Employment without experience
Hey there all,
I'm considering applying for an Environment Artist position which has just come up at a company not far from me but while I'm kinda taking a 'what have I got to lose' approach, I just wanted to get an idea of your experiences within companies you've worked for/currently work for.
Is it common for people to get employed at 'regular' level (ie not juniors) without any prior game industry experience?
Obviously quality of work will be a major factor when a company considers someone for employment but I've always assumed that entering the industry at any level above junior would require some previous history in the business.
So what do you think... worth applying?
I'm considering applying for an Environment Artist position which has just come up at a company not far from me but while I'm kinda taking a 'what have I got to lose' approach, I just wanted to get an idea of your experiences within companies you've worked for/currently work for.
Is it common for people to get employed at 'regular' level (ie not juniors) without any prior game industry experience?
Obviously quality of work will be a major factor when a company considers someone for employment but I've always assumed that entering the industry at any level above junior would require some previous history in the business.
So what do you think... worth applying?
Replies
Otherwise, unless your work is stellar and you have semi-relevant experience (such as film work), you'll probably start out at a junior level.
Yeah I figured it'd be worth a shot regardless. May as well get my name in the filing system even if I'm unsuccessful.
I thought that would be the case though as a lot of places tend to advertise mid level positions as 'exprienced artist'.
I have been with companies that hire people with no experience, but I've never seen someone become a 'staff' artist with nothing to back them up. Even if your work was at that level, if you have no production experience - you'd be a big risk. At least to me. anyways. Talent, obviously, is the main thing that should get you a job - but - there are other factors that come into play and 'make' you level up in the office hierarchy. How well you deal with others, managing people, taking on more responsibilities, knowing a typical game life cycle and what to expect, all kinds of shit that aren't necessarily in a portfolio...
If you have 'production' experience from somewhere else like film or something, then I'd say yes. But, if you're just applying because it's there and you need a job, I'd say no because it's probably awaste of time.
1. No experience almost always means you are going to get hired at a company as either an intern or a junior / assistant... I haven't seen many people get hired on straight into a position with absolutely no experience... it is too much of a financial risk for a company and they are safer evaluating you in a contracted position.
2. Knowing someone in the company is a HUGEEEEEEEEE benefit. Sorry to exaggerate this, but it is something extremely helpful and worth mentioning. I have seen this first hand and have heard through 3rd party comments... if you are a friend of someone in the company they can pull strings for you that you couldn't possibly pull on your own.
3. Art Tests... Doesn't matter if you have a fantastic portfolio and you went to a 4 year uni. If you have no experience in the industry you will almost always need to take an art test.
I would say apply. Definitely. It never hurts. You never know what might happen. It really depends on the company and how strict their recruitment is.
I'm not hopeful, believe me! Fortunately I've got an ok job that pays the bills so I can't complain, but I am trying to get a foot in the door of a games company for sure.
I see what you're saying about the risk factor, I guess that's the case in any industry where it would be a gamble to take someone on without knowing if they're up to the challenge.
Like you said I think the decision rides a lot on your portfolio. Also, it helps a lot if your portfolio is includes the style work they will be doing. For instance, Blizzard probably wont hire you if all your work looks strait out of Uncharted 2.
Some companies will hire someone with no experience, if you fit their style, and they aren't looking for someone to carry the team, and don't mind training you up a bit. For example, my friend Empty got hired strait out of school to Netdevil as only one of two 3d artists on the team, because he had a strong portfolio, and they didn't mind entry level hires.
I recently got my first gig, which is a freelance job, which is a much easier way to get in as someone with no experience imo. But apply everywhere you can, and try to meet people. In this industry, I think you are much more likely to get hired by recommendation then a cold email.
edit- wow I thought i was going to be the first to reply, but I type too slow and like 5 people got ahead of me lol.
So, not to take this off topic, but would someone like me with no industry experience BUT a few years of management experience be in a better boat than others?
LOL It's a retail store, mostly cell phones and stuff like that. Think Best Buy, but not as greedy and not a corporation....
If its not advertised they are after juniors then its very unlikely you will get in unless you are super duper
At least my mod experience is decent.... But my art isn't HA That's why I program too!
Oh well... yeah go for it :P
I wouldn't say that. If there were two of you going for the same position and both of you had similar portfolios it's likely that that experience would be factored in. Being able to deal with people, work with a team and all that stuff is important in the games industry. You'd still be able to carry those kind of skills over from your other managerial role.
I had a good look at the job description and they list beneficial qualities as a good knowledge of architecture and real world building construction, along with lighting and colour theory. I've worked in an Architectural company for about 4 years now primarily doing Arch-Viz, and also have certificates/diplomas in lighting design and interior architecture, so my knowledge of real world construction is actually pretty good. My Dad's in the same industry and since I was a kid I've been surrounded by Architects plans and drawings all over the house.
I'm also doing a degree in my free time in Interior Design (I know, strange choice in degree) which while not directly linked, colour theory, composition (in the artistic sense) and lighting is all covered in some depth so hopefully they'll all be seen as positives.
I guess we'll see what happens!
Thanks for the replies
Then again we do mostly low scope casual games.
If you work with a good mod team, the only difference is that you don't get paid and you don't work in the same building. Most of the other skills are directly relateable to a production environment and you will have a huge leg up on someone who has never touched an engine before. Probably the biggest thing is that you will be able to discuss workflow and pipeline during an interview just like someone who has worked in production.
I'm completely out of touch with the mod scene though to be honest so I might jump on moddb and have a browse. It seems it could be a useful thing to get into.
You need to be a solid artist to get on these teams though, part of the reason they are good is that they only let in good people.
I'm obviously a bit biased since I've worked with both teams, but that is the kind of group you need to join for it to be worth it for your career, and the primary reason I picked them.
I'll have a look into the mods you mentioned.
As a former member of the mod teams, do you think I've got what it takes? My portfolio link is in my sig (ignore the obvious 'your portfolio repels jobs' errors, it's a DAPortfolio template site until I get the chance to put together a more simple and effective site).
Thanks again