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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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Latest Post

Question about being a Senior

[{"insert":"I recently got promoted to Senior Character Artist and I had some questions about what that actually entails.\nOur company structure currently is rather flat and I am the only one creatin…
8 Last
chien

I'm a 3d videogame artist who wants to start a career on 3d miniature sculpting. Where do I start?

[{"insert":"I currently work as a 3D artist for video games who wants to find footing on working as a 3d miniature sculptor but I'm not sure yet where to start. \nMy first option is to enroll on an o…
2 Last
Larry

Question regarding portfolio and getting into game dev

[{"insert":"Hello everyone!\n\nSome background about me. I'm a partially self-taught 3D Artist who specializes in Props and Environments. I followed a few different study programs related to video ga…
6 Last
Tiles

AAA game studios that use CAD for their assets

[{"insert":"Is this a thing? I swear i was reading an article the other day about this exact topic. I am currently learning fusion 360 and my pipeline is \nfusion for base modeling"},{"attributes":{"…
3 Last
solitudevibes

How would you land your first 3D job TODAY?

[{"insert":"You wake up with no experience or portfolio. Your objective is to find a 3D job fast. What do you do?\nWhat would you specialize in and why?\nHow would you build an interesting portfolio?…
28 Last
poopipe

Making popular videos in order to attract jobs?

[{"insert":"I'm looking for more ways to get attention of potential clients\/employers. I was wondering if making popular video's on youtube is a way to do it.\nSome of those backrooms themed videos …
4 Last
Neox

I'm trying to fix my life, but I don't know how to handle huge employment gaps in my job history

[{"insert":"- 3 years of university (worthless, made-up degree). Failed 3 years in (out of 5 years). \n- 1 year unemployed.\n- Worked for 1 year in a warehouse. Quit.\n- Worked for a little over 1 ye…
4 Last
neilberard

Help about direction of studies

[{"insert":"Please i need some help.\nHello I know there have been many such threads, and I apologize if I am repetitive. My situation is one of confusion, I know there is a lot of work to be done an…
6 Last
Eric Chadwick

Are there retopology specialists?

[{"insert":"I have a concept model that needs retopology. Is it easy to find freelancers to work on retop only? i havent seen much online. Is it difficult to get retop done on concept art and does th…
4 Last
thomasp

For beginner sculptors wich is more viable: Fanart, Original characters or other artists concepts?

[{"insert":"i want to become an collectible statue sculptor but i dont know if i should do fanart, my original concepts or ask to reproduce someone else's concept.\n"}]
6 Last
carvuliero

Learning to use expensive software in order to reduce foreign competition?

[{"insert":"Is it a good idea to learn how to use more expensive software in order reduce competition from other countries? The thinking is people in places like Russia, India, etc, will have a much…
25 Last
poopipe

Will using base mesh get me into market for selling or for a Job in future ??

[{"insert":"Hello everyone, I'm starting my side hustle in 3D industry, I'm still learning while modelling and I have wanted to model characters, a lot of people use base mesh and some uses scratch m…
6 Last
Neox

Leap of faith.

Hello guys i just wanted to share some thoughts with you to get it out of my chest, and hoping to get some helpful advise from you guys.I want to do 3d. I want this as my job, as badly as anyone,mayb…
21 Last
seifdune

Wren - Minimalist and free portfolio theme for Wordpress.

So I'm not sure whether or not I'm posting this in the correct area, if one of the mods could assist if it's not correct that'd be awesome.I've started development of a Wordpress theme that I intend …
119 Last
Eric Chadwick

Reach out to the community for help.

[{"insert":"Hello guys,\nCurrently, I just failed an art test at a game studio. I've been working in the industry for 3 years and am now slowly transitioning to the role of a 3D modeler for games. I …
9 Last
zetheros

Unpaid Art Tests - Why is this even a thing????

Hi Polycount, I'm a freelance artist and recently I've been given two art tests. Both are unpaid and both expect couple of days to complete.One demands 2 days of my working days and another is 5 days…
41 Last
Lukes3D

3D Training Institute - any good?

Hi!This is my first post on Polycount! I have some prior 3D modeling experience in Wings3D and modding games - nothing good enough to share - and am interested in developing my skills further with th…
11 Last
aregvan

Recent 3D Art Graduate - Career Advice/Guidance Wanted

[{"insert":"Hey everyone, it's been like a year since I posted. I’ll try to keep the introduction short. I am sorry for the long read below, just a scared young adult. Title explains the current situ…
3 Last
chien

How long did it take to find your first job in the gaming industry?

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17 Last
Taylor Brown

3D Environment Game Engine Prop Modeler

[{"insert":{"embed-external":{"data":{"url":"https:\/\/us.v-cdn.net\/5021068\/uploads\/8R7DVBY9PFHO\/26ba9e3c-8270-4d2a-b227-a0dbc113e275.jpeg","name":"26BA9E3C-8270-4D2A-B227-A0DBC113E275.jpeg","typ…
0 Last
cgsoph

Is it awkward to watch a tutorial at work?

[{"insert":"I worked as a freelancer for the major part of my life and then only in a micro company, so this was never a concern to me, but I wonder: does it feel awkward to watch a tutorial if you w…
11 Last
chien

Portfolio & CV review for an aspiring environment artist

[{"insert":"Hi guys ! Hope you're all doing great and having the time of your life ! \nI'm humbly posting here hoping for you people from far and wide to take a couple of minutes of your precious tim…
11 Last
Bhasara

Think Tank Online - Review??

Hey Guys,I am thinking to study an online course for 3d modelling, I found two that caught my interest CGspectrum and Think Tank Online. CGspectrum has been  around for years and all the reviews…
13 Last
Aaro

3D concept artist path to work

[{"insert":"Hello. I want to be a concept artist in zbrush, subd and cad, do 3d concepts, some stuff like ACMS, Bulgarov, Mike Nash etc. and would like to ask for advice. What do I need to study firs…
4 Last
ryzhkxv

SLIGHTLY Autistic ARTIST, worried about work place politics!?

[{"insert":"Hi guys\n\n I'm a 3d artist been working outside the industry. I have recently been diagnosed with Asperger's (high functioning autism). I don't have any disruptive quirks I'm just kind o…
7 Last
poopipe

How long it takes to get a decent job?

[{"insert":"I know, I know. Kind of a stupid thing to ask, especially at my level. Just hear me out\n\nHello everyone,\nI'm currently studying 3D and I want to get into the job eventually. Thing is -…
3 Last
sacboi

3D Visualization career in 2k22

[{"insert":"Hi mates, \nI've been in the digital marketing field for the last 5 years, and the industry sucks. That makes me think about "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"getting back"},{"inse…
0 Last
39v

Being concept artist and working online only?

[{"insert":"Hi guys! I would love to hear your advice on what should I choose as a career. A bit of my background first may be useful\nI work as a drawing teacher in Poland, and I mainly teach archit…
5 Last
killnpc

Looking for direction; Thoughts on using a Hammer SDK environment as a portfolio piece

[{"insert":"Hello!\nI'm a student artist who is looking into incorporating 3D environments into my portfolio. I have a passion for level design and environmental art, so I started by learning Maya, Z…
3 Last
Iwazaruk7

3D Artist's Handbook (wiki)

[{"insert":"I've been working on a 3d character artist's handbook(github wiki) that covers the entire workflow as well as other things like composition, anatomy and so on. I think it's now at the poi…
2 Last
Iwazaruk7

[Education] Resources for learning 3D environment art?

[{"insert":"Hello,\nI've been studying 3D art for a couple years now while working a full-time job. I know how to use Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, RizomUV, Photoshop, and Marmoset Toolbag 3. I ju…
2 Last
Alex_J

Advice on where to take my portfolio/ which pieces to focus on.

[{"insert":"Looking for Portfolio advice\/critique! Thank you in advance!\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https:\/\/www.artstation.com\/ypielet\/albums\/8017853"},"insert":"https:\/\/www.artstation.com\/y…
5 Last
ypielet

how available are remote positions for environment artist

[{"insert":"i am learning environment art and trying to get a good portfolio but i am based in Egypt where we don't have that many studios, so can i get an entry level remote position as an environme…
4 Last
Meloncov

Career Path from a 3rd world country

[{"insert":"Hello. I've I'm a self-taught 3d game environment and props artist and I would consider myself still learning but in two years or so I would want to start Searching for jobs. Unfortunate…
17 Last
poopipe

Frustrated Student Contemplating Dropping Out To Work (Please Advise)

[{"insert":"Hello Polycount,\n\nI don't post much here but I'm in dire need of advice other 3D artists in the industry.\n\nI'm a self-taught 3D artist that just completed my first year of university …
15 Last
zetheros

Environment Artist career path advice...what happens to the older folks?

[{"insert":"Generally wondering a career path for an Environment Artist. The usual age range, from my experience, is people in their 20s\/30s. What about the older people? I don't really ever see Env…
8 Last
Eric Chadwick

A really interesting read. "Abuse of VFX Artists Is Ruining the Movies"

[{"insert":"This was posted on gizmodo about the situation affecting vfx artists. I do feel there is some overlap with the games industry particularly outsourcing.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https:\/…
3 Last
pior

Anyone have advice on overcoming indecisiveness/analysis paralysis when starting projects?

[{"insert":"Since graduating I've found it somewhat difficult to pick and commit to personal projects. It's not that I'm unmotivated, I'm constantly trying to work on new projects and learn new thin…
5 Last
killnpc

I need some advice on my portfolio and jobs seeking.

[{"insert":"Hello,\nRecently, I've tried to apply to some game studios and got turned down by all of them. It just got me to the point of thinking like \"I need some solid feedback and guidance on my…
8 Last
Lukes3D

Advice about switching from a big company to a new company in a senior role

[{"insert":"Hello everyone,\nI wanted to ask for some advice from those of you in lead roles or art direction roles about an opportunity that I have recently been fortunate to have access to.\nI'm cu…
4 Last
Larry

Is it weird to ask someone on Artstation how their last outsource studio was?

[{"insert":"I never worked freelance before and today out of the blue I got an offer from an outsource studio. Panicked a bit first and I'm definitely excited. \nI'm frantically reading through all …
6 Last
Alex_J

Question: How far can I get with Blender?

[{"insert":"Hi everyone! I'm new here and I'm an aspiring 3D environment artist. I started off in 3D modeling through Blender, and I wanted to know how far I can go with that versus having to take th…
4 Last
Ruz

3D Architectural jobs and engineering knowledge?

[{"insert":"I would like to break into doing freelance work for architectural jobs on Upworks. However, I'm curious how many of these jobs require you to have actual structural engineering knowledge?…
1 Last
Benjammin

How to transition from an architecture firm to design 3D models for videogames? Entry level jobs?

[{"insert":"I have a master's degree in architecture, worked in the field for 2 years and I'm hating it. During that phase I did a lot of research to learn more about myself and specifically what I l…
4 Last
sacboi

General advice for a new Lead Character Artist

[{"insert":"Hey,\nSo I wanted some advice from any Lead Character Artists in the games industry.  I’ve just heard that I’m to be promoted to Lead from Senior, which is cool as who wouldn’t want a pro…
4 Last
poopipe

¿How much money should I charge for a 3d model for 3D printing? (only the model, not the print)

[{"insert":"Hello everyone, i'm a freelance 3D modeler currently working a side job on making 3D print files, and I find hard to find how much to charge for my work (making the 3D file, not printing …
3 Last
killnpc

I like drawing geometric designs like these, what kind of job should I get?

[{"insert":"Eever since I was very young, I liked to design things like these. I wanted to become a 3D artist but I only like drawing with a ruler. So I got a certificate from Full Sail University wh…
5 Last
killnpc

Am I wasting my time with a Games Art degree?

Hello new friends, I hope this is the correct place to ask this question, i arrived here from a related post that was similar. Basically, my dilemma is that I've been accepted a place at a universi…
28 Last
taro_29

Confused Upon Choosing Correct Resources for Environment Art/Design.

[{"insert":"Hey guys,\nI am from india ,which means there arent much good schools to teach 3d for industry standards. Can anyone please suggest some good resources to learn environment Art in Maya,U…
9 Last
sacboi

alternative careers?

[{"insert":"so what alternative careers have you ever considered apart from computer graphics. I am seriously considering ending my involvement after 27? odd years but nothing springs to mind.\ni sti…
14 Last
Ruz

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