How long did it take for you to make a living in the 3D industry?
Hi! I would like to open a thread aimed to all 3d professionals (in any field) that make a living in this industry (in any way, not only selling models in marketplaces). Especially I would like to know how much time passed since you started your formation as artists, designers, architects, etc, I mean, not in 3d, but since you began to acquire an artistic or technical base in any field (either academically or self-taught), and the moment that you started to make a living in the 3d industry. The thing is that I have read a lot of similar threads (asking how much time needed to master 3d, etc), but I have never seen one that raises the subject this way, and because of that I would like all those who want tell your story here (a brief summary of it, of course).
PD: I would also appreciate it if you share any link to any thread very similar to this one (if you know someone:-)
PD: I would also appreciate it if you share any link to any thread very similar to this one (if you know someone:-)
Replies
Hmm...I see you've posted the same thread on another forum I've a long held membership with, that basically caters to the CGI Film/TV VFX sector of the entertainment industry. I'll suggest if you like, running a search on their GD board there are a number of relevant discussions on the subject.
As for myself, my primary skillset falls into the self taught hardsurface modeller a.k.a "poly-pushing grunt" category or a more likely term I guess considering my scope of interest you could say - CG Generalist?!... To be clear I don't necessarily make my living working 9 to 5 doing this stuff however in the last 18mth period alone I've managed really by pure chance securing a client who seems to be impressed with what I'm into. As a consequence prepared to pay quite handsomely, enough in fact that I'm obligated by law filing an extensive tax return this fiscal year, yaaay...NOT!
Anyways after 13 years hard slog building up a catalogue of work alongside *A* sort of working knowledge thus far, by all intents and purposes a blast pretty much but a hard won lesson I've kept upper most in mind.
Never think you're done learning everything there is too know because something new invariably has a tendency rearing it's head when least expected.
Most of the time I don't really know what I'm doing.
One tip I'd give is that having the ability to finish projects is a skill all its own, and one worth having. Also knowing how to show off your work to others when needed, even in an unfinished state, is also very important.
Had to work a lot on my personal stuff without counting the hours and learn new stuff (softwares,technique)but it finally got me somewhere.