Rabid
July 13th, 2009, 10:48 PM
Doug Chiang answered this following question in an interview.
How do I get a job doing what you are doing?
If you can draw well and have good ideas, you will most likely be able to get a job in this profession. This may sound too simplistic and easy, but keep in mind that this is one of few professions where lack of experience and training really doesn't matter. It's not unusual for someone who has no professional work experience in either the film or design field to get hired based on a strong portfolio. You will succeed mainly on the strength of your portfolio. In this line of work, your portfolio is everything. If you have the necessary skills, as evident in your portfolio, you will find work. However, I should add that this is also one of the most competitive fields. Try to focus your interests so that you excel in one specific area - architecture, machines, creatures, or costumes. Getting a quality education is very important. I recommend developing strong foundation skills such as life drawing, composition, etc. You will need good ideas that will set you apart from everyone else. In order to have good ideas, you will need a well-rounded education. The more versed you are in history, science, etc. the more likely you are to succeed. For me, this education never ends. I continually read and research as much as possible. Also, don't be hesitant about studying an area that you are not interested in. Inspiration can come from the strangest places!
I'm not sure if having one concentration is very viable though. Seems that every job you can come across asks for you to be well versed is characters, environments, weapons, armor, and at least one 3D application minimum. Would you agree with this?
This is especially a question for the pros out there. Personally, whenever I come across a concept job that is one area specific it is usually freelance and never full or part time...
How do I get a job doing what you are doing?
If you can draw well and have good ideas, you will most likely be able to get a job in this profession. This may sound too simplistic and easy, but keep in mind that this is one of few professions where lack of experience and training really doesn't matter. It's not unusual for someone who has no professional work experience in either the film or design field to get hired based on a strong portfolio. You will succeed mainly on the strength of your portfolio. In this line of work, your portfolio is everything. If you have the necessary skills, as evident in your portfolio, you will find work. However, I should add that this is also one of the most competitive fields. Try to focus your interests so that you excel in one specific area - architecture, machines, creatures, or costumes. Getting a quality education is very important. I recommend developing strong foundation skills such as life drawing, composition, etc. You will need good ideas that will set you apart from everyone else. In order to have good ideas, you will need a well-rounded education. The more versed you are in history, science, etc. the more likely you are to succeed. For me, this education never ends. I continually read and research as much as possible. Also, don't be hesitant about studying an area that you are not interested in. Inspiration can come from the strangest places!
I'm not sure if having one concentration is very viable though. Seems that every job you can come across asks for you to be well versed is characters, environments, weapons, armor, and at least one 3D application minimum. Would you agree with this?
This is especially a question for the pros out there. Personally, whenever I come across a concept job that is one area specific it is usually freelance and never full or part time...