Letters to industry

[CuBixxx]

Hey ive been lurking around for some time now as you can see from my sign up date, basically im very critical of my own work and often wont even let my girl friend see it never mind posting it for all to see on here. I will eventually post some work but this thread concerns another matter.

Im currently at my second year of university studying Computer Games Design BA, in summer (june/july time) im hoping to take a year out to do a year in industry, paid work experience. I have no experience of working in the games industry so applying for specific positions is abit pointless, generally what i need to do is to convince the companys i apply for that it would be good for them to take me on for a year. Theres very little help for this sort of thing from the university because its a relativly new course.

What i want from this thread is maybe some advice on how and what sort of things i should say when contacting the company. Im sure there are professionals on here who work for large or small game development companys who could point out what they look for in an application. Or even on the off chance that someone from a games company is looking to hire a games design student.

Im interested in the concept art side of the games industry and have good traditional art skills so these are the types of jobs im applying for, although i do have 3D moddelling experience aswell.

Thanks in advance for any comments or advice

[Seedling]

Hi CuBixxx,
Some answers to your questions on game art may be found in the link in my sig on the "games industry". Also, here's a website with information for budding game designers:

http://www.sloperama.com/advice.html

[CuBixxx]

Hey Seedling thanks for the link!

The linked thread in your sig was very informative! Its given me a new hope that 1 of the 30+ companys might take a noobie on for a year lol. Interesting that you started at LucasArts with such responsibility, did you apply to a vacancy or were you in a similar position to me and applying hoping to work there? ....hmmm perhaps it was an intership?

I think ill concentrate on finding more internships, rather than companies with vacancies that im half qualified for. Also i think ill extend my search into other artist positions, modelling etc.

Thanks again Seedling

[Storyboard Dave]

When applying for these positions (I'm assuming internships & entry level), they know that you're a newbie and your portfolio will more than likely show it. My best suggestion when applying is do the research on the company itself and gear your portfolio towards what that company does.

If you're applying to a RPG manufacturer, then have more of that in your portfolio to show that you at least understand some of the things they do there. If you're applying for a sports gaming company, then have projects in your book showing your knowledge of sports. But again, the important thing is not to have a generic portfolio when applying. Tailor your portfolio to the companies you're applying for because it'll increase your odds of landing with them.

And also realize that you getting hired on MIGHT not be due to talent either so if you get rejected, it could just be the fact that the companies you're applying to just aren't hiring at the moment. If a lesser talent happens to stroll through and a company is looking, odds are they could land the position over you. So don't be discouraged if you don't land this position; you'll be fighting for this job along with a lot of other students like yourself and recent grads just trying to break into the biz. Tha being said, it helps to have a top notch portfolio and be persistant when it comes to applying.

But I highly encourage you to apply. Companies are always looking to test out new people. Just go in there and stay hungry. Once in there, you're just a set of hands. It's not to knock your talent but you're unproven and at the bottom of the chain of command. You're going to have to prove yourself even though you could conceivably be the most talented individual there (not likely but they still want proof of your loyalty and desire). Work hard and never stop working hard.

Good luck.

[CuBixxx]

Thanks for the advice Dave!

From what some lecturers have said to me i thought it would be quite hard to get into anywhere, thats the reason i posted here, but i have a new hope now.

Im planning on sending out some letters next week so ill keep things posted on the situation.

Thanks again ;)

[Storyboard Dave]

Just stay humble. I think that most people will be able to relate to you on a certain level because they were once in the same situation you're in now.

Good luck with it all!