depends a lot on company size and culture, as well as the development of your ability. I did hear from a few modelers who complained about not having time to draw anymore though!

[Seedling]

. . .it seems like the difficulty of changing your job depends a lot on company size and culture, as well as the development of your ability.

Indeed! But even a stint working at a company that presents no opportunity for shifting into a different role is golden, because you’ll be able to put that experience on your resume. It is much easier to get that second industry job than it is to get that first one.

It's also expected for a modeler to unwrap his creations, and I can safely say, that part NOBODY likes haha.

I liked unwrapping my monsters. :) Well, at least some of the time.

. Character modeling can eat up a lot of time especially if you're just starting out with little 3D knowledge. Learning the tools can be a really steep curve, because you not only have to learn how to model, but you have to learn to model to technical specifications, for texturing, and then for rigging. That means a lot of clean up even with zbrush lol

However, that knowledge of modeling can help you to be a better designer of characters, by giving you an understanding of the limitations of the medium. (Nothing is more frustrating than being a modeler who is stuck working with a concept artist who refuses to design for technical limitations.)

But I really doubt you'll only be doing character modeling. Most likely you'll find yourself doing all sorts of stupid stuff lol.

No matter what job you take, there will be “stupid stuff” to do, even if you are in your ideal job.

[edit] Chances are, also, that a task you consider to be stupid is a task that someone else is eagerly (or not so eagerly) doing full-time. Either you are in an entry-level position doing lots of grunt-work because it needs to be done and because you can’t yet handle the bigger tasks, or you are in a regular position and doing grunt-work because everyone has to do their fair share, or you are doing a task that is actually challenging and fun but the jokers around you think they can do better because it isn’t glamorous work.

Be careful of pissing off the people in that last role. Nothing will sour relationships with coworkers like assuming their job is unimportant and easy.

Ahem. Sorry for the rant. I had to deal with such attitudes when I made environment art assets.

[Rabid]

I think it would present a great oppurtunity, as Seedling said there is no easy path up the ladder. With 3D experience behind you and knowledge of limitations of computer programs you'll do fine...communication with the modelers is key and it will just make it that much easier. Hell, you might be able to help them achieve what you have in your concept better in the future because of your experience. There have been many 3D modelers I see that hate one thing about a character and it's just because they don't know the simple polygon manipulation to do it yet...you can fill that gap with your experuience....go for the double threat!

[tn100]

I really appreciate the help. Yeah, I guess one of my fears is that I'll spend so much time modeling that I won't be able to train my 2D skills as much which is what I really love. I'm happy to hear that experience with modeling will help me to become a better concept artist as well.

[CouchPotato]

(Nothing is more frustrating than being a modeler who is stuck working with a concept artist who refuses to design for technical limitations.)


Or an art director with an imperfect understanding of the medium, and gets pissed everytime you can't produce a masterpiece in less than 3 days (with no concept), and gives you vague directions.

No matter what job you take, there will be “stupid stuff” to do, even if you are in your ideal job.


That's true obviously, but sometimes, one just gets tired of making boxes with shiny vray material....you know?

Chances are, also, that a task you consider to be stupid is a task that someone else is eagerly (or not so eagerly) doing full-time. Either you are in an entry-level position doing lots of grunt-work because it needs to be done and because you can’t yet handle the bigger tasks, or you are in a regular position and doing grunt-work because everyone has to do their fair share, or you are doing a task that is actually challenging and fun but the jokers around you think they can do better because it isn’t glamorous work.

Be careful of pissing off the people in that last role. Nothing will sour relationships with coworkers like assuming their job is unimportant and easy.

Ahem. Sorry for the rant. I had to deal with such attitudes when I made environment art assets.

I was more thinking along the lines where there's a serious need of a TD in the pipeline, but there isn't and you somehow got shoved into the situation and you're not really a TD because it's just not your thing, but all of the above would count as stupid things haha.

Oh well, I guess I'm sorry for ranting too heh.

[David27]

no matter what you do, you can ALWAYS change careers but of course it all takes patience hard work and somethign to show for it!

[Seedling]

[I]
I was more thinking along the lines where there's a serious need of a TD in the pipeline. . . .

What is a TD?

[_Mario]

What is a TD?

Technical director ?

[CouchPotato]

Yes, sorry, that's a local term haha.

[m@.]

Well, thats the way I did it. 3D artist for a few years while honing my 2D skills at home. If you work hard, it's possible! and the 3D background is definitely an asset.