Entering the game art industry may seem challenging, but with the right skills and dedication, it’s achievable. On the GamesIndustry.biz Academy stage at EGX 2023, Sinéad Oram, a 2D artist at Sony’s Media Molecule, shared valuable insights into securing a position in game development.
Roles in game art vary based on skills and interests. Oram emphasizes finding a role aligned with what you enjoy and excel at. Whether it’s UI design, technical art, or material art, discovering your strengths is crucial.
Salary considerations are important when choosing a specific field within game art. Oram suggests checking Skillsearch’s annual salary satisfaction report for insights into pay variations across different roles.
Education plays a key role, and Oram recommends exploring university options. Researching institutions on platforms like The Rookies and seeking feedback from graduates can help make informed decisions. Scholarships and access to resources make university education valuable.
For those opting out of university, alternative routes include self-learning through online platforms like ArtStation Learning YouTube and paid courses on platforms like Udemy and Gumroad. Subscriptions to platforms like The Gnomon Workshop and Schoolism offer comprehensive courses.
3D software proficiency is essential, with Maya being popular in the industry. Oram emphasizes mastering a 3D package, texturing software, and an engine, encouraging a full pipeline understanding for a competitive edge.
Building a community is crucial, and Oram recommends joining online groups, forums, and social media communities. Real-life communities, university clubs, and local game dev meetups provide networking opportunities.
Creating an effective portfolio is key to landing a job. Platforms like ArtStation and Behance showcase your work effectively. Oram advises presenting your best and finished projects, using captivating thumbnails, and curating your portfolio for relevance.
Project presentation follows similar principles, emphasizing showing assets in the engine, creating engaging videos, and providing a breakdown section with wireframes and working process details.
Finding companies to apply to involves utilizing resources like the UK Games Industry Map, social media, community job boards, and specialized games industry job boards. Networking with recruiters and leveraging commercial portfolios can also enhance job-seeking efforts.