There are many specialized job titles in the realm of CG jobs available. An individual needs to be aware of the titles of these jobs and what they entail as far as their duties are concerned. After doing much research and soul searching, I’ve decided that I would be a beneficial member in the realms of Concept, Modeling, and VFX.
If someone is interested in traveling, then the jobs seem endless, given the fact that you are qualified and confident in your abilities. Starting off, there is a position for a Layout artist, in Ontario, Canada working for ARC Productions, which was formerly Starz Media. They require 3 years plus experience in layout, strong proficiency in Maya, strong problem solving skills, and composition. A layout artist typically helps block the shots in film, and rework issues as they arise for the directors involved. (ARC Productions)
Further on up the creative ladder is a position for Modeler/Rigger, also with ARC Productions in Ontario. However, the technical skills for this position require 3-4 years experience modeling and rigging with Maya, possesses a secondary education in animation, and have suitable scripting skills. The modeler/rigger position is primarily responsible for building models and creating rigs by which to animate them with. (ARC Productions)
For the company Double Negative, they offer entry level positions, and specifically a VFX Editorial Assistant opportunity in Singapore. In this assistant position, an individual will be scanning storyboards, collecting, compiling, encoding, and managing material and databases. Since this is an assistant position, the technical skills are important, but not on the same level as with other jobs. For one to apply, they need to possess some basic Photoshop skills and have a basic understanding of editing and compression formats. (Double Negative Visual Effects)
Also at Double Negative, there is a modeler position available, in Singapore. A modeler creates objects that will later be used in film and animation. It is important for the modeler to have a good foundation of traditional mechanics in both organic and non-organic disciplines. Other characteristics and skills a modeler must possess is being well-versed in Maya, detail oriented, sculpting programs such as Mudbox or Zbrush, and have team communication skills. (Double Negative )
The final posting to come from Double Negative is for a Concept Artist in London. The main duty for this position is for the Artist to quickly translate the verbal and written direction to a visual representation, either for his supervisor or client. Double Negative requires the applicant to have a minimum of 3 years working on film, sound knowledge of 3d tools and programs, and of course, to be creative and highly artistic. (Double Negative)
My last job selection posting comes from LucasArts, for a Technical Artist, in San Francisco. The requirements for this position seem to be the most dubious of all I’ve searched, not only is the applicant required to have a Bachelors of Science, they are also required 4-8 years in the technical art field, AAA credited title, expert with a scripting language, experience with game engines, and experience with modeling software. If that isn’t enough to make most applicants shudder, the job description may. A Technical artist works and develops pipelines, works with directors and producers, and tracks efficiency within the pipeline system. (LucasArts)
For all of these postings, a resume and CV are required. For the concept artists, a portfolio that showcases their skills is just as highly important and also required. For the modeler positions, all of the above are required, with the addition of a demo reel. The demo reel can be via a DVD, or mpeg4 format, for Double Negative and a shot breakdown list must accompany. For the demo reel, it is suggested, required that the applicant showcase proven and sound modeling skills, as well as rigging skills.
For my current portfolio, I need a more concise website and a theme. Right now I am using a free website called Saatchi, as well as a blog, but I haven’t made full use of it yet. I firmly believe that I need to set up a stand alone website that showcases my art, through different selectable links, so it isn’t just a mash up of all the different styles I work in. As far as my hard copy portfolio, I have done this by breaking down the sections and only keeping the most promising and professional works that show my talent and vision. I have developed a logo that I’ve been trying to incorporate in my designs that acts as a watermark and signature.
To bring my portfolio up to par, I need to concentrate on actually finishing some of the pieces I have worked on. This may be in the form of color correction, re-touching logos and renders, and lighting adjustments in my 3d animations. I am fully aware that I’m not drawn or interested in doing cartoonish, lively work, instead I have realized that I am more apt to take excitement and pour more of myself and time into those works that may be sci-fi or horror related. I know this is painting myself into a creative corner, but I’ve always thought it made sense to specialize so you can develop a recognizable style.
For me, it has become a rude wake up call that I must learn to omit some of my work from my portfolio when speaking with them and showing it to them. I photograph a lot, as well as create metal art. This doesn’t mean that they need to be seeing it when looking at me for a position to be a modeler. I think the hard fact is that I’ve been passed up in the past for opportunities simply because I did not show employers all of what I was capable of. However, in being in this specialized field, as animation, there are many hats and opportunities for individuals to be a part of in time. With both the resume and portfolio, they need to work together in a consistent manner that helps your cause, instead of harming it. They should be tailored for that specific position and only things that could help your chances and the employer to see your skills, should be included.
The best thing I have found to insure cohesion between the industry standards and my resume and portfolio, is to research the positions you are interested in, from many different companies. Using linkedin has helped immensely for me to be more aware of requirements and the lingo that is spoken between those that are in the business and those that are not in the business, and a healthy dose of the mind-reading ability doesn’t hurt either…
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