Is there an age limit to get into the industry?
Hey, first off, I am sorry if there is a thread like this floating around already. I tried to search for it but the forum thought the search strings were too small (old, for instance).
I'm sure a few of you may ask location or desired position so I'll leave that here in case it helps with anyone's answer. I'm in Dallas so I'm not too far away from some great developers here and in Austin. If I had my choice I would work with level design/environment development/asset development.
I'm in my late 20s, very late 20s. I just completed a degree that involves 3D game development. I'm still developing my skills. I'm probably at an intermediate level right now. I try to learn new techniques whenever I can, but I can be honest with my work and say that it definitely can be improved upon.
I know breaking in the industry is difficult, but is it impossible the older you get? I have no issue starting at the bottom of the barrel, but do hiring managers want a 30-35 year old junior designer? I was a bit older than some of the other students so I see all these younger kids and it concerns me a bit. I went to school part time when I had the chance while I worked. As of now I still have no choice but to work a job I don't generally enjoy and that isn't in the field at all so I can keep the bills paid. I'm not saying this part to whine, I'm glad I have work right now, but I am saying it because I see it as both being older and having no professional experience in this particular field.
What I would like to do is buckle down now that I'm not torn between class assignments and a full time job to take the techniques I've acquired and produce actual production quality work instead of just quick tests to see if the techniques can be used in certain ways. Although, if it is increasingly difficult to get employed as age advances then I'd rather not waste so much time and effort in a war on futility and just move it into more of a hobby thing. Don't get me wrong, if I know there is a shot I'd keep on full speed, but I am a realist and that's why I want to try and get this question answered, or at least a little light shed on it by everyone who wants to participate.
I'm sure a few of you may ask location or desired position so I'll leave that here in case it helps with anyone's answer. I'm in Dallas so I'm not too far away from some great developers here and in Austin. If I had my choice I would work with level design/environment development/asset development.
I'm in my late 20s, very late 20s. I just completed a degree that involves 3D game development. I'm still developing my skills. I'm probably at an intermediate level right now. I try to learn new techniques whenever I can, but I can be honest with my work and say that it definitely can be improved upon.
I know breaking in the industry is difficult, but is it impossible the older you get? I have no issue starting at the bottom of the barrel, but do hiring managers want a 30-35 year old junior designer? I was a bit older than some of the other students so I see all these younger kids and it concerns me a bit. I went to school part time when I had the chance while I worked. As of now I still have no choice but to work a job I don't generally enjoy and that isn't in the field at all so I can keep the bills paid. I'm not saying this part to whine, I'm glad I have work right now, but I am saying it because I see it as both being older and having no professional experience in this particular field.
What I would like to do is buckle down now that I'm not torn between class assignments and a full time job to take the techniques I've acquired and produce actual production quality work instead of just quick tests to see if the techniques can be used in certain ways. Although, if it is increasingly difficult to get employed as age advances then I'd rather not waste so much time and effort in a war on futility and just move it into more of a hobby thing. Don't get me wrong, if I know there is a shot I'd keep on full speed, but I am a realist and that's why I want to try and get this question answered, or at least a little light shed on it by everyone who wants to participate.
Replies
As long as you have the portfolio to get your foot in the door and can gel with the team at the studio, you'll be fine.
So I went to Uni, got my degree when I was 30, got a job working in Film as a junior along with another "junior" who was 40 years old, and am kind of glad that I started later in life.
I don't think I would have appreciated what I have now, if I'd started when I was younger >_>
thaaat's...kind of being a dick.
Any who, Im 25 and have been modeling since I was 23 and going to school for the next 3 years for the exact same thing. I feel as if I started when I was 18 I wouldnt take it seriously.
whining? wtf :poly121:
you working a job you don't like to pay the bills is admirable, not something to be ashamed of... wear it as a badge! it speaks well to your character.
the most important thing is your work, the second thing is your personality and contacts, experience is somewhere after that... and age doesn't even rate on the scale
Not really its sound advise one of the hardest things to for young artist is to not come off cocky. I suffered from the same problem. Just trying to fit in is hard enough you dont have to prove your skills after youre hired is what I should have said.
My drawing has even surpassed in the last few years a friend of mine who I could have never dreamed surpassing when I was 15-16, im not saying you can't get into it early if that's what you want to do, but to really get good, you have to get dedicated and have a mature mindset, and realize there is no instant pay off (unless you have some voodoo talent) and its going to take you alot of hard work for little short term reward to progress.
A nice thing I think to do is to reflect on your old work, I get some odd mood swings about my work especially when comparing to others which stems from my desire to be a complete expert, unfortunately this can be counter intuitive so I find reflecting on your rate of progress is a good idea, if you have made a great improvement over a year, think where you will be if you maintain it to next year, and the year after that.
Age isnt an issue - competence, personality and breast to waist ratio are the main factors
(That last one may not be entirely serious)
All I can say is your skill level is not dependent on your age, but you can't escape judgement.
And the moral of the story is
If your good enough your old enough!