Relocating for a Job

Joebewon

Hey Polycount! I was wondering everyone’s thoughts here on relocating for a job.
Are there like regular practices that should be covered when relocating?

I was recently offered a job for a Graphic Artist for a studio that is just starting to dabble into game development. Most of their products have been arcade cabinets and they have one mobile game. They’re looking to branch out and create more games, and I would be doing some website work as well. The studio is in Wisconsin and I am living in Michigan so they want me to jump ships and head out that way.

What I’m wondering though, would you say this counts as “industry experience”?
And if anyone has experience relocating? Any tips or tricks you could throw out.

Thanks again for always having awesome feedback guys! Looking forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts on this!

skyline5gtr

I recently did it from chicago to virgina. I left my family with my wife in order to get the experience i needed in my career. It was my first real 3d job, and i do not regret it for one second yet. I miss everyone but I know this allows me to open doors later and practice every day. My company helped alot and paid for it all otherwise i do not think i would have

The question is do you want to be a graphic design or a 3d artist. If you want to be 3d I would pass on graphic artist job as you may get stuck especially moving

Joebewon

Well, it's tricky.
The title of the job is "Graphic Artist" but they would be having me create 3D models and assets for the games, and also creating graphics. From what I was told is that it's a "wear many hats" kind of position.

slipsius

If you`re making 3d assets for games, that definitely counts as experience. Are they helping with the move?

I've moved cross country. It's a bit of a pain. All I can say in terms of tips is if you`re looking for a place to live, don't forget to check kijiji and craigslist. Though, i think kijiji is canadian? Either way, those sell your stuff type of sites. craigslist, eBay Classifieds. you can find some good stuff on there. People renting out their condos and such.

Joebewon

slipsius wrote: »

If you`re making 3d assets for games, that definitely counts as experience. Are they helping with the move?

I've moved cross country. It's a bit of a pain. All I can say in terms of tips is if you`re looking for a place to live, don't forget to check kijiji and craigslist. Though, i think kijiji is canadian? Either way, those sell your stuff type of sites. craigslist, eBay Classifieds. you can find some good stuff on there. People renting out their condos and such.

Well, they officially offered me the job today and I told them I need to talk to my fiance about the whole thing. But, I was wondering if that's a normal thing that companies will help with the move.

I did not even think about checking out Craigslist! Thank you!

Sukotto

Yeah normally most companies will offer relocation help, though it doesn't bode well that they didn't mention it with the job offer. Good on you for getting out of Michigan, I used to live there and there's almost nothing game related there.

lukepham101

Joebewon wrote: »

Well, they officially offered me the job today and I told them I need to talk to my fiance about the whole thing. But, I was wondering if that's a normal thing that companies will help with the move.

I did not even think about checking out Craigslist! Thank you!

It depends from company to company on terms of the relocation assistance. Sometimes they'll help with the move, especially if it's a large well established company with a lot of finances. Typically if it's a small studio then you most likely you won't get any assistance. Anyways, it can never hurt to ask, the worst you'll get from them is they just say no.

Joebewon

Sukotto wrote: »

Yeah normally most companies will offer relocation help, though it doesn't bode well that they didn't mention it with the job offer. Good on you for getting out of Michigan, I used to live there and there's almost nothing game related there.

Yeah essentially, they just offered me a salary and told me if I have any questions to let them know. And there's whole lots of nothing when it comes to game related things in Michigan, the closest thing I've found is maybe getting into automotive.