Art Production Houses, what are they like?
As an aspiring game artist, I've recently been looking at a lot of companies that do nothing but art work, for other peoples games.
I was wondering if anyone has worked in/with such companies, and if so, whats it like working for one?
Is it like a sweap shop of the Digital world, or a dream come true for poly heads like ourselves?
~Matt
I was wondering if anyone has worked in/with such companies, and if so, whats it like working for one?
Is it like a sweap shop of the Digital world, or a dream come true for poly heads like ourselves?
~Matt
Replies
I think the best thing to do would be go in with your eyes open assume the place is a sweat shop and be surprised when its not.
If they are open to it, freelance from home.
There are often tight deadlines though, so you have to be able to deliver a great looking asset in a very short time. OR ELSE!
I'm sure this varys from company to company but this has been my expierence.
It is true tho, you will learn alot of new techniques, and styles! In that respect, its been alot of fun doing freelance.
it was nice just making art, tho frustrating having to swap specs and file formats and naming conventions every day or so to work for seperate companys,.
I liked the constant change, but we also got some longer projects in there too.
I think it's a great way to work with some really talented people, since you can't make it in that environment unless you're doing consistently great work, there's no parachute.
Negatives,i was never working legally in the country where this company was based,i was basically underpaid and paid under the table. I had a fateful run in one night with a person who worked at the tax office in this country and found out if i was caught i was going to face serious penalties which would effect my wallet,my career and ability to work/travel outside of the U.S in the EU. So i resigned the from the company and left the job and the country.
My advice research any company you might plan to work with as much as possible. My experiences had its positives but the negatives could have seriously bit me in the ass.
Working freelance is a fine way to make some money when you're not in a studio. I'm freelance right now and I dig it... for now. Just about time to rent some office space or join a studio again though. Working from home is not easy.