2D skill levels required for the 3D Artist
As a 3D artist, how 'far-out' must your traditional/digital skills in 2D art be?
Should you be able to create the stunning environments and designs that the Concept Artists are able to make?
I think you need to have a decent level of skill in order to be able to get the correct portions and recreate things in three dimensions but, I'm not too sure on what level that skill has to be.
Perhaps a few example images of your concepts or 2D work and whatnot so I can get an idea of what I need to approach and possibly exceed.
Maybe I shouldn't be asking this because, if every 3D artist were able to create the stunning vistas, they'd be working as Concept Artists, right?
Or maybe you should be working on these skills all the time to constantly improve.
Should you be able to create the stunning environments and designs that the Concept Artists are able to make?
I think you need to have a decent level of skill in order to be able to get the correct portions and recreate things in three dimensions but, I'm not too sure on what level that skill has to be.
Perhaps a few example images of your concepts or 2D work and whatnot so I can get an idea of what I need to approach and possibly exceed.
Maybe I shouldn't be asking this because, if every 3D artist were able to create the stunning vistas, they'd be working as Concept Artists, right?
Or maybe you should be working on these skills all the time to constantly improve.
Replies
Just be able to put on to paper what you're visualizing in your head. I think that should be sufficient. 2D is one of those things that you should always be working to improve.
Myself? I draw for 30-40 minutes a day just to keep sharp. I know it will help me in the future, and it's definitely one of those things that will really help advance your career.
Good answer.
I 'think' I'm alright at drawing, but then again, alot of people think they're alright - when they really aren't.
Good enough to bring something from concept to final though just, the concept doesn't quite look professional enough. I guess I should post more work on these boards to get some genuine critique as opposed to people just trying to make me happy eh.
@pior
That's what I'm going for! :P
No, but it really really helps.
But thats just my opinion and I dont know anything.
however, if you can do a bunch of other stuff as well, people will slather over your balls with saliva.
do what you love baby!
[ame]
SO yeah I'd say pick whatever you want, if you don't you will face quite a bit of frustration. The problem with CG is that most recruiters/producers really think of it as 2D vs 3D. Yet I cannot think of a single kickass modeler who can NOT draw.
But would I be quick enough and imaginative enough to do my own concepts in 2d then model them, then I would say no.
I see myself as a modeller/texture artist primarily. I lost all interest in 2d when I sold my last airbrush.
2D is much faster when it comes to prototyping designs
and its really not that hard. just takes practice..
secondeded
ya, it helps really.
Agreed with drawing making you a much stronger modeller.
Its also more fun modelling your own concepts
Also i think if you want to be in a position that you are designing AND creating assets, its very important to have solid conception skills at any position. For me thats not really my thing, i would rather someone who's developed their concepting skills and know-how do that work than to sort of half ass it myself, you know? Also i don't want to be the guy that has to mind read what the designers what as far concepting goes, i really enjoy the straight forward work when dealing with a concept a lot more. Some guys really love to have more freedom, to work with loose concepts and be a bit more creative, and in that i think you need some better conceptual skills.
At the end of the day, its really up to how you like to work, and what sort of work you enjoy doing. You can absolutely create great 3d work without knowing much of anything traditional wise, or training specifically to be a concept artist. Also i think a lot of the skills that are required in the more traditional sense(because its far from just drawing) you will pick up in the process of creating assets, i think that is a natural process.
I guess I'll keep doing what I'm doing, modelling and concepting for some mod projects. I do love to draw as drawing was the only thing I was capable of doing until I decided to delve in the 3D world. It's just slightly frustrating when you strive to achieve some of the astounding levels of work out there but can't quiet get the 'magic' flowing. Maybe I expect it to look good too quickly eh.