If you love video games, leading a team of exceptional artists to create fantastical new worlds might sound like a dream job. But in an industry that's more competitive than ever, how can you set yourself apart? And what do you have to do to forge a path to the top? A veteran art director with close to three decades' experience working on AAA titles such as the God of War series is Cecil Kim. "First off, you should know what area of art production you want to get into," he says. "It means knowing what you're passionate about doing." Like any career, it's tricky to work out your specialism at an early stage, but finding the things that are a natural fit for you as soon as possible will make your life much easier. "If you aren't certain, take some courses and see if you enjoy learning a certain discipline," advises Cecil. Finding that passion will give you the drive you need to keep learning, discovering, and pushing yourself that bit harder than your peers.
For example, if you're drawn to worldbuilding or character design, Cecil points out that a "strong interest in world cultures and ancient history" will help you. Reading up on these and other relevant topics might uncover an interest you never knew you had.
LEARNING JOURNEY
It's also worth noting here that a formal education is by no means a prerequisite for finding success in the games industry. "Times have changed a lot since I was starting out," reflects Bethesda Game Studios lead artist Alexander Alza. "These days you can absorb so much knowledge for free online. I know people who are self-taught and have had solid careers in the industry."
Denne historien er fra November 2024-utgaven av ImagineFX.
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Denne historien er fra November 2024-utgaven av ImagineFX.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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
CONJURE MAGIC ILLUSTRATIONS
Daria Anako demonstrates her process for creating a whimsical piece of art with some spellbinding touches
First Impressions
We discover the early influences that inspired the artist
ZBrush for iPad
GAME CHANGER The desktop version of popular 3D sculpting software ZBrush has been redesigned for iPad - and it's brilliant
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
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
DRAGON OFORCEC
Legendary D&D artist Larry Elmore explains the keys to crafting timeless fantasy art.
DUNGEON MASTERS
ImagineFX marks the milestone 50th anniversary of the launch of Dungeons & Dragons with a look at its rich tradition of illustration
Erik Ly
Gamer's haven Why the artist enjoys a maximalist aesthetic more than the minimalist approach.
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