I think your portfolio is good in terms of skill but needs more 3D modelling work. -Is the trend in the industry going toward separate roles for modeling and texturing or is being equally good at both still pretty much a requirement?
Both I say. Texture artist roles are rare and usually in big/AAA companies which probably hires top talent anyway. A small studio would prefer a generalist because of manpower and budget.
-Is focusing solely on textures/shaders a good idea or does my portfolio "need" to showcase props & complete environments?
I can't remember who, but he mentioned when reviewing portfolios he preferred the texture/shader applied directly onto a prop/environment. Which makes a lot of sense to me as cubes and balls aren't very intuitive unless you are doing a material breakdown.
-I enjoy and I find I am better in the more technical aspects of 3d such as using Substance designer, UE shaders, blueprints/visual scripting, FXs, World machine etc... but do not have any real coding experience beside some basic html, autoit scripts and a tiny bit of MAXscript. Is it realistic to be aiming for tech artists positions as a junior or should I be trying to get more experience first?
Not a tech artist, but I think you definitely need coding knowledge. Tech artist postings can give you an insight to the skills you need.
-With photogrammetry becoming big in many studio, am I "wasting my time" focusing on learning Substance Designer and Zbrush texture workflows in 2016?
In our line of work we have to constantly keep up with new software. It's unavoidable like PBR/MD. For now, I think SD and zbrush is still relevant and you should focus on it. Though if you are into realism it doesn't hurt to dabble in photogrammetry.
-How important is networking for landing that first job? I'm a bit of introvert and really do not attend many "meetups", conferences, networking events etc... I haven't really kept in touch with fellow students, colleagues and teachers I've met either and always feel like I'm "sucking up" when asking about potential jobs. Am I really hurting my chances a lot doing so or should a good portfolio alone be enough?
I totally suck at networking, but right now I'm trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and talk to others. My experience wasn't as scary as I thought! It's OK to put out word that you are actively looking for a job but don't make it dominate your conversation. Just don't sound desperate
Replies
-Is the trend in the industry going toward separate roles for modeling and texturing or is being equally good at both still pretty much a requirement?
Both I say. Texture artist roles are rare and usually in big/AAA companies which probably hires top talent anyway. A small studio would prefer a generalist because of manpower and budget.
-Is focusing solely on textures/shaders a good idea or does my portfolio "need" to showcase props & complete environments?
I can't remember who, but he mentioned when reviewing portfolios he preferred the texture/shader applied directly onto a prop/environment. Which makes a lot of sense to me as cubes and balls aren't very intuitive unless you are doing a material breakdown.
-I enjoy and I find I am better in the more technical aspects of 3d such as using Substance designer, UE shaders, blueprints/visual scripting, FXs, World machine etc... but do not have any real coding experience beside some basic html, autoit scripts and a tiny bit of MAXscript. Is it realistic to be aiming for tech artists positions as a junior or should I be trying to get more experience first?
Not a tech artist, but I think you definitely need coding knowledge. Tech artist postings can give you an insight to the skills you need.
-With photogrammetry becoming big in many studio, am I "wasting my time" focusing on learning Substance Designer and Zbrush texture workflows in 2016?
In our line of work we have to constantly keep up with new software. It's unavoidable like PBR/MD. For now, I think SD and zbrush is still relevant and you should focus on it. Though if you are into realism it doesn't hurt to dabble in photogrammetry.
-How important is networking for landing that first job? I'm a bit of introvert and really do not attend many "meetups", conferences, networking events etc... I haven't really kept in touch with fellow students, colleagues and teachers I've met either and always feel like I'm "sucking up" when asking about potential jobs. Am I really hurting my chances a lot doing so or should a good portfolio alone be enough?
I totally suck at networking, but right now I'm trying to push myself out of my comfort zone and talk to others. My experience wasn't as scary as I thought! It's OK to put out word that you are actively looking for a job but don't make it dominate your conversation. Just don't sound desperate