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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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Student survey

[{"insert":"Is digital visualization an effective medium of communication in the design industry?\n\nDigital Visualization: The use of computer technology to create images, diagrams, or animations th…
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CharlieCope

To Think Tank Training Center Alumni: worth it?

I'm interested in think tank training center but I've got a few questions. If you've done the program and are answering this post (thank you) can I see some of your work, maybe before and after think…
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Ezra_Yarmush

Environment Art and Showcasing

Hey everyone, I've made a few posts on here before with my own asset creations. I recently started branching out and expanding my skills by going from just asset creation to also applying those …
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Mr_Nova

Audio oriented design portfolio

I'm currently trying to turn my hobby into a profession.Love working with electronics/audio gear. My goal is to get a designer position in a gamedev/advertisement studio.My Instagram account barely h…
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neilberard

will concept art and 3d art blend in as one job position in the future ?

hi,for example, how much of use is for some aspiring 3d artist who wants to break in the industry making 3d models based on somebodies 2d sketches?how much is a potential candidate employable in othe…
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BagelHero

Your Art Test is BAD, this is why (And how to improve it)

Hi, its been a while.A couple days ago this article was posted on 80.lv and this in a way is a response to it:https://80.lv/articles/game-art-tests-and-how-to-approach-them/TL DR:1. Select carefully …
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chien

Is my portfolio good enough for 3D artist or prop art position in games industry ?

Portfolio : https://www.artstation.com/elyesbensHello polycounters ! I've been sending applications to several game studios for a 3D artist position, and i get rejections all the time. Is m…
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ElyesBens

How to tackle vegetation(grass) on an enviro art test?

I've recently received an art test for an environment. I'm curious as to what would be the right way of doing things such as vegetation(mainly grass and small plants).The test is not of a nature scen…
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Ashervisalis

Professionals, how common is remote work post-Covid? (What kind of jobs allow for work from home?)

From what I've heard, typically prop art is the best way to enter the industry and it's flexible since it's freelance from home.I've heard a lot of workplaces are adopting remote work after covid thi…
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Eric Chadwick

Selling 3D assets on ArtStation

Hi guys!So I've been selling some 3D game assets on other marketplaces, but I want to start uploading these assets on all 3D marketplaces, in order to cover more ground.I looked over on ArtStation, s…
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PixelMasher

What schools are best for Character Designer/Concept artists

Hello everyone,I'm currently studying Game Art at the Gobelins in France, and i wanted some help finding fitting schools for the career I'm aiming forAs a bit of context, I don't really like working …
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MjcArt

am I the target of an elaborate .... scam?

so IS turn 10 studio hiring and do they send you a check after a 3 question interview?
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PixelMasher

I study Design and Concept Art, I want to find a place to practice and learn

Singer Serger Machine ReviewsA quality serger is a must-have tool for every sewing enthusiast who wishes to accomplish projects with professional-looking seams. After reading thousands of serger sewi…
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Eric Chadwick

Which program should I start with? ( 3dsmax, Blender, Maya )

Hello,I want to start game asset modelling like charachters, cars, etc. But i dont know how or where should i start. Actually i can create realistic architecturel interior or exterior scenes in 3dsma…
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Dhoine

Portfolio applying for an internship

Hi!I'm a game art student in France and, well, I have this silly dream of getting an internship at Riot or Blizzard someday. I don't really expect to get it, I'm not unrealistic, but if I don't try, …
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Neox

Gumroad Tutorials List

EDIT (3/26/16): This thread got too long to properly edit. Also it was getting a bit unruly. So we've moved it to the Polycount Wiki:http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/Gumroad_Tutorial_ListPlease keep po…
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sacboi

Huge Character Artist Opportunity... Imposter Syndrome Setting In

I recently had a HUGE opportunity sorta land in my lap, to work as a character artist on a very well known IP. Honestly, couldn't ask for a better setup... team seems amazing, and pay is good.Now, I …
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Alex_J

3d environment artist Self taught advice/guidance?

Hi everyone this is my first time posting here. I don't wanna waste your time so I'll just be forward with it. I have been learning self taught blender for over 3-5 months now and my goal is to get a…
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Larry

First job: 3d Artist

I have been looking for work these past days, mouths, years and now i land a job finally. And there is a problem I'm the worst of all of the new artist there. i cant meet the deadline and schedule, m…
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poopipe

Didn't make it as a concept artist; what can I do with my skills?

Hello polycounters;I made a portfolio critique thread last year, as I had been trying to get my first concept art job for 5 years. Today marks 6 years of me trying everything I can to finally break i…
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focus_method

Do you still love your specialization after many years in the industry?

Hello,I am currently exploring the world of graphics and would like to know your opinion on an interesting question.If you've been working in the industry for a few years in a specialization, do you …
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Zi0

Books you would recommend for 3D art?

I've read the PBR guide, and am currently reading Anatomy for 3D artists, as well as Digital Modelling by william vaughaun.  I'm looking for something that teaches fundamentals, nothing software…
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Ashervisalis

Any advice for students asking for studio tours?

Hello I'm currently a third year Games Art student and part of our coursework is to reach out to companies in groups and request either a studio tour or company interviewI was wondering if there is a…
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Neox

Is my portfolio showing potential to get a 3D artist job?

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Zi0

Where is UI/UX designed in games?

I wanted to ask about the softwares that are used for UI and UX design in games.I checked the wiki but I couldn't understand it or didn't find the answer I was looking for.Are game designed in tradit…
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poopipe

Suggestions? - Working with 3D, History, and Research

Hello!I'm currently working as a 3D hard surface artist, and I've been making models for games and VR mainly. Also, I really like realism, History (especially when it comes to Military History), and …
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Meloncov

interview

well just had an interview at a games company, went ok, but the fact that i have not really worked in games for  quite a  while and have not got many totally finished pieces from recent tim…
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neilberard

What should I charge as an hourly fee for my 3d models?

I'm, what I would say a low-mid level 3d modeler. I don't work with texturing and just make some more basic models (Some models are attached) . I'm wondering how much I should be charging per hour fo…
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Eric Chadwick

How long to get really good at 3d sculpting

I'm really enjoying 3d sculpting, I feel like it's something I can see myself doing for a long time and maybe even turn it into a career. I'm teaching myself trying to do an hour a day. How long do y…
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Ruz

Help with First Job Rates

Hi all! 👋I've received an unexpected email from a game developer (of those classic online girly games where you dress Elsa for prom)looking to hire me for 2D graphics work to develop assets for their…
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Larry

Learning material suggestions?

I went to a college for 3d art, my program got messed with so I didn't get a chance to learn stuff later in the pipeline and substance. After that I got caught in the tide of debt and making ends mee…
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Fayrek

What should my monthly wage be as a 3D Artist?

I've been with this company for about 5 years now (excluding internship), and I got rolled into the company right after graduating from MBO-4 (highest grade in terms of middle-education in the Nether…
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Zoddo

Best professionalizing courses

Hello can you suggest good certificate online courses that don't cost abnormously like gnomon but offer similar quality training certificates and opportunities?3d modeling/texturing gamecdedesign etc…
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Alex_J

Platforms for Sketchbook Showcasing

Hi all! I'm hoping someone can help me out here - I want to share my physical sketchbook online, as with online work becoming ever more present and most job interviews now being held over-the-phone, …
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Eric Chadwick

Will I reach anywhere modelling vehicles?

Hello, I have been trying to get into modelling vehicles for a long time since I have always been interested in cars for as long as I can remember,but every time I start I don't understand if there's…
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anuragipushp

Just for a change... Lets have a topic for a newbie!

Hi all,First of all, I want to apologise for probably asking the same question you've all heard a million times over!I am a blank canvas, completely fresh to the industry and the art world! I have st…
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sacboi

Art Periods/History

Recently I was getting some critic on my work when a friend mentioned how similar it was to Rococo. My response was "what's that?". This made me realise I have very little knowledge of art periods an…
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Beestonian

Can I become a AAA 3D Environment Artist with Maya?

I have looked into some of the job openings for multiple studios and most of them offer 3DS Max. While I can use both Maya and Max I really prefer using Maya. Is it possible to get into Maya or most …
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scottycharly

Where to find certain types of specialist?

Hi, I've put out some job postings everywhere I know of, but I'm looking for a specific kind of specialist and I wonder if anybody can help me narrow down my search a little more. I'm looking fo…
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oglu

Learn 3ds Max coming from Blender/Maya?

So I've been recently hired by a 3dsmax only studio, but I've only used Blender and Maya before. I'm trying to get up to speed in the following weeks before starting on october and I was wondering if…
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lluc21

Similar kind of website like - Gamedevmap

Hi Room,I am searching similar kind of website like the GamedevMap. Please help me. Actually i want gaming, AR/VR companies worldwide updated database. Thanks,Basu
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another caveman

Portfolio feedback and career advice needed.

Hello there! I have been in this forum for some time but I have never published anything. I hope you can help me.I am trying to prepare a good portfolio for a 3D props/environment artist position. If…
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JavierHR

Game-Asset-Question (Time - How much time is realistic?)

Hey Guys may I ask you a thing?How long would you say you would need to create a jacket like that (jacket combined with shirt + hood which is separatable, both has thickness but the inside only goe…
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Alex_J

Need advice - What kind of 3d props to aim for building a portfolio?

Hi guys,can u pls recommend what kind of props to aim when building a portfolio as a 3d props/environment artist?What would  game companies/clients be interested to see the most ? or in other wo…
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Taylor Brown

Student, looking for a professional concept artist to answer three short questions for an assignment

Hello, I’m a student in Australia, currently doing a Diploma in Game Art, and I’m looking for a professional concept artist to answer some questions for an assignment. They are short and sweet, and…
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Kane_C

Got opportunity as a 3d character artist and failed - what i've learned !!!

Henlo,i got the opportunity to work as a 3d character artist in the local studio but  i failed on the test.They saw my portfolio and they didn't complain about my 3d modeling/sculpting/texturing…
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focus_method

Prerequisites for putting certain skills/programs on resume/CV?

A lot of job postings out there seem to prefer people with a very wide range of skills/proficiency with many programs. I've used many programs myself, but have only put a few of them on my resume bec…
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Benjammin

What render engine should I use for portfolio renders(for game art)

I'm doing some portfolio assets(I'd like to work in the games industry in a future), and I was wondering what render engine should I use.I mostly use Blender, should I use cycles(a slower, but more a…
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oglu

Why don't video game people unionize?

It's no secret that game developers are overworked, underpaid and exploited. It should go without saying that what is happening at Activision Blizzard is absolutely discussting and I can't see a case…
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Ashervisalis

"Nature" as a narrow niche of environtment 3d art? Need for advice...

I'm a medium newbie in 3d art, just had my acquaintance with all the tools in Blender, also have some experience in Unity. Looking forward to becoming a 3d artist myself, but can't pick a specif…
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Alex_J

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