There's an interesting article over at gamecareerguide.com which looks into the various types of schools that you can enrol in for a career in the games industry. The types seem to be of 3 categories: Art School, Game Academy, and Traditional University. A comment by Peter Raad, executive director of The Guildhall (a school in the Game Academy category) seems to have sparked some discussion around the web (and particularly on Slashdot.org) that getting into the games industry isn't easy, citing the "staggering" numbers of people trying to get in as one of the reasons...
Raad at The Guildhall says that a changing industry means students need a different kind of education. ?It?s no secret that making games is one of the most rewarding careers today,? he says. ?The number of job seekers who are seriously pursuing this field is staggering. It used to be the case that studios had the liberty to take bright, fresh, new employees with no specific game education background and train them in the methods, tools, and style that are required to make games. This is no longer true.?
I've tried to get into game development for over a year and a half now and I'm pretty sure I've exhausted every avenue there is. I've tried everything from winning scholarships, doing work experience, networking, studying for a qualification and working my butt off to improve my skills. I've applied at every company in Brisbane at least 4 times and to this day I still have never even got to the interview stage with any of them. What more could anyone do to at least get an interview - can someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong?
I work a full time job, have bills to pay and limited time to be churning out new demo reels week after week - so if anyone can give me a clue as to what I'm doing wrong please let me know.
What type of job have you been applying for?
mostly animation or modeling jobs
mostly animation or modeling jobs - my comment BTW lol
Boroma, I hate to say it, but you've just gotta keep trying. Compare your work to the work that the company you're applying for is producing. Is your work similar? Better? Worse?
If your work is better than what most companies are producing then you should do just fine in getting the attention you seek. If not, keep practicing, don't give up, it's not impossible. If it's still not enough, work on making another skillset (eg texturing, illustration, etc) close to or better than industry standard. It's a bitch, but the only way to get noticed is to stand head and shoulders above the rest.
QA?
Try applying at Redtribe. I know they need more animators for Mad Max right now.
Subtle...
I actually have tried Red Tribe - several times. I did some asking around to find out why I wasn't getting replys and I found out that the HR manager blatently refuses to hire women. I know that sounds stupid but its true.
What do you do with an answer like that?
Thats shocking and very misguided if true about Red Tribe but don't blame it on being female if you haven't scored an interview just yet. Being a woman getting into the industry has more often than not been an advantage, with employers keen to create a better balance of the sexes in the office.
Sounds like you need to get an honest assesment of your work. Try posting your showreel or links to images on DLF for constructive critisism and feedback from industry experienced people.
Also, be prepared to travel to get your first break. try every company in australia, not just brisbane.
Being female would be an advantage. There aren't enough women in the industry and studios are actively looking at recruiting talented women.
It's not true Boroma. REDTRIBE is an equal opportunity employer. In most cases we have no way of knowing if an applicant is male or female. We are a progressive company that is trying to do its part for the local game community.
I would be happy to review your application personally if you like. Add the subject heading Boroma to your email application and send it through.
Sincerely
Chris Mosely
CEO
REDTRIBE
Nice save... :D
Well played Boroma. There is a genuine need for women in the industry. Now that your foot is in the door, I sincerely hope you get the job based on merit. If not, you can always find a position in politics.
:) Good luck to you.
And kudos to Mr. Mosely for having the balls to post such a reply. I hope he finds the quality talent in Boroma that he is looking for.
wow! it looks so easy to get job
"In most cases we have no way of knowing if an applicant is male or female."
I would have thought in most cases, reading the person's name on the top of their CV would have given you a pretty good chance of working that out.
They might have a chance, but they wouldn't be sure. What sex is Souri for example ? I wouldn't have a clue.
I work in Telesales in Melbourne while I study. I work with Yuko, Sarah, Gage, Jayce, Lane, Makayla, John, Ryan, Tyler, Rae , Yamini, Blaine, Caley, Rebecca, Casey, Ajay, Kavan, Nola, Manju, Nila, Rylee, Dallas, Quinn, Ajay and Michael.
hahaha, go multicultural Australia ;)
I reckon there's a definate shortage of people called Bruce and Barry in the games industry in Australia. Maybe someone can shed some light on this.
I heard a rumour that Australian game companies don't hire people whoes names start with a B.
Great Forum 'people' thanks so much for the insight, what can you all tell me about the needs of illustrators and artists. Are artists needed as much as I am being told by my game designing friends.
I have a high level of illustration but little to no industry experience, I have taught Fanatsy Illustration for some time and know I have the skills but am only now applying for work. Please let fly some knowledge that could help me in some way, Whats the best way to apply for this type of work, what specific types of folio work are being saught after and what formats should I present them in?
There is only one answer, if you are applying for an artist position, you must have amazing examples of the work you can do.. all you need is 2 or 3 images..they need to be incredible..
don't worry about putting details like polycount or showing wireframe versions..images with style, attention to detail and originality will help alot.
if you don't have that then there is little point in asking what you are doing wrong.. it's only, what can I do right. If you have the skills you will get the work.., if you don't then it's only a matter of improving your portfolio..sorry but after many years of looking at artist portfolios I can say it's the truth..atleast to get you to the interview stage. After that you just need to show you can work with a variety of people and have an even temper..and you'll do fine.
And Being a girl is a definite advantage in the industry.., you will be hired over a guy 5 to 1.. so less worry and more work on portfolio..:)...btw don't just rely on animation in your portfolio, .. show use of lighting and understanding of textures.., modeling and overall quality in your style and presentaion.
I'd advise not discounting the animation though (if its a path you wish to take) It seems to me that everyone has been looking for animators for the last 4 years Ive been doing this. There are none anywhere.
"all you need is 2 or 3 images..they need to be incredible.."
I definitely agree with that. You always get folios packed full of loads and loads of crap just to show an artist's range. I understand the mentality behind it and it may indeed be good crap, but seriously you do not want to be putting any work in that you don't feel is 100(percent) If you don't love it then why should they? "Oh this is just a quick one I did" wtf? Why put it in then? You bring all that extra rough stuff to the interview, but you need to get that interview first, and its the 2 or 3 prize pieces specializing in the path you wish to take which will do that.
And not to be joining others in this discussion blatantly holding the flag but don't discount applying in Perth, there are rivers of gold,... No seriously there are, its a heavenly place full of wonders and delights, Angels and Adonises with beaches and V8's for all. Annnnd I've heard upon a grapevine somewhere, that apparently there is a certain US funded MMO company in that region currently looking for skilled devs.... not that I am blessed to be at all associated with any such magical and wondrous a place.........................
If you're not getting through to the interview stage then it's probably your demo reel that is letting you down. Review it honestly and dispassionately. Is it as good as you think it is?
Try posting your work on Sumea and getting some feedback from industry vets.
Great feed back thanks guys I will work on my folio. If I havent any CD CGI skills will my artwork be enough to get me in I do have a very high standard fyi.