[johnny_zoo]

Ive always been interested in art and design first on paper when I was a kid but now the modern computer revolution allows a faster creation of ones ideas. Programs like 3ds max and ZBrush are excellent tools and they almost consign paper and pen to the trashcan.

Ive been using various 3D programs since 2006 and I cant say Im an expert, even after all these years, but I do know the basics of 3D model creation.

But an environment/character artist is the area I would like to go into, but what skill level do you think it requires to get into a game development company like Rockstar Games? And I dont even need to work for them specifically, it can be any well known game developer that works on really cool games.

Is the standard very high? Do you think its worth working towards because we know that Rockstar only accpet the best of the best. Although environment artist is defintely easier than trying to get a job as a videogame programmer or C++ programmer for example.


If I show some renders here can someone critic my work and tell me what its like?

This post has been edited by johnny_zoo on Saturday, Jul 28 2012, 17:38

[Bantri]

You have to be good at secrets that's for sure.

[Edward-Is-A-Flunky45]

Rockstar's always working with 3DS Max ... Or something like that... I'm studying C++ and C# to work as an AI programmer. I like to program AI... So cool.

QUOTE

You have to be good at secrets that's for sure.

Not exactly secret... You just need to stay focused in your work... My friend Felipe Busquets (works for Rockstar), I said he was wrong when he did a Twitter account saying that he's an employee of Rockstar North... Because everyone would ask "what about htat game ?". Well... Secrets ? Not really... if you want to keep it secret.. Keep off the internet.

This post has been edited by Edward-Is-A-Flunky45 on Saturday, Jul 28 2012, 17:41

[lilbpack1]

It takes dedication and motivation

-Lil B

[Tori_95]

I think you need a career at least...

@Edward I personally think programming it's the best career ever and has a lot of future

[DarkKingBernard]

Infiltrate Rockstar to leak GTA V information? Good luck with that.

[Edward-Is-A-Flunky45]

QUOTE (Tori_95 @ Saturday, Jul 28 2012, 17:39)

I think you need a career at least... @Edward I personally think programming it's the best career ever and has a lot of future

Yeah it is. Haha, i love programming... Seriously.
What do you need to work on Rockstar games:
-Passion for playing video games
-Talented in what you're working for
-Be experienced in the area that you want to work.

The job that you want is available in Rockstar North
https://www.rockstargames.com/jobs/position.../rockstar-north

[Niteye]

I think most of the major devs require some previous professional experience. "I thought myself this 3D modeling program myself and can create some things" probably won't cut it for them.

You also need to like whiskey, it's not a requirement but you won't last a week if you don't.

[SmC12]

It takes alot of hard work and dedication, and creativity. Just being good at Photoshop and 3DSMax isn't enough, you need to really set yourself apart from every other artist out there. It also depends on what you actually want to do, and the demand for that type of job. For example there may be more demand for Game Engineers and Programmers over Artists, because there's generally more of them so there will be less demand. Also there's less Concept Aritists and Illustrators than there are Level Designers and Environment Artists. So you need to look at what they need at the current time, they won't just hire anyone if they don't need them.

The easiest way to get your foot into the industry is to become a tester. This isn't as relaxed and as fun as it sounds, you'll become extremely bored playing glitched games for a living, but it gets you into the industry and you can make contacts with the developers and then you'll have a better chance at climbing the ladder. If you just walk up to them claiming you're a good Environment Artist, without any solid evidence in the form of a portfolio that will set you apart from the other candidates, then you won't have a chance. Of course, just having a good portfolio isn't enough either, you need to have all the skills, qualities and the personality they're looking for. Experience is another important aspect. If you're plan is to be a programmer then get involved with modding games, script some missions and work with the SDK's, that's great learning and experience. The type of work Rockstar do requires the proper mindset than, say, a Halo developer. Because with Rockstar you're taking what already exists in the world and manipulating it, so you'll need good knowledge about different cultures and how society works - for GTA especially.

I'd say if you enjoy what you're doing currently then definately keep working at it, specialise in a certain type of art, in your case you said you like Environment and Character Design, which is great because you have alot of creative freedom, especially with environments, you can literally just create whatever landscape or scene is in your mind. So I would recommend you stick with it and maybe you'll be involved with creating a beautiful map like RDR or GTA V, you never know.


Someone created a thread just like this in General Discussion, you should take a look at that since it has alot more serious answers. Link.

This post has been edited by SmC12 on Saturday, Jul 28 2012, 18:14

[Afusensi]

QUOTE (lilbpack1 @ Saturday, Jul 28 2012, 17:38)

It takes dedication and motivation -Lil B

To f*ck up hiphop?

[damian001]

You already blew your chances by registering here at GTAforums.

[Carl CJ Johnsons Brother Brian]

QUOTE (Tori_95 @ Saturday, Jul 28 2012, 17:39)

I think you need a career at least... @Edward I personally think programming it's the best career ever and has a lot of future

That is indeed right. That's the reason why I'll visit the High Technical School in September for 5 years. I want to learn programming, you know.

[MIKON8ERISBACK]

I have no problem keeping a secret or two if that's what it takes.

[biotch69]

QUALIFICATIONS
-2+ years of post-secondary educational experience in 2D and 3D art production.
-Superior 2D and 3D art skills.
-Eagerness to learn new software tools and technologies.
-Ability to work in a team setting, under deadlines and time constraints.
-Expertise in 3ds Max, Photoshop, or other technologies utilized in the production of game art.
-Strong technical background with ability to grasp new programs and systems quickly.
-Ability to work with a high degree of self-direction and motivation.
-Strong communication and time management skills.
-Able to prioritize and multi-task.
-Creative nature with strong problem solving skills.
-Game experience preferred.

SOURCE

"Superior 2D and 3D art skills" seems kinda vague to me.. how do you measure "superior"?

[MIKON8ERISBACK]

Anybody can say that they wanna work for R*. It takes real ambition, dedication, and work ethic to actually make it happen. By "work ethic" I mean that one should not start off their career complaining about hours, work load, or contemplate unionization with other employees. There is NO evidence or even any hints to suggest that R* should be accused of violating worker's rights. If 6 day work weeks should be considered "violations" then I might as well hang myself right now! (PS: Im not being serious about the suicide thing, but you get what I'm saying).

[Carl CJ Johnsons Brother Brian]

QUOTE (biotch69 @ Saturday, Jul 28 2012, 18:12)

QUALIFICATIONS -2+ years of post-secondary educational experience in 2D and 3D art production. -Superior 2D and 3D art skills. -Eagerness to learn new software tools and technologies. -Ability to work in a team setting, under deadlines and time constraints. -Expertise in 3ds Max, Photoshop, or other technologies utilized in the production of game art. -Strong technical background with ability to grasp new programs and systems quickly. -Ability to work with a high degree of self-direction and motivation. -Strong communication and time management skills. -Able to prioritize and multi-task. -Creative nature with strong problem solving skills. -Game experience preferred. SOURCE "Superior 2D and 3D art skills" seems kinda vague to me.. how do you measure "superior"?

This. OP: WHERE do you want to Rockstar? Rockstar North? San Diego? Or what?

[DeafMetal]

I think the biggest requirement is to live close to one of their offices.

[Carl CJ Johnsons Brother Brian]

Oh okay now I have seen it. You live in UK. That's okay. So Rockstar North is something for you. That's good because it's in europe and that means: labor laws. So you won't work longer 14 hours per day if not even shorter.

[johnny_zoo]

Thanks for the replies...

QUOTE (SmC12 @ Saturday, Jul 28 2012, 17:58)

It takes alot of hard work and dedication, and creativity. Just being good at Photoshop and 3DSMax isn't enough, you need to really set yourself apart from every other artist out there. It also depends on what you actually want to do, and the demand for that type of job. For example there may be more demand for Game Engineers and Programmers over Artists, because there's generally more of them so there will be less demand. Also there's less Concept Aritists and Illustrators than there are Level Designers and Environment Artists. So you need to look at what they need at the current time, they won't just hire anyone if they don't need them.  The easiest way to get your foot into the industry is to become a tester. This isn't as relaxed and as fun as it sounds, you'll become extremely bored playing glitched games for a living, but it gets you into the industry and you can make contacts with the developers and then you'll have a better chance at climbing the ladder. If you just walk up to them claiming you're a good Environment Artist, without any solid evidence in the form of a portfolio that will set you apart from the other candidates, then you won't have a chance. Of course, just having a good portfolio isn't enough either, you need to have all the skills, qualities and the personality they're looking for. Experience is another important aspect. If you're plan is to be a programmer then get involved with modding games, script some missions and work with the SDK's, that's great learning and experience. The type of work Rockstar do requires the proper mindset than, say, a Halo developer. Because with Rockstar you're taking what already exists in the world and manipulating it, so you'll need good knowledge about different cultures and how society works - for GTA especially. Someone created a thread just like this in General Discussion, you should take a look at that since it has alot more serious answers. Link.

Wow when you put it like that it seems disheartening like its a very long way to go and it makes me realise Im no way near that level at all yet. Im working on a portfolio now which isnt too bad at the moment. I will defintely try to get a job as a game tester if thats what needs to be done but these jobs always wnt experience which I dont have because noone will give you the experience in the first place to get into the industry, i.e. a vicious cycle.

Would you say the modding community here is a great place to get experience in? In all the years Ive been here the modding community is synonymous with techie nerds/geniuses not sure if I would fit that mold.

QUOTE (damian001 @ Saturday, Jul 28 2012, 18:02)

You already blew your chances by registering here at GTAforums.

Ive been interested in 3D art since 2003 long before I knew of this site. Im not your typical "gta.net/newbie".

QUOTE (Carl CJ Johnsons Brother Brian @ Saturday, Jul 28 2012, 18:19)

Oh okay now I have seen it. You live in UK. That's okay. So Rockstar North is something for you. That's good because it's in europe and that means: labor laws. So you won't work longer 14 hours per day if not even shorter. icon14.gif

Yeah Im not far from Rockstar North which is cool relocating to Edinburgh would be no problem if one had to.

[Cheat]

Well it certainly requires a career in programming (or whatever specific area of video game creation you wish to work in), modeling skills and being a fanboy's not going to get you anywhere. My guess is that they mostly hire professionals with years of experience in known companies.