Breaking into the game industry isn’t easy. For years and years, it’s been pretty hard to crack the code. Personally, I got my opportunity out of sheer luck over 20 years ago. Something I am more grateful for as time passes.
That said, the opportunities ARE out there. Over the past 10 years, especially during COVID, the demand for interactive multimedia content has grown like wildfire. Game studios are looking for talent now more than ever.
I know this because I am an Art Director at a AAA game studio and have been looking at tons of applicants every week for several roles. For the past year, our art department has been posting new opportunities every month. I hear about the industry competition also craving the right talent to join their teams as well. The opportunities are out there.
You might be wondering, “is my work good enough?” Being artists at heart, this is a very valid and deep question. We focus on our judgment of quality. When you display your work, there are still solid core principles that your art needs to get noticed positively.
Here are some tips that I’d recommend:
When you are looking over your portfolio or reel, keep an open mind when you receive suggestions. Taking notes on the suggestions is a key factor in applying them to your artwork. After all, this is what you do on the job, you present something, get feedback, and apply it. Don’t write anything off, take the notes and directly apply them to improve your work.
eek out pros and ask for opinions. It’s great to talk to friends and family, but they might offer you less knowledgeable advice for your work. This will not be helpful. Find and reach out to your creative peers and potentially anyone you might know from the industry for their honest thoughts. Feedback is the #1 way to improve your work.
Always be looking at other artist’s work. Save pieces they create that you think are amazing. Have an inspiration library, but also study them and see what techniques make them great. Take those elements and translate them into your own pieces.
These are simple tips that can be beneficial. If you aren’t confident about your portfolio, or not sure if your work will get a call-back, this is something we can help with. Feel free to book a Discovery Call with us.
Roger Yuen
