As an artist, you may wonder what career options are available to you in the world of FX, animation, and games. There is a piece of good news that can actually thrill you.
The fact is that as daunting as it may seem, there are plenty of opportunities for any artist to find a rewarding art career in these industries. In addition to traditional roles, such as animators and designers, there is also a wide range of technical positions that require artistic skills.
For example, many game developers need artists to create 3D models and environments that players will interact with. Similarly, FX artists are responsible for creating the special effects that bring movies and television shows to life.
Whatever your specific interests and skill sets may be, there is likely a place for you in the world of FX, animation, and games. In this guide, we will explore the different types of art career jobs you can do in each industry. We will also provide some tips on landing your dream job.
The Gaming Industry
When it comes to thriving industries, the gaming industry can’t miss being on the top list. And the best part is that several different jobs are available for artists who are gaming enthusiasts. If you see yourself in the gaming industry, some of the most rewarding jobs you may want to keep a keen eye on include;
- Game designing
Art is one of the Holy Grail aspects of game design. The artists create the visual look and feel of the game world that players will inhabit. Without artist-created Assets, there would be no game to play.
While an artist’s primary responsibility is to create these Assets, they also contribute heavily to shaping the game’s overall design. For example, concept artists will help determine what kind of world and characters the players will interact with.
3D modelers and 2D animators add essential details that bring these characters and worlds to life. An artist’s work doesn’t stop once the game is released, either.
Many games receive regular updates that can include new Assets created by the artist team. For example, a new character might be added to the game, or a new area might be opened up for exploration.
- Game programming
A game programmer is responsible for the creation and programming of video games. Again, the artist’s role in game programming is to create the look and feel of the game by providing concepts, models, textures, animations, and other assets.
They work with programmers and designers to create a cohesive and visually appealing game. Programming can be complex, and that best explains why game programmers are required to have strong problem-solving skills. In addition, they must be able to work well under pressure, meet deadlines and be stress-resistant.
- Game Artist
Game artists are responsible for creating video games’ visual style and imagery. They work closely with game designers and programmers to bring the game to life, creating characters, environments, and objects that players will interact with.
Game artists must have a strong understanding of art fundamentals, including color, composition, and perspective. They also need to be proficient in digital art software such as Photoshop and Illustrator.
In addition to technical skills, game artists must also deeply understand gaming culture and trends. They need to be able to translate their creative vision into a format that will engage and excite gamers.
If you’re passionate about art and video games, an art career as a game artist could be the perfect fit for you. Here are some tips to get into college as an artist.
How to Land your First Job in the Gaming Industry
It really isn’t easy to break into the gaming industry. It is one of the most competitive industries, but that doesn’t mean that there is no hope for you. Here are some things you can do to boost your odds of landing your dream job in the gaming industry.
- Get a degree in video game design, programming, or art
Getting a degree in video game design, programming, or art can really help you stand out from the competition. With a degree from an accredited university, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to succeed in the video game industry.
Plus, employers will take you more seriously when you have a degree. If you’re passionate about video games and want to have a successful career in the industry, getting a degree is a great step to take.
One of the schools you may want to get your degree from is the Vancouver Film School. Known for its strong game design and 3D animation programs, VFS can help you get started on your path to a successful art career in the gaming industry.
- Create a portfolio of your work
When you’re applying for jobs in the gaming industry, it would really help if you had a portfolio of your work ready. Your portfolio should include samples of your work, such as; game design documents, artworks, animations, and programs you’ve created.
Your portfolio is your chance to show employers what you can do. So make sure it’s high quality and showcases your best work.
- Attend industry events
Another great way to increase your chances of excelling in your art career is to attend industry events. At these events, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with employers, network with other professionals, and learn about new job opportunities.
The Animation Industry
The animation industry is a great field to get into for artists who want to see their creations come to life. It’s also a very versatile industry, as animators can work in television, film, advertising, and video gaming.
And when it comes to jobs, the animation industry is booming. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for animators will grow by 16% from 2020 to 2030.
So if you’re an artist who wants to work in the animation industry, now is a great time to get started. And if you’re looking for a school to get started, be sure to check this list of the top animation, gaming, and art and design schools in Canada. Here are some of the top jobs that may interest you in the animation industry;
- Animation Director
If you want to be in charge of the creative vision for an animated project, then you can pursue an art career as an animation director. As an animation director, you’ll be responsible for supervising the work of the other animators and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.
To succeed as an animation director, you’ll need strong art skills and experience with animation software. Additionally, it’s helpful to have a strong understanding of the animation process and to be able to lead a team of animators.
- Animation Producer
The Animation Producer oversees the creation of all animated elements in a project. They work with Directors, Animators, and other production staff to keep the process moving smoothly and on schedule.
The Animation Producer is responsible for ensuring that the final product meets or exceeds expectations in terms of quality and adherence to budget. They must have an excellent understanding of the animation process, as well as strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
If you’re interested in becoming an Animation Producer, it’s important to have a background in animation or film production and experience working with teams. It would also be best to develop your communication and problem-solving skills if they’re not quite up to par.
- Animation Software Developer
If you’re interested in the technical side of animation, then you can pursue a career as an Animation Software Developer. As an Animation Software Developer, you’ll be responsible for developing the software that animators use to create their work.
To become an Animation Software Developer, you’ll need strong coding skills and experience with animation software. Additionally, it’s helpful to have a solid understanding of the animation process and how animators use software to create their work.
How to Land Your First Animation Job
The animation industry is a great place to start your art career. With a variety of jobs available and a growing demand for artists, now is a great time to get started in the field. Here are some tips to help you land your first job in the animation industry:
- Develop your skills
If you’re passionate about animation and want to work in the industry, it’s important to develop your skills as an artist. Taking classes and practicing frequently will help you hone your craft, and creating a portfolio of your work is essential for landing jobs.
Toronto Film School is a great place to start your journey as an animator. With one of the top animation programs in the world, you’ll be able to develop your skills and create a portfolio that will help you get hired.
- Get experience
Employers today place more value on experience. If you’re just starting out, consider interning or working on small projects to gain some experience in the field.
Working on personal projects also gives you the best chance to build your portfolio and gain experience. Employers will be impressed by your initiative and drive, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills and techniques.
- Network
In any industry, networking is essential for landing jobs. Attend animation events and meet-ups, and become acquainted with other professionals in the field.
Having a strong network will help you connect with potential employers and learn about job opportunities. Additionally, networking can help you develop relationships with other animators that can last throughout your career.
- Start applying for jobs
Once you’ve honed your skills and developed a strong portfolio, it’s time to start applying for jobs. Begin by searching online job boards or visiting animation studios in person.
When applying for jobs, always check to ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to each position. If you are unsure how to write a stand-out resume, you may want to consider getting an extra pair of hands from professional resume services.
Services like Careersbooster will help you create a resume that’s sure to get noticed by recruiters and help you land your dream job in the animation industry. Employers will be impressed by your attention to detail and effort, and you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job in animation.
Mistakes to Avoid when Applying for Your First FX, Animation, or Games Job
It is natural to get a bit excited and want to go out and apply for every job that you see in the FX, animation, or games industry. However, it really does help to take your time and ensure that you are applying for the right jobs.
There are some quite common mistakes that a significant fraction of job seekers make when applying for positions in these industries. By avoiding these mistakes, you will put yourself in a better place to get hired for the job that you really want.
- Applying for Every Job
One mistake that job seekers often make is applying for every job that they see. While it is important to cast a wide net, you shouldn’t apply for positions you are not qualified for.
It would be best to spare some of your time and use it just for working on your resume and portfolio. Use this spare time to tailor your resume and portfolio to each position you apply for.
- Not Following Directions
When applying for a job, it is important to follow the directions that are given. Many employers will specify how they would like to receive your application, and if you don’t follow their instructions, your application may not even be considered.
For example, some employers may want you to submit your resume and portfolio online, while others may prefer you email them directly. Take time to read the entire job posting, so you know what exactly your potential employer is looking for, and then follow their instructions.
- Not Writing a Good Proposal
If there is one thing that will turn off even the most open-minded employer, it is a job proposal that is not well written. Your proposal should be free of errors, and it should be clear that you have put some thought into it.
In your proposal, you should state why you want the position and what makes you a good fit for it. You should also include a portfolio or reel that showcases your work. Here are some other helpful tips for writing a great art proposal.
Closing Thoughts
Landing the first job in any field isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. By following the tips in this article, you will improve your chances of being hired for the FX, animation, or games job that you really want.