Didn't make it as a concept artist; what can I do with my skills?
triangle
Hello polycounters;
I made a portfolio critique thread last year, as I had been trying to get my first concept art job for 5 years. Today marks 6 years of me trying everything I can to finally break in, and have finally given up hope. I'm in somewhat of a dilemma, as my last 4 years worth of resume experience have been in 2D layout for pre-kinder shows(that's all we get in Canada), but the career is low paying, rarely offers benefits and contracts are often very short and you end up spending 2-4 months unemployed between them.
I was wondering if anyone has any tips on areas that I might be blind to in which I can use the skills I learnt along my years trying to break into the industry, something that's perhaps better paying and more stable than pre-kinder animation? I'm aware that there are divergent career paths such as illustration for card games or board games, but I've also had 0 luck in those areas so I'm at a loss of where to go with my current skills, as they seem to be mostly irrelevant outside the niche and I'm not too keen on going back to school at age 30.
Thanks in advance!
I made a portfolio critique thread last year, as I had been trying to get my first concept art job for 5 years. Today marks 6 years of me trying everything I can to finally break in, and have finally given up hope. I'm in somewhat of a dilemma, as my last 4 years worth of resume experience have been in 2D layout for pre-kinder shows(that's all we get in Canada), but the career is low paying, rarely offers benefits and contracts are often very short and you end up spending 2-4 months unemployed between them.
I was wondering if anyone has any tips on areas that I might be blind to in which I can use the skills I learnt along my years trying to break into the industry, something that's perhaps better paying and more stable than pre-kinder animation? I'm aware that there are divergent career paths such as illustration for card games or board games, but I've also had 0 luck in those areas so I'm at a loss of where to go with my current skills, as they seem to be mostly irrelevant outside the niche and I'm not too keen on going back to school at age 30.
Thanks in advance!
Replies
Yes actually, I should have probably started off by sharing that, my bad!:
https://www.artstation.com/c0nstantini/albums/83219
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 2D production art, a quick google search gave me what is essentially concept art but then also 2D layout(which is what I currently work in), though as I mentioned earlier 2D layout is not a great career path as time has shown me.
https://www.artstation.com/c0nstantini/albums/83219
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 2D production art, a quick google search gave me what is essentially concept art but then also 2D layout(which is what I currently work in), though as I mentioned earlier 2D layout is not a great career path as time has shown me.
https://www.artstation.com/c0nstantini/albums/83219
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 2D production art, a quick google search gave me what is essentially concept art but then also 2D layout(which is what I currently work in), though as I mentioned earlier 2D layout is not a great career path as time has shown me.
https://www.artstation.com/c0nstantini/albums/83219
I'm not entirely sure what you mean by 2D production art, a quick google search gave me what is essentially concept art but then also 2D layout(which is what I currently work in), though as I mentioned earlier 2D layout is not a great career path as time has shown me.
Looks like you know how to do work and finish it, and I imagine by now you are proficient with the tools.
I am not an expert but I think if you focused on better shape language, learned more about color theory, probably those two key areas could make a big difference in how your art is received. It's the kind of thing where somebody probably only needs to paint over your work a few times and then you'll get it, I would imagine.
I can understand burn out.. but six years is a big time investment to throw away. Maybe take a break and then come back with intent to get as much expert advice as you can and then execute on that?
Maybe worth mentioning but Ive had a number of art tests and actually signed NDA's before but been ghosted or never replied too after. Maybe I've been *this* close to getting in but not had the luck.
Also, if you don't mind me asking, was there anything that immediately came out to you that you thought looked bad/weird/wonky or could be better? I will take any feedback necessary to polish up as much as I can.
And thank you!
The shape language feels really consistent throughout most pieces and is a little weird too me. A lot of heavy, chonky shapes, there are very few elegant curves or sophisticated details. Especially with the man-made items, I see so many simple geometric shapes it feels unfinished, and besides that they just aren't pleasing shapes to look at.
The art has a feeling like it is all dioramas of plastic toys - but like the cheap kind.
Colors are sometimes all right. In general I think if you used less and especially used high contrast colors more strategically, you would achieve a more serious tone.
Does it got to be always a serious tone? No, but the way you are composing these shots - many of them big epic panoramas - it just feels like a clash of styles to me if there is also chonky, cartoony buildings/characters with bright clashing colors.
Hopefully you don't take it personal, art is subjective and this is just my take on it, but if I am looking to hire a concept artist and I review your work, basically I only see one style and it is not like anything else I've seen so I don't know how to use it. If I designed a game to match your style I am not convinced it would sell. There isn't a clear, distinct style, it's a weird mash so I don't know who the audience is.
I would say to just straight up copy work from selling/big name concept artist, and try to get a feel about what they are doing differently. And try lots of genres and themes too, even if its not something that interest you. Look for global, common principles that exist across genres. Once you can identify that, then start tweaking the recipe to put your own personality on it. I think your work is just a little too out-of-the-ordinary. Certainly there will be some who identify with it but I think if you want a job you have to broaden your audience.
I can't deny any of what you're saying, specially reviewing my work along your comment, so I'll try going a bit more streamlined and see if that garners more attention perhaps. It's probably worth it to just say fuck it and go for straight up the most overdone route, if my style isn't working out.
Regardless, thanks for taking the time to write that up, I do really appreciate it!
and I agreed to Alex clear distinct style goes a long way ur concept is somewhere in between
Thanks for the follow Adrian; and I'm sorry about your banning situation, I can't imagine that makes things easy for you. Unfortunately, I'm an immigrant to Canada and contrary to what people think, it is NOT easy to immigrate to the US specially now(I'm actually Peruvian so my passport priority is way down the list if I don't have a job offer. But I'd go if I could). Regardless, thank you and I'll take heed to the fact that my style is not quite yet developed. I think I'll push a few more streamlined pieces and divide my portfolio half and half.
Hi Neox; I swear this is not hyperbole but I have applied to quite literally every single job posting from every company in Canada or remote for 6 years, just name a company and odds are I've applied(and also tried cold calling/messaging HR through linkedin prime credits). I also have never heard back from anyone except for the automated application decline. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I had a couple big companies reach out to me and I got as far as signing with them, then never heard from them again.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply to me!