Too old?
polycounter lvl 10
So, here's a question that I've been pondering for a while, how old is too old to enter the games industry? Back story is I'm 30 and about to hit 31 at the end of the year, however I am determined to make it into the games industry, but was wondering if age counted against someone who was starting out?
Replies
http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88290
The more realistic answer is: It sort of depends. As you get older, I think it definitely becomes more difficult to break into the industry without any experience.
Lets face it, entry level positions in the games industry are often low-paid positions that are known to involve a LOT of hours. Younger people are going to be more willing and able to fill these rolls. As a 31 year old dude, you can do it, but you need to have the dedication, energy and willingness to produce as a starry-eyed 18-24 year old kid.
Your relevant experience also is a huge factor. Have your worked in 3d? Work in computer graphics at all? A lot of younger kids looking to get into the industry have been doing 3d art and game art since their teens. I think the older generation is going to have a little tougher time both picking it all up, and staying current with the rapidly evolving array of workflows and technology that goes into modern game creation.
To put it in perspective, I've been working on 3d art since I was about 15, I'm about 27 now but that's 12 years of experience, even though I'm 4 years younger than you. This isn't to say at 31 you can't do it, but just to give you an idea as to what you're up against.
In addition to that, some of the most talented guys I know right now are in the 18-22 range, and they pick stuff up and seemingly produce and improve at a faster rate than I myself ever did. Generally, as we get older our aptitude or ability to quickly learn new skills degrades, so if you're really starting from square one, it could be an up hill battle.
By Steve Jobs.
but yeah that other thread was good. You're only as old as you feel and junk (just be prepared to earn less money if you jump into an entry level spot like eq said). Had an enviro guy at my last studio who was older than you, and few others that were 30 or a bit over.
Same here. Everyone else in the office was near their 30's.
Your milage may vary..
Goraaz - Thanks for the link. Totally missed that thread, apologies for duplicating - Teejay seems to have exactly the same worries and has voiced them perfectly.
Earthquake - thanks for the insight. I've been doing 3D art since 2001 and had a gig as a freelance 3D artist so 3D isn't a new thing, although I've only been doing 3D for games as self-directed study for a couple of years. My priorities have changed but only in the direction that I want to do what I love for a living - money and hours kind of seem secondary to that.
Would appear that there is a misconception that you need to enter the industry at a young age, tbh when I tell people that I'm studying to get into the games industry the usual response is "but that's a boys job..."
Seriously guys, thanks for all your replies
I've worked with people 10 years my senior and 10 years my junior. I've never really thought age defined anything in this industry. Hell, if anything, being older might garner you more initial respect/trust than someone younger.
If you have the skills, dedication, and passion... there should be no problem. Good luck!
Yeah cool, I think this makes a MASSIVE difference. If you've got 10ish years experience working with 3d art, that is a huge plus. Now you've just gotta put in the time and effort to get your work up to an industry level, and make some connections. Polycount is an excellent place to do both.
My best advice to you is: Post, post post! and then post some more! Start a new project, post wips, get feedback, impliment said feedback, post some more. Post in other people's threads, give them feedback, make relationships etc. This is commonly referred to as atending "Polycount University" and it is an excellent way to get into the industry. Even if you're not getting a lot of interest in your work, keep posting, a few times a week with new work if you can.
Its all about getting your name out there, getting your work out there and showcasing your work ethic and your willingness and desire to improve your work.
Besides you'd be a young'en at Robot. I'm 30 and one of the youngest on the art team. The average age is about 36.
I've been in the industry since 19, so I'm grizzled beyond my years.
It's best not to F#ck with the last men still standing.
During art school I had a professor tell me 90% of us would not be painting in ten years.
( even back then, it was easy enuff to see that some wore the mantle like a fashion accessory rather than the affliction it is )
Nice thing about being 46 is the illusions you have lost. And what you have become is way past commitment.
I will do art till I am dead.
I will put art before my unhappy women.
I will never marry.
I will never have any children.
I will put art before family.
If I do put God first, I prey for art's sake.
I will not go out tonight for drinks.
I will not have any fun.
I do not play video games for fun. ( even if it is enjoyable most of the time? )
And if there is no pay I will happily wash dishes/flip burgers and still work on my own projects full time.
Same thing everyday since I was 5 ( consumed with this art thing for 41 years ).
Did have a lot of positive discouragement in college though to prepare me.
Besides going to "Disney college" there wasn't any industries in the early eighties hiring artists like today. Even graphic designers were suggested to leave all hope behind for employment and a future. ( all the artists I knew and looked up to were penniless )
Even though the market has changed and employment for creative people is a zillion times better there are still all the crunchy downsides one has to suffer? ( how many years can one last? )
Compared to a young person with his whole life ahead of him?
Come sit next to me...
stay a while. and listen.
good luck. post some art:)
I am 43 and enjoy it more now than I did 10 years ago.
I actually find it easier to pick up new things now than I used to. Suppose experience counts for a lot, those countless hours tweaking verts etc.
Thanks!
If you really want to persue any career, I'd say 10 years would be a good goal if you really love it. That'd put you in your mid 40s, which is still fine. You can work until your 60s at a job like this since it doesn't require crazy physical labor.
Of course, by then, you'll probably be much higher up in the food chain.