Experience advice please

SnakeDoctor

I am currently attending a Community College for Simulation and Game Development. Like most people that go to these schools I have been spending most of my time learning outside of class. Charlotte doesn't have much in terms of 3D and this really limits my potential internship/job opportunities. Once I get my portfolio together other then moving right away, is there any way I can get some industry level related experience? I have thought about freelancing but I often hear that you really need industry experience to get noticed. Should I try freelancing for less known/start up companies that maybe need 4 or 5 props made? I was looking on O-Desk at some 3d modelers and they reeled in about 40,000 for that year. Although its not technically the game industry, in my humble opinion their models were sub-par in comparison with what I can do. I really only need $100 a week to match the current theater job I have now. Am I looking at this the wrong way? If so what a good way to approach this issue. Thanks in advance for your help.

-Chris

raul

the 1st thing would be to learn the trade. if the school doesnt offer it. Drop it. There is a bunch of training on the gnomon workshop and such that u could get for what you would paid for a class. Thats how i did it, when the proffesor didnt cover something. The next thing would be to make friends with other artist. Tho, be careful with this. Hang out with good people, not people that drag u down. Lastly, hit the forums, daily. This kinda thing could take years. So just be patient and do your best.

Schools are there to prepare you, but its up to you to make your work stand out from the rest. They are also a great way to meet industry people and the like. Stick around, and just do your best. There is really no answer to this question your asking. Other than, bust balls...lots of it!

PredatorGSR

Mod work for well known and legit teams. Check out Mod DB and look at the most popular mods, as well as the few that post updates to polycount. You get experience working with a real team, a lot of the time there are at least couple industry vets on the team to learn from, and some of the more popular mods have even been featured in PC gamer and other magazines like that, so they get enough press that actual studios have heard of them.

If you've gotten the basics down and can produce quality art, this is a great place to get some experience. I got my first job on the strength of my mod experience and the portfolio pieces that resulted from it.

bluekangaroo

PredatorGSR wrote: »

Mod work for well known and legit teams. Check out Mod DB and look at the most popular mods, as well as the few that post updates to polycount. You get experience working with a real team, a lot of the time there are at least couple industry vets on the team to learn from, and some of the more popular mods have even been featured in PC gamer and other magazines like that, so they get enough press that actual studios have heard of them.

If you've gotten the basics down and can produce quality art, this is a great place to get some experience. I got my first job on the strength of my mod experience and the portfolio pieces that resulted from it.

+1

definitely look into getting involved in a mod. You said it yourself, it is difficult to get noticed without any experience. The sooner you start the better, believe me.