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Career & Education

Getting into game development, education for game artists, working in a studio vs. freelancing, life/work balance, managing your career.

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Sticky Game Industry Career Resources

Welcome to the Career & Education section! We want an organized place to talk about these things, and offer support and insight. This is meant as a central place to chat about all career and…
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Eric Chadwick

Looking for info about 3d Model Commissions

Hey there!I'm extremely new to the website, and this is my first time posting on these forums or looking for any freelancer artists, so I apologize in advance for any mistakes I may make. Please feel…
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NikhilR

Do 3D artist jobs last longer than concept artist jobs?

Im guessing 3D is the one that lasts longer but I'm not sure.
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ModBlue

Game Industry Layoffs - WTF?

Seriously guys?WTF?
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NikhilR

3d artists - Do u have eperience with paid-by-funding contract ?

Hi,can anybody explain how this type of contract works for a 3d artist ? i got this offer by one studio i have found online. So it would be remotely of course. 
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Alemja

From Gigs to Full-Time Employment Tips?

Hello! I have been taking gigs from game and animation start-ups. Some senior claimed that either personal project or gigs can lead me into getting hired. My total payment last month equals to part-t…
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Eric Chadwick

Need advice: How to get unstuck in 3D modeling

A year ago, I started learning 3D modeling. At first, everything was going great – I was quickly grasping the basics, and I really enjoyed it. It seemed simple and clear. But as I dug deeper into …
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iam717

Portfolio advice for getting into the Games Industry - Character Artist

Hello fine folks of Polycount,I'm looking for some advice on how to pick concepts to work off of that are appealing to recruiters and the artstation community to get noticed and hopefully network and…
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NikhilR

Portfolio Prop review. Feeling de-motivated recently.

I started applying to jobs the past 2 weeks , around 30 studio I know it's not a lot, but having to research and cater custom Motivation/cover letters takes a lot time, just for in most cases to not …
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Indi2410

Learn 3D at any level

Hi there! I’m Mario like Super Mario. I’m passionate about 3D art and am an Environment artist and Lead Instructor at M3DS Academy, where we help aspiring artists learn everything they need to know …
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Eeriee

Need guidance: As junior, where should I start to improve my skills ?

Hello there, and sorry for my English writing.I has been working as 3D junior artist in the studio for few months and the studio put me into vehicle section, which is fine for me cause I still have n…
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Alex_J

Survey about trees in games

Hi everyone, for my final thesis I'm researching programs to create trees for games!While I really didn't want to have to make a survey, I was strongly recommended to do one by my supervisors.So if y…
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Eric Chadwick

Need feedback design power abilities - Student

Hello!My name is Thomas and I am currently student.I need feedback from a professional to get a sufficient grade, I also would love to learn more about this topic.I have to design 3 power abilities (…
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Theump

Illustration/ creative studios database?

I have been wondering, wether does somewhere exist a list of studios/ companies who function in art industry- who provides illustrations, concept art- and visual development. Etc. Thank you for …
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TR79

Entry level freelance opportunities

Hello, I want to start working using my 3D skills. I understand how to work with blender substance painter marmoset toolbug.The problem is that I don't quite understand where I can be useful. My port…
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cardinal

Mixing Stylised and Realistic Style Portfolio?

Hey everyone, I have a question for the experienced artists here. I'm a junior artist who recently broke into the industry but haven't landed a proper paid role yet. My portfolio isn't cohesive becau…
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Ashervisalis

3D Environment/Prop/Texturing Mentorships

Mentorships are back at FastTrackTutorials! 🎉We are back with a new system! In our new mentorship program you can enroll whenever you want and start right away! Giving you a blend of individual and g…
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FastTrackTutorials

Anatomy Mentor

I am happy to announce Anatomy and figure sculpting mentoring program , a program which combine theory, practice and design principles with constructive critiques to help you learn and improve on you…
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carvuliero

Looking for a mentor to learn 3D modeling

Hello everyone,I’m really eager to dive into 3D modeling, but due to my health condition, it’s difficult for me to learn on my own or just through online videos. That’s why I’m looking for someone wh…
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sacboi

Do u know any good hiring agencies?

Do u know any good hiring agencies and can it be helpful in finding a job remotely as a 3d artist?
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NikhilR

Using Unreal Engine Assets in Portfolio: Industry Standards?

Hi everyone!I'm aiming to become an environment artist, mainly in the film industry, but I'm also open to working in gaming as well. So far my experience has been primarily with Maya and my portfolio…
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poopipe

Which 3d props pack is the best seller?

Hello, I want to make a 3d props pack to sell on the marketplace (cgtrader, sketchfab, unity assets store, etc.) How can I know which packs are selling more? How can I do research? I searched and the…
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Ashervisalis

Portfolio Feedback

Hi I'm a recent graduate and am applying for 3D artist positions. I haven't gotten any returns or interviews on my applications. I am currently working on adding realistic assets to my Portfolio but …
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zetheros

Taking a job somewhat game adjacent? Will that hurt my career?

Hello! A bit about me, I'm in my early 40s, and have been in games for 7 years. I'm a Senior Environment Artist and have worked at a handful of indie studios, with the most notable one being my recen…
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Joopson

Collectibles and figurines 3D sculptor jobs

Hi guys. I am an organic 3d sculptor and was working in this area for past 8 years in 3d printing industry. But now I just can't find remote work within this field. Do somebody knows what is going on…
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buzzkill

VFX - Houdini, unity or unreal engine for visual effects?

Hello guys im currently studing 3d modeling and i intent to focus on VFX. I cant decide which program to focus on. Now some1 will say it depents on what you want to do in the future, like video games…
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buzzkill

What is it like to work in an industrial company that works with multiple software?

Hello mates, I've been working as a freelancer for some time now, during which time I've learned to use a lot of broad of software, as generalist I know that you can imbed different software in …
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poopipe

Is it worth it to spend a lot of money just for the opportunity to talk to recruiters in person?

I'm thinking about going to Siggraph, a conference about computer graphics, and talking to recruiters on the job fair section of the exhibit. Unfortunately, I'm all the way on the East Coast and the …
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poopipe

Could you Suggest me tips for Develop My 3D Modeling Abilities for Game Development

Hello Polycount Community :)I am  new in 3D modeling and game development & want  to improve my skills and gain  insights into the industry; I have a background in software enginee…
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zetheros

Looking for advanced/masterclass course

Hi guys,Can someone recommend me some good advanced level 3D character course or tutorial.I was already looking on web and I was able to find some on Wingfox.com, basically this one: Real-time K…
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loshmiii

Game Artist

Hello everyone, I have a question and I did not know where to ask . I have a job offer to be a game artist for an idle game on smartphone. I wish to know how long in terms of hours does it take …
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Leinad

Article on University 3D Animation and Visual Effects Courses in the UK

A list of the most prominent universities for 3D animation and visual effects courses in the UK at the moment with an overview of the flavour of what each one offers:3D Animation UK Universities Whic…
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ShortnessBlaming

Research questionnaire for students applying for animation degrees...

Hi all My name is Jason Theaker and I'm reaching out from the Animation Program at the University of Bradford. I'm conducting research to understand why students choose specific programs and un…
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Mrtheaker

Whats a good course to start with likeness?

Title, i saw the course of Sefki Ibrahim and looks insane, but obviously as he specifies thats not necessarily a course for beginners, so i was wondering what's a good place to start with likeness so…
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carvuliero

Demo reel for game or film?

I am starting to create a demo reel for a new job, and I am trying to decide whether to use a model for a game or a model for a movie.My aspiration is in the film industry, but in my country the trea…
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poopipe

Artist's Block: Lack of Ideas and Self-Doubt After 2.5 Years of Blender Experience - Help Needed!

Hello everyone,I am Miki and I have been creating 3D animations with Blender for 2.5 years now. Before that, I worked in the photo and video industry for 2 years. I currently also work as a freelance…
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Fabi_G

Portfolio Feedback - Thinking about quiting 3d art

Hi friends, good morning, my story is the standard one, 2 years of feeling prepared for a job, and 2 years of applying without even getting an interview.At the moment I've lost my enthusiasm for maki…
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chien

Portfolio curation and content discussion

Hi!   I thought to make this thread to discuss what to include in a portfolio presentation and how much is needed to start applying to job opportunities.    I've noticed a lo…
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Alex_J

Question From a New Lecturer: What Makes a 3D Course Excellent?

I am structuring a new approach to the 3D side of a BTEC Level 3 Games course. I would love to hear from the community: hobbyists, students, those in industry, other lecturers and so forth, as to wha…
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Alex_J

Relevance of Scott Eatons Anatomy for Artists course for getting hired into the game industry.

When it comes to anatomy, what is the best way to approach learning it to come across as competant to a studio?I am exploring this question more from a hiring perspective where the art reviewers judg…
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NikhilR

Is it normal for in studio employed 3d artist to work on.....

.....sculpting /modeling/retopo/texturing of :organic characters,props,blendshapes,clothes,hard surface  weaponsrockshousesI have started a journey in a studio which is a groupation of thq nordi…
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chien

I saw a good presentation on planning modular asset sets - you should also see it

I don't normally watch tutorials because I obviously already know everything but this autoplayed and I thought it was very good.Greybeards (should) know all this but if you're smol and haven't had th…
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littleclaude

Does your school degree matter in any way in the games Industry?

I am just really anxious right now with being afraid of my future due to my stupid mistakes, let's say you are an self taught artist currently at a college specialized for a field that is far away fr…
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NikhilR

Anything to keep in mind for my first day?

Hello internet friends  :) I've recently been picked up by a really interesting studio with a hybrid work schedule and I'll be starting in May. I have the employee handbook and had all my techni…
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chien

Closed Getting Training For Characters - Reliable Options?

So, this year, I had been hoping to get some good training. I want to make character art, so I want to learn more about that. Obviously, that's anatomy, proportions, etc that I'm still weak at, and m…
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Eric Chadwick

"Reach out Anytime database"

I wonder if this has been shared before.Amir Satvat https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirsatvat/who's currently a business development manager at Tencent, has been doing a lot on linkedin for the vid…
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NikhilR

USE THE FORCE... To Supercharge Your Career Search

I found this live video event on linkedin to be very useful in understanding how to prepare and apply for jobs in game development.Its organised by Christina-Marie Drake https://www.linkedin.com…
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NikhilR

Critique for my stylized 3D Environment Portfolio

https://linahinyemata.artstation.comhttps://linahinyemata.artstation.comHello,I hope this message finds you well. I'm currently a game design student, having recently completed my Bachelor's degree a…
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LinaHinyemata

Selling a 3D model

hi there i got a question, so one of the models I did and texture, i was thinking of putting it on a site to sale but should i use something like gumroad or another site. Just was wondering on that. …
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alfonzx

restraunt

has anyone here worked at a horrible toxic restaurant before?? Did you guys have micro managing bosses 
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alfonzx

Providing Mentorship in Environment Art for Games

Hello Everyone,I have been mentoring for Game Art from a while now.Here is the profile where you can see the services and reviewsAmanpreet Bajwa (topmate.io)I do a monthly QnA session which is more o…
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7bajwa

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