Battle Plan Advice

zebus_0

Pretty much common question around here (I'd assume, I don't post often) but just thought I'd ask if anyone has any good advice as far as taking the next step after graduation. I've been out of school about 2 years now. I graduated with a degree from a state University in Computer Animaton. I received a...less than desirable education that really prepared me to get into the industry. I was trained in Lightwave and have been teaching myself 3DS Max for around the last year or so.
As of right now I'm a generalist, would be the best thing to call it, working towards being more specialized in modeling and environment work. I've applied to at least 100 companies and no dice. I feel like what I really need is an internship to sharpen up my skills with professionals and get a little more relevant, not to mention a better portolio/resume.
I check LinkedIn all the time for job posts and regularly apply, I don't have many contacts though. I also check on here in the Opps section, as well as just checking other major studios and company's websites regularly.
Unfortunately while I'm trying to take the next step, I need money so I'm working an unrelated traveling job which has basically killed my workflow outright. Until I can get a laptop to support 3D work the only thing I can do on the road is watch for jobs and read up on stuff. The situation is not ideal, but I'm trying to make money so that I can relocate to an area more condusive to those sorts of opportunities (I live in Missouri, art is not a priotiy there).
I'm starting to get worried though, I worry the longer I'm out of school the more outdated and irrelevant my knowledge will become, and any employer is going to ask what exatly I've been up to for ___ years. I just feel like I'm not doing everything I can, there has to be something I'm missing.
Any advice at all or suggestions are welcome.

Equanim

Keep adding to your portfolio. That's how your skills stay relevant. If your placeholder job doesn't allow you the time to do that, you need a new placeholder job. (Otherwise THAT becomes your career.)

Move someplace where there's actually work. (I'm assuming you're still in Missouri) Companies in crowded fields don't relocate employees for junior positions.

Keep applying and possibly widen your scope to include advertising etc.

PyrZern

Might help also if you post what you have been making in your folio.

huffer

You could get involved in some unpaid projects (there are a ton) as 3D artist making assets, you'll get some inside knowledge, add to your portfolio as well as have some projects you worked on in your CV.

rino

post your portfolio so people can know where you at. and if you have applied to more than 100 companies and none of them want you, it usually means you are not good enough, yet.

post your folio or what ever images you have of your work.

ames549

huffer wrote: »

You could get involved in some unpaid projects (there are a ton) as 3D artist making assets, you'll get some inside knowledge, add to your portfolio as well as have some projects you worked on in your CV.

Would totally agree with this. I'd been doing unpaid projects for a few months before I got anything paid. Looks good on the CV, builds your knowledge and helps you grow your portfolio.

zebus_0

Derp. My portfolio is at www.justinafleming.com. I overlooked this and thought it was in the original post.

zebus_0

Reply as to moving on to something else, the thing is the job I have now pays quite well, and there is nothing else I could move on to in the area that wouldn't be a massive paycut, so for the time being I view it as justified sacrifice to get where I want to be, the only reason I'm doing it is to get enough money to move on and get that animation job I want.

Tobbo

The cold hard truth is that your work is not up to par with the industry yet. That's the reason you haven't heard back from anyone.

You're going to have to find another job (even with the paycut) if you don't have time with your current job to improve your artwork on the side.

Also if you want to be an animator why are there no animations in your portfolio?

PyrZern

Asylum piece: I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking at. Nor do I know how are they supposed to look like or feel like. Or breakdown of texture or polycount.

Detective office: Similar to Asylum piece. I'm not sure how optimized are those assets.

Thompson: Poor texture. Weird normal issue with lowpoly. And I don't get to see your texture sheets.

Also, please note what engine you use to render as well.
If you wanna be animator, then start animating. If you want to change focus and do envo stuff, then you have to study material definitions more. If you're no character artist, then you could grab some freebies and animate them. Or ask people around here to let you rig their characters and animate em. I know a lot of character artists here just pose the characters and call it done. Of course, you have to give credit.

sprunghunt

zebus_0 wrote: »

Derp. My portfolio is at www.justinafleming.com. I overlooked this and thought it was in the original post.

the link under "visit my homepage!" in your username is wrong - it goes to: www.justafleming.com - which doesn't work.

just letting you know so you can fix it.

Lazerus Reborn

For the love of god, don't leave your current job until you've signed the contract for your new one. Just don't.

I'll do the website crit then ;p

I've done this is the countless other threads that pop up now. Use wordpress for your portfolio. Get a better template than the one you have and your presentation will be so much better. There's no reason for you not to unless you happen to excel at all the latest design standards. Also Black BG, is a never. Light websites are easier to build, dark need a lot more care and understanding of contrast/color.

Also if you are using this as your main portfolio, please delete the "video art" section. It's just not relevant to the purpose and seems like a myspace throw back.

Research into wordpress and PM me in a day or two if you are having troubles. I'll walk you through it if needs be.