How to get hired by a studio
ImagineFX|October 2022
Career advice Tanya Combrinck finds out how to put together the perfect portfolio and showcase your skills to impress a top art director
Tanya Combrinck
How to get hired by a studio

Getting a studio job isn’t the only way to have a career as a professional fantasy artist, but it does have some major advantages. Being surrounded by more experienced artists, regularly receiving their feedback and insight, usually means you improve much faster than you would as a freelancer, and the financial security of a regular paycheck means you can focus on your art without worrying about making rent. 

But getting your first break can be tough. At the start of your career it can be difficult to know whether to produce work tailored to the studios you aspire to work at, or to lean into your own style.

"The path to your dream studio might not be a straight line, and that's okay!" says Dennis van Kessel, concept artist at Atomhawk, a studio that produces digital art and motion graphics for the games industry. "If you are looking for your first break into the industry, I wouldn't worry too much about matching a certain studio's style - especially if their style is extremely specific. As someone looking to get their foot in the door, you're better off having a wide range of options rather than putting all your hopes on getting a job at one or two studios."

Your portfolio is of course central to your application, so getting it right is crucial. "Your portfolio is only as good as your worst piece," says Dennis. "Many artists fall into the trap of wanting to show off an incredibly wide range of skills, but that is only worth doing if you have a consistent quality level across those skills. Focus on your strengths!"

WORK HARD, AND KEEP LEARNING

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2022 من ImagineFX.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2022 من ImagineFX.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من IMAGINEFX مشاهدة الكل
PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK
ImagineFX

PAINT EPIC BATTLES IN TRADITIONAL INK

Warhammer illustrator THOMAS ELLIOTT shows you how to create an epic science fiction fight scene with this step-by-step guide

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS
ImagineFX

CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS

Daria Anako demonstrates her process for creating a whimsical piece of art with some spellbinding touches

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025
First Impressions
ImagineFX

First Impressions

We discover the early influences that inspired the artist

time-read
6 mins  |
January 2025
ZBrush for iPad
ImagineFX

ZBrush for iPad

GAME CHANGER The desktop version of popular 3D sculpting software ZBrush has been redesigned for iPad - and it's brilliant

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025
BenQ GW2786TC
ImagineFX

BenQ GW2786TC

GET AN EYEFUL Don't scrimp out on your health with a monitor that's kind on the eyes and good for creative tasks

time-read
1 min  |
January 2025
Huion Kamvas Pro 19
ImagineFX

Huion Kamvas Pro 19

TABLET WARS An attractive pen display does an excellent job of balancing price and performance as it sets out to challenge its rivals in the mobile marketplace

time-read
3 mins  |
January 2025
DRAGON OFORCEC
ImagineFX

DRAGON OFORCEC

Legendary D&D artist Larry Elmore explains the keys to crafting timeless fantasy art.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2025
DUNGEON MASTERS
ImagineFX

DUNGEON MASTERS

ImagineFX marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the launch of Dungeons & Dragons with a look at its rich tradition of illustration

time-read
7 mins  |
January 2025
Erik Ly
ImagineFX

Erik Ly

Gamer's haven Why the artist enjoys a maximalist aesthetic more than the minimalist approach.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2025
2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging
ImagineFX

2D meets 3D: How the workflows are merging

Interdimensional As VFX and animation evolve and tools become more accessible, Tanya Combrinck asks whether the separation between the mediums is reducing

time-read
5 mins  |
January 2025