hey everyone, This may seem a bit odd ended, but I guess Im kinda intrested to hear if similar stories are happening to people with this kinda hobby/career is all.
Ive had to go atleast through 3-4 different girlfriends in the last year or 2 who have all seem to have wanted me to place them before my 3d, now normally being the usual stuborn person I am Ive droped them like a hot potato the instant they ever got in the way of me and my 3d works.
now the thing Is ive noticed that this kinda career and work takes massive ammounts of time, So im kinda curious people who are more higher up in the industry and in this kinda hobby/career, do you guys run into similar problems trying to told stable relations/marriages? Or is it just maybe me and my buddies down here just arent so lucky?
I dunno I was kinda curious to hear some input from a few people was all. Just a good offtopic note I guess
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She's currently at my place working on a Flash animation while I crunch at work.
Her WoW character has outleveled mine.
She's great.
my girlfriend is also in the art industry, so she understands and is just as busy. it works out.
My gf now is an artist. She's cool with it.
But I can see it being a problem when the hours are long (especially when its crunchie) and I enjoy my weekends because I can sleep in and just chill out on my own and work on personal art.
-caseyjones
I have had relationships that went the other way though. Just gotta find the right kind of girl.
V- Yea Im teaching mine some 3d anatomy stuff shes trying to get better at it, but its like teaching a guy with broken legs how to break dance
Adam- Ironically mines very similar and the reason I stick with this one asside from the usual nag her and there
casey- where you doing school / job hunting during that time as well?
to the rest of you with artist girlfriends - Lucky!
I guess it didn't help that she lived like 5mins down the road :P
-caseyjones
EDIT: All of you have girlfriends dammit... I'm like the only one without one that has contributed to this discussion. I feel shit now! HAHAHA
Still, I can definitely see the benefits to having an artist girlfriend!
I wont work absurd overtime, without financial renumeration.. and this comp should be finished soon so I can get back to having some real life! :P
Ironically enough I have a good buddy of mine whos been dating this girl for almost 9 years who getting married next month. Ive known him for a good 4 years now and never once have I ever seen or really ever heard of him ever spending time with his girlfriend. He now is getting a entry to midway because he spent the last 4 years no distractions whatsoever and is getting married, when I asked him what his secret was he told me the best bet "Train them when there young and lay down lay" and somewhere amongst that screwed up old school cuban thinking, im wondering if it really takes some lays to be layed down to find the good blance between everything?
Still its intresting to hear alot of people who found the amount of time to handle and balance everything!
Casey- yea dude dosent help when yours goes to school with you and knows where you lives and has her nintendo wii hooked up to your tv, with a copy of zelda unbeaten *Gasp*
Daz-off topic I noticed you had a parasytic moon thing, Do you happen to know kenny? I remember I met him in person when he was living down here a while ago, He gave me a test to do a character a long time ago but I was still to new to know how to do it proper, you wouldnt happen to have his email would you? I wanna revise that old monster and send it to him, Kinda just show him ive improved over time kinda deal.
My girlfriend is not an artistic person nor a videogame player, although the Wii has her coming around. She supports me 110% at what I do ... It's a great thing really and one of the reasons why I love her so.
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My wife is the same way. She moved to Texas while she was 8 months pregnant just to support me accepting a position she thought I may be happier in. Fortunately it paid off. She knows very little about video games and even less about 3d art but loves and accepts that I am passionate about it. God bless her and help her
although the Japanese are work crazy so I'm hardly unique.
Good to hear I am not alone in successful relationships withOUT an artist girlfriend!
I am awake much later than she is though so I can get a lot of my work done then.
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Hah, I am actually sitting here frantically working on my Dom War entry (hopeless case) and Heathers been in bed for 2 hours already. Dunno how she sleeps through my desperate keyboard bashing but anyway, she probably thinks I'm wanking.
seforin: kenny still hangs out here. Username is parasite7.
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Having a stable GF of course doesn't affect my day job, but it has definitely impacted the amount of time *outside* of work that I spend messing with 3D.
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Quoted because it's true for myself and so many others.
3D outside work is rare these days - simply because I'd RATHER spend time with Aileen than in front of a computer. I've already spent 8 hours a day for 5 days a week in front of a computer, and it's rare to want to continue that.
However, I do find that many people who get their first job in the industry spend vast amounts of time at home working to up their skill level (after seeing other people in a work environment for the first time.
For someone already in a relationship, this can be hard on the other person. I've seen this almost a dozen times in the last 6 or 7 years, and in half of those case it's led to a break up. It nearly did for me, but I was able to wise up.
As for the domwar, I too stay up later, but she knows I'm wanking.
Too bad it's over now
I've already spent 8 hours a day for 5 days a week in front of a computer, and it's rare to want to continue that.
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thats why i don´t want to work in the game-or-whateverinfrontofpc-biz
She is an artist too , so that made it a a bit easier.
I often used to work all night when I was mad keen to get in the industry, but we spent a lot of time together anyway so it was n't a big deal( he he sez me)
One of my mates was not allowed to touch the pc when his girlfriend was around.
My girlfriend posts on Polycount.
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As does mine.
Quoting Daz here: [ QUOTE ]
Having a stable GF of course doesn't affect my day job, but it has definitely impacted the amount of time *outside* of work that I spend messing with 3D.
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Quoted because it's true for myself and so many others.
3D outside work is rare these days - simply because I'd RATHER spend time with Aileen than in front of a computer. I've already spent 8 hours a day for 5 days a week in front of a computer, and it's rare to want to continue that.
However, I do find that many people who get their first job in the industry spend vast amounts of time at home working to up their skill level (after seeing other people in a work environment for the first time.
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Double quoted for truth. Since getting into the industry I have found work so rewarding and enjoyed it so much I don't see a need to go home and spend more time doing it, 8-12hrs is enough. I don't work in a poly-mill (far from it) so the work I do, feels like it is my own. I never leave work thinking "gahh.. I have to come back tomorrow and bang out 14 more trash cans, crates and dumpsters, I wish I could make something I wanted!?". I get massive amounts of creative freedom with the environments I create. When I do fire up the home machine I would much rather play WoW with the wife, or I start doing some stuff for work.
My wife is much like Adams and AZ's. She isn't into it but understands it is something I really like doing, she likes to get brief overviews of how stuff works and she can talk a good game to other poly-widows. She understands the Dom War and that this too shall pass.
This year the Dom War took a back seat to work and a pregnant wife. More getting a babies room together, shopping for baby stuff and driving to appointments rather than actually "taking care" of her every need. Most of the work for the babies room I did, mostly because I'm an environmental artist and it was my chance to make her room something special. So yeah I could have slapped the crib together put it in the corner and called it good and gotten back to the Dom War but thats not how I operate. I'm such a dork I even made concept sketches and a 3D model of the doll house/bookcase I made.
So long story short: If her eyes glaze over when you talk about poly-pushing best to find a new one. Watch out for the ones that pride themselves on what you give up for them. "I mean so much to my man that he gave up XYZ for me".. When it should be I understand, love and respect my man so much that I know he needs time to work on other things besides me"
To be completely honest, I wish I was like one of my old friends...completely asexual. The guy wasn't attracted to man or woman, he simply didn't get involved. He had so much time on his hands. I wish I was that lucky that I simply didn't care about any sex enough to persue a relationship, not in a bitter way ofcourse. And now, I'm happy my girlfriend doesn't visit polycount :]
To be completely honest, I wish I was like one of my old friends...completely asexual.
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Take it back man, take it back!!!!
You can't help but see both sides of the fence. Where one could see this career as a passionate one like most of us truly do, a majority still thinks we're just making video games solely because we play them. I've had a few girlfriends to wage through this battle before landing a job in the industry, and it's always been kind of an issue for me. Though comparing my situations to others is a bit different as I was in high school when the majority of this was going on.
Either way your lady friend might not be into video games at all (which I don't think is the debate). I don't think that should factor into the situation at all. Like Astro said, it's about them recognizing that you're passionate about it, no matter what the hell it is you're doing.
I'd rather play with boobies than with polygons. I mean, what the hell are you on about?
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ghey!
- Put your hobbies in the same room. My wife likes to make cards, do crafty things and watch horror movies. Putting her stuff in a separate part of the house makes her sad =(
- Laptops make you mobile, you can move your ass out by the TV and watch a movie while you work. I've heard people with kids like laptops because they can keep an eye on their kids and get "some" work done. I'm sure there are ages this just isn't possible. I'm sure there are some ages you will never find your lappy or if you do the battery will be dead... Meh...
- Stay up late or get up early. You want to score some major points, get up early if she has some kind of chore she normally does like clean out the cat box, do it for her. make her breakfast and show her what you're working on. Then later that night you have an in to say "I think I'll go work on that model I was doing this morning I just had a good idea how to tweak it".
- Being accessible is key. It does you no good to be more mobile or have your stuff in the same room if you're going to shut her down and not talk to her. Don't be annoyed if she pops her head over your shoulder (breaking your concentration) asking what you're doing, shes just curious or wants some attention, don't be a dick and shoe her away.
- CTRL-S = Spontaneous Sex. Learn to save and walk away and you'll earn the right to have sex another day.
- Finish your projects. Seriously this isn't just me being a dick again, about unfinished art. If you can show her semi tangible things like a level you did for Unreal, or a model you put in Quake then that helps her know you're serious about this and can do it, you just need time to work and hone. If all she ever sees is a NEW crazy mess of edges every other day how is that going to give her confidence that you aren't wasting your time? Besides AD's ask that you finish your projects so its a good habit to get into. =P
Ways I have found to rack up "couple time" while still working on side projects.
- Put your hobbies in the same room. My wife likes to make cards, do crafty things and watch horror movies. Putting her stuff in a separate part of the house makes her sad =(
- Laptops make you mobile, you can move your ass out by the TV and watch a movie while you work. I've heard people with kids like laptops because they can keep an eye on their kids and get "some" work done. I'm sure there are ages this just isn't possible. I'm sure there are some ages you will never find your lappy or if you do the battery will be dead... Meh...
- Stay up late or get up early. You want to score some major points, get up early if she has some kind of chore she normally does like clean out the cat box, do it for her. make her breakfast and show her what you're working on. Then later that night you have an in to say "I think I'll go work on that model I was doing this morning I just had a good idea how to tweak it".
- Being accessible is key. It does you no good to be more mobile or have your stuff in the same room if you're going to shut her down and not talk to her. Don't be annoyed if she pops her head over your shoulder (breaking your concentration) asking what you're doing, shes just curious or wants some attention, don't be a dick and shoe her away.
- CTRL-S = Spontaneous Sex. Learn to save and walk away and you'll earn the right to have sex another day.
- Finish your projects. Seriously this isn't just me being a dick again, about unfinished art. If you can show her semi tangible things like a level you did for Unreal, or a model you put in Quake then that helps her know you're serious about this and can do it, you just need time to work and hone. If all she ever sees is a NEW crazy mess of edges every other day how is that going to give her confidence that you aren't wasting your time? Besides AD's ask that you finish your projects so its a good habit to get into. =P
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hahaha wow man and here I thought the spontaneious sex thing was something I was just pulling off and locking myself in the same room with laptops.
yea I cant believe im not the only one on this one haha
Im surprised to hear so many people actually being able to work out doing relationships and this kinda career/hobby.
I guess gonna have to lay down some law if Im going to continue, and just expect the usual raping here and there
Im really lucky my girlfriend dosent know about me posting on this site alot, if she where to read this thread, I would be remita instead of remi by the time she was done with me
NO !!
Keep an eye out for this structured girl who will NAG you for the rest of your days because she isnt flexable.
If working on artwork has affected your relationships, I'd say you are perhaps a bit obsessive about the art. You need to find a good balance.
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QFT.
If working on artwork has affected your relationships, I'd say you are perhaps a bit obsessive about the art. You need to find a good balance.
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QFT, I would never allow my hobby or my job to come between my wife and I. But then I'm also lucky in that my wife loves video games too.
If working on artwork has affected your relationships, I'd say you are perhaps a bit obsessive about the art. You need to find a good balance.
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true but some of us newer people who arent born talented have to work double to get up to standards like guys like you, so its really tough to find the right amount of balance
I have a fiance who's a gamer and she's never given me grief about the time I spent workin on my portfolio, and then now that I've landed a character artist position she understands there may be days I work late and crunch. She also understands about those nights I stay up late, working on contest entries and wank.
true but some of us newer people who arent born talented have to work double to get up to standards like guys like you...
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no such thing as born talent. :] get out of that mindset dude.
I'm a fond believer of "you're the most important person in your life". I'm sure all of that changes when you have children, BUT...for now, my career/future is more important than my relationship. I try my hardest to not let my professional(student) life interfere with my personal life, and vice versa, but if one had to go, it would be the relationship. In the end, I have to look out for #1. The upside of this is, my girl completely understands this, and is of the same mindset.
And yes...hooray for boobies. :]
But also, be honest with her from the start. The very start. Tell her what your priorities are and what you care about. It also saves lives to tell her what you want out of the relationship. Be. Honest. It hasn't failed me yet.
But once you're working in the game industry professionally for a few years, you'll find that going home and doing even more UV mapping just isn't all that exciting. Sure you might get inspired for a little personal project now and then, but if you're already doing game art for 8-12 hours a day at work, you'll find that doing something different is much more interesting. Personally, I prefer to do my wife.
Now if you're a fairly driven person, you definitely need to find a woman who can accept this and will allow you some time on your own. But if you plan on just doing game art during every waking hour, you will not be successful in a relationship, and shouldn't even consider getting into one. If you did, then proceeded to neglect the person you call a girlfriend, then you're just being an ass.
A relationship requires two people to make it work, and if you are putting in zero effort, you are doing you s.o. a disservice. In fact they are not signifigant. So don't even call her a girlfriend or mislead her into thinking that she is. Frankly, I'm rather shocked that anyone who is consumed by a hobby could even find the time to attract a partner.
With all that being said, there's nothing wrong with focusing on an interest for awhile. But if you've been doing it for several years to the detriment of other aspects of your life, you can end up being a very one-dimensional person. Sure, you might be damn good at making game art, but at what cost?
No friends? No family? No lover? No bathing? No life?
Hmmm.... Not so good.
Hmm this would be a kinda awesome article on gamasutra or something. Seems alot of people have alot of different based input on this one
My girlfriend posts on Polycount.
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MoP wins! Thread locked!
-caseyjones
*sits in front of his PC and wonders where he took the wrong turn and decided to study molecular biology*