I need help and guidance
triangle
Hello Polycount.
My name is Álvaro Pesquera and I'm lost in life. I aspire to become a concept artist, learn 3D and design videogames. ¿The Problem? well... my country, Spain, is some kind of videogames desert; the chance to achieve these goals is low. I moved from a career in Physics to Fine Arts hoping it'll be easier to enter in the videogame industry; it's not, Fine Arts is actually more like a burden. I also though of learning what i needed by myself (including how to model and animate 3D), but i realised it was a slow and hard process, so I have almost desisted from these attempts.
I am writing this thread, not because I expect to find a magical solution, because i'm just kind at the edge of despair. Though I'm only 19-20 years old, I already feel like i'm wasting my time learnings things i don't actually need. I'm skilled and I can learn at a good pace. So, if anybody reading this words can offer me some guidance, advice, or whatever to help me, it'll be preciated, sincerely.
Thanks
PD: I know this sounds serious and gloomy as shit xDD
It was not my intention though, so don't take me SO seriously and excuse my bad english
My name is Álvaro Pesquera and I'm lost in life. I aspire to become a concept artist, learn 3D and design videogames. ¿The Problem? well... my country, Spain, is some kind of videogames desert; the chance to achieve these goals is low. I moved from a career in Physics to Fine Arts hoping it'll be easier to enter in the videogame industry; it's not, Fine Arts is actually more like a burden. I also though of learning what i needed by myself (including how to model and animate 3D), but i realised it was a slow and hard process, so I have almost desisted from these attempts.
I am writing this thread, not because I expect to find a magical solution, because i'm just kind at the edge of despair. Though I'm only 19-20 years old, I already feel like i'm wasting my time learnings things i don't actually need. I'm skilled and I can learn at a good pace. So, if anybody reading this words can offer me some guidance, advice, or whatever to help me, it'll be preciated, sincerely.
Thanks
PD: I know this sounds serious and gloomy as shit xDD
It was not my intention though, so don't take me SO seriously and excuse my bad english
Replies
Gamedevmap
If you truly love making games just keep making art - it's still just a job, one that has very little security. A Fine Art degree will help when you need to get a work Visa but when it comes to getting a job studios only care about good art.
About Spain: Well you could always move, there is lots of studios outside Spain. If that is not possible for you maybe you should re-think your career choice. Actually I dont know about any studios in Spain but the more studios you make yourself open for the easier it is to find one who will let you in.
How can Fine arts study hinder you from progressing more than physics? What I think hinders you the most is that usually in a studio people have specific roles, in many cases the guy designing games and the guy who makes concept art and the guy who models is not the same person. i would specify in one field and not become a jack of all trades. I mean you can do all 3 but it would be best to keep 2 to a minimum and focus your time on 1. If you like doing something its easy to keep at it. Time will solve the rest.
About Spain and the studios... yes, there are a couple studios, some of them had developed well knowed games, but i wouldn't search for job opportunities in Spain... the problem here is where to learn and get instructed. I know it's not neccesary at all to have a specific education, but it helps.
And, finally, about the possibility of study out of Spain... i have though about it, really, but I don't know anything about how well this kind of thing works in other countries.
Thanks for answering, you are beeing helpful.
Just get some books. The people here will help you learn.
If your work is good enough, you can be employed from any country in the world! Just gotta show how much effort you put in and it will come across in your work.
I also came here lost in life, except for Im almost 30. Don't despair, you can start new paths in life anytime you want. Good luck, hope to see you around.
If Spain limits you when it comes to working opportunities consider going abroad to find work. Determine who your competition is in the field you want to be working in. Get to know these people online ,gain knownledge from them and finally try to become as good or better as them. Keep raising the bar so you can't be ignored and just have a passion for what you are doing even though at times you might be struggling .
ps: don't quit your education.
I know for a fact that MANY people around here would strongly disagree with you. Myself included. Sure, having a degree may help you with a Visa, but most studios only really care about the art you make. Simply having a degree, with a terrible portfolio will NOT get you a job. No degree and an incredible portfolio however...
Cool story bro. A degree is worthless if you can't produce the art and stuff that is required for the position you're applying for.
When I've been looking at applications with the other concept artists and leads here at Massive we're always looking at the folios first and then the cv. Work experience is also a +
That is true...if you are insisting on an art job. Having a degree is not necessary for many art jobs. However, I do believe that having a degree is usually superior to NOT having a degree. All things being equal, the person with the degree will probably have a better chance than the person without.
Of course, that brings up the issue of art-specific degrees, and why going to art school can be a terrible idea. Art-specific degrees from art-specific institutions tend to be considerably more expensive than art degrees from pretty much anywhere else.
My advice? Apply for every scholarship possible, and go to a regular college/university with a solid art program. Work your ass off on your art in your free time to build up a solid portfolio. That way you will have a relatively inexpensive art degree and a solid portfolio. Best of both worlds.