Becoming an Environment Artist?
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Hello,
I'm currently studying Games Technology at University, I've always had the intent to enter the videogames industry as a programmer. However, as of late I've had a change of heart and now would like to become an Environment Artist.
I still have three years until I graduate and therefore have enough time to develop myself as an artist and learn additional software and techniques. I just don't know where I can begin, I have a somewhat decent understanding of Autodesk Maya having been taught it during college and I have a basic understanding of 3D Theory, however I just don't consider myself a very good artist.
So, my question would be is how exactly I could teach myself to become a proficient artist using either Autodesk Maya or 3DS Max (something of which I wish to learn), alongside learning more in-depth about UV Mapping, Topology, the different types of modelling and so forth, are there any resources to help myself?
I'd appreciate any help that you can give me.
Regards,
- Will.
I'm currently studying Games Technology at University, I've always had the intent to enter the videogames industry as a programmer. However, as of late I've had a change of heart and now would like to become an Environment Artist.
I still have three years until I graduate and therefore have enough time to develop myself as an artist and learn additional software and techniques. I just don't know where I can begin, I have a somewhat decent understanding of Autodesk Maya having been taught it during college and I have a basic understanding of 3D Theory, however I just don't consider myself a very good artist.
So, my question would be is how exactly I could teach myself to become a proficient artist using either Autodesk Maya or 3DS Max (something of which I wish to learn), alongside learning more in-depth about UV Mapping, Topology, the different types of modelling and so forth, are there any resources to help myself?
I'd appreciate any help that you can give me.
Regards,
- Will.
Replies
As well, post your WIPs and work here so we can help you along and marvel at your progress.
Software, you're ina decent place.
You're going to want to look into the following as well, though:
Zbrush
Photoshop (prioritize this)
Substance Painter and Designer
xNormal / Knald
Quixel Suite
And really look into what Physically Based Rendering is and why we use it as a rendering method these days.
Other than that I would just really focus on putting in the time etc. If your pressed for time shoot for an hour a night at the least. and then really work on your skills over the weekend.
Zbrush, Substance Painter (or quixel), and Photoshop are all pretty necessary, but they are also all generally easier to learn than a full on modelling sweet like Maya. If your more technically minded you could also look into complicated shaders or even tech art. If your work hard for three years I'd say you would be pretty skilled! Have fun with it too, work on stuff you enjoy not just what you feel like you need to make for your portfolio.
Also even though its character art these podcasts are great to listen to while working:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMpcWwr2EcJjaR_a1zGOXPw
Also posting on your work on polycount and asking for brutal feedback can really help!
Good luck, cheers!
Arimus3D has lots of great, free content on his YouTube channel for modelling in general as well.
Online tutorial have too much stuff going on and I would recommend it with a minimum of knowledge.
If you are at school, you should be able to find someone easily. Also, having a real friend/partner who you can learn with is also a +.
https://environmentart.wordpress.com/
I'd take advantage of your college to get some art classes in and learn more online.
A great tutorial I highly recommend is Environment Creation In Unreal Engine 4. Which you can find it here:
https://www.uartsy.com/course/environment-creation-in-unreal-engine-4
Also, I highly advise listening to game lectures like from GDC. You can find this here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0JB7TSe49lg56u6qH8y_MQ
I highly suggest Michael Pavlovich 's GDC lecture on Halo 2 remastered. Which you can find here:
Also, I personally like listening to motivational speeches from Ted Talks, a good one in relation to learning complicated software is this lecture by Josh Kaufman:
I hope this helps, thanks for posting.