How to snag an internship
Hey guys, I'm currently trying to get more professional experience, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on landing an internship. I'd be willing to relocate anywhere, and would take an unpaid intern position as well just for the experience it'd get me. (My portfolio is at www.dannypierce3d.com. Crits welcome of course.) I'd also love any tips or stories about how you all landed your first positions. 
Replies
Have you sent emails to various studios or individual people/recruiters seeking employment?
if i had one piece of advice, and i realise it might not mean much coming from me... focus on either character or environment art, and bust your ass making as much of it as possible.
there's a reason the phrase "jack of all trades" ends with "master of none".
Top part of the dumpster looks awkward, but you have some really good stuff in your portfolio.
Second the above.
I'm only in high school, but still need internship hours to complete a program I'm in that specializes in art and technology. Kind of a pain considering pretty much everyone requires you to be at least be in college, but I've got a counselor to help me out.
Any particular part you need help with or just tips in general? I found this nifty map that might help you find studios in your area or in another preferred area.
http://www.gamedevmap.com/
Boyso: Thanks man!
almighty: Yeah I definitely agree on the bust. I'm hoping to revisit it and make it worthy enough to be up there
Tairii: Agreed. That was my first model with any normal map, and the lid didn't go over too smoothly.
FullSynch: I certainly hope so! I'm itching to start working professionally. I'd say specifically, starting up a dialog with a studio has been the most difficult thing. Most of the emails I've sent out haven't gotten any responses whatsoever. Thank you for the site though, I'm checking it out now.
Nerf: You've got a good point about the title change. And i'm currently trying to decide on some concept art I should base an environment off of. Also I'm glad I'm not a sad sack lol.
Nerf Bat Ninja said it - env art is the way to go for now. keep working on our char stuff if you want to switch later though.
Your main goal should be to break into the industry. Your first job is usually not the one you will stay with. For most people it's a jump base to hop on to something better.
I would just apply to pretty much anything except seniors. What's the worst that can happen? They're not going to blacklist you for the rest of your life. Don't restrict yourself for jobs explicitly advertised as "junior". I think there've been a couple of threads saying the same.
Most studios I know pay interns.
Offering to work for free shows you undervalue your own art. It's good stuff, be confident in it.
The work you have is good, you just have to keep trying at studios, it's what I'm doing.
It's clear you are not a character artist but your environment work is quite solid. Don't put your character pieces against your superior environment pieces.
Forget about character art, environment is your bread and butter.
Many studios are looking for environment artists. Your work is solid enough to land you a junior positon.
Landing the first gig can be tricky, but not impossible and you most definitely have the talent and potential to be in this industry. Don't give up.
Focus on your environment work.
I wouldn't start making generic props as mentioned before. Those are boring and don' stand out. It's just as important to have hero pieces for an environment artist. Whipping out generic props just to fill up your webpage doesn't grab attention or show that you are creative.
Look at the strongest environment portfolios on polycount and get inspired