This was actually asked during an application.
I'd like to think that I'm experienced enough, but until I look over what they want me to do exactly with the program in studio on the job, the self-assessment of me being a "rockstar" makes me wonder what exactly they are looking for in their artists?
I also feel like an egotistical prick to have to admit that I'm secretly a rockstar, and usually I'm quite realistic about what can be expected of me.
How would you answer this?
Also you can switch the word rockstar with samurai, ninja, top tier, superman, hulk, iron man, boss baby, wizard, char aznable, amuro ray, unicorn gundam, NZ 666 Kshatriya. etc
Kinda reminds me of this weird scene from Devils Advocate
https://youtu.be/2GzPEq-tqGA?t=61
Replies
All I know is what I read in the advert, so in that sense I feel I'm qualified for what is expected.
For instance I went with,
"I feel that I'd have sufficient experience using the program for the task I'm assigned, and I am always ready to learn any workflows your pipeline requires."
The word "rockstar" though, I've no idea if anyone anywhere on the scale qualifies to be what that word actually means. Even the best artists are constantly learning and this question just feels weird.
But I'm guessing they're just being trendy?
I cant imagine a working professional actually putting 10 and not feeling like a bit of a dweeb, for the very reason Eric mentioned
"I typically do my character workflow using x,y, and z tools. But if its this type of model then I may use a,b, and c tools"
But barbarians accept their awards from the civilized world honorably. Maya Badge of "2" will be worn with pride. Better than a 1.
And honestly I would have answered something like "Don't know if I'm a rockstar but I'm using the software for x years now regularly for xyz"
If they don't think this is more useful then.. well
While I'm joining the laugh at the same time I do cringe more than just a bit when I see the question asked by recruiters/companies... and no, its not just small/inexperienced studios doing it... and on the other hand I guess we are already used this level of profiency from HR-departments all around the industries...
I do feel the higher up's there can influence change by bringing this up internally since I think this ask is to help them understand the level of potential applicants?
I did write to them clarifying what the position I applied for was but never received a reply back
Strange way to operate for such a big name studio and this was before this COVID madness started.
I applied for layout artist position in the Asset Department instead I was rejected for the lighting artist position in the rendering department.
Its no big deal, I just replied asking to let me know if there are any positions in what I was applying to in the near future.
Kinda wondering if they sent the rejection/approval intended for me to a lighting artist lol
To be honest it feels funny more than anything, pretty straightforward job of a production artist being compared to the life of a rockstar based on a arbitrary number on a scale for a single program.
Sillier still since it basically validates all those resumes they tell us not to send, the ones with the percentage markers and scales for specific programs and skillsets.
Just goes to show how bizarre the speculative aspect of job applications can be, and you'd be surprised how many people are deluded into believing this doesn't happen simply because they absolutely truly and often blindly love these companies starting out.
I just felt that given the present situation with many companies working from home, they would need experienced freelancers.
I keep applying either way, maybe one day the timing will be right and I get a positive reply.
In the meantime, I always have something going on, making things for ongoing personal projects, tutorials and 3D printing alongside paid freelance work.
I can only speculate about what these companies are looking for in an employee since their decision making is so fluid, but one thing I can certainly do is contribute well towards what I'm specialised for.