What are the chances of a US/Canada based studio hiring entry level/junior artists with minimal exp?

AGoodFella

I'm seeing more job opportunities abroad than here in the UK. I don't mind moving but I don;t have any game experience so I shouldn't even try applying for jobs abroad right? Since I'm just looking for my big break.

Some of the job postings say you have to have a valid work permit but not all.

Tommy85

Almost none. There are enough Junior artists there to save the hassle/pay with visas to get you over. For US, you would also need exceptional skills that can`t be found there for you to get inn. Best start? try to get an internship and work on portfolio. 

hmm_rock

I'm currently in the process of moving to Canada from the US on a work visa. Like the US, Canada has pretty strict educational or experience requirements for a work visa, like a certain number of years or particular degree. I've been told its 4-5 plus at least a 2 year degree in a related field. I think if you are either lacking a degree or work experience entirely you need something like x2 or x3 the number of years in the thing you do have. i.e. No degree? 8 years of experience needed. I may be wrong on that or the exchange rate. The company hiring you usually helps with the process, providing documents that make a case to the immigration agent why you should be given a work visa, so I guess it comes down to them as well. 

So junior? Probably not, but maybe with a good portfolio and substantial schooling? Canada also has an express lane for high-demand fields like graphic designer/ programmer. Also, try reaching out to a recruiter of the studio you are interested in with this question. It is quite literally how I got my job. 

PixelMasher

There are plenty of uk studios, i know a couple big ones just opened up, one in leeds i think. Splash damage will probably be cranking out gears of war content for the next few years i would imagine. Tailor your portfolio to one of the many studios in the uk, and you will probably have a better chance of getting a job quickly.  

Create a laser focused portfolio and make it impossible not to be in their radar. Make your own opportunitys. 

AGoodFella

Thanks everyone, I knew it was a long shot but opportunities are not not abundant. Got to keep grinding, it's tough but got to keep going, fight the doubts, keep going and don't look back.

melviso

@hmm_rock

High demand fields like graphic designers? I thought that was removed from the Federal Skills Workers Program. Does Architectural Visualization fall under this category?

hmm_rock

@melviso That's what I was told by the company helping me with the process. Pretty sure any digital arts falls under graphic design for simplicity of explaining it to people. 

melviso

@hmm_rock   Thanks for the clarification.

BrianShray

Chances are slim to none. 
It would help if you join up at a local studio and gain atleast a couple years of experience. 
With the vast amount of job applications most companies get, they are usually spoiled for choice, with numerous applicants who already have industry experience. 

onionhead_o

Quite frequently in the Film/VFX sector. If you don't mind me asking, Whereabouts in Canada are you situated.

AGoodFella

onionhead_o said:

Quite frequently in the Film/VFX sector. If you don't mind me asking, Whereabouts in Canada are you situated.

I live in the UK.

onionhead_o

sorry bout that, I misread.
But There are a few big companies that is hiring in UK, Granted they are VFX companies. 

MPC
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/MPC/99392082-animator?trid=e928b0a1-35d0-456d-82b4-91ba6be64527

Framestore
https://chk.tbe.taleo.net/chk01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=FRAMESTORE&cws=39&rid=112

Double Negative
http://www.dneg.com/careers/?p=job/oStz5fwJ

Jesse_Flores

Man I'm sure there are PLENTY of things in the UK, if you lived in like South America or something, then it be so tough haha.  I say find some small time studio, get some experience, lvl up, and then if you still wanna go to the US, try to apply once you get some exp under your belt.