Secrets to Finding a Job in Computer Graphics

For the life of me, we're not going down that path and no one should be getting the normal talk to on how to find work in the computer graphics industry, mainly because its not normal. While finding a job in the industry, you'll run into tons of characters both animated and in real life, and there are many hurdles that could make reaching your dream job a nightmare. However, you can make it and earn that fantastic job, if you follow these simple steps compiled from years of experience in the industry.

But first, you must understand the bumps and bruises along the way:

1. Competition.

In computer arts the main language that is spoken is ascetics , and how pleasing something is to the eye. Thus, this language is spoken around the world, and so no one job is restricted to location, which creates millions of applicants.

2. Degree vs. Non-Degree.

For many of us, learning animation and modeling started at home with no teacher and no classroom, and it can be argued that we learned principles that could never have been taught at school. Today, many universities have just began to implement 3d design into their art programs and this has baffled many job recruiters who now have to answer, can lessons be learned at school that couldn't be self taught and what are the importance of grades in the industry? The point is that the answers to those questions are all subjective and do not be surprised if a college grad or self learner, gets hired over you.

3. Entry Level.

At any job, being entry level is tough. However, for people who love their own work, it can be even more of a burden as they can often find themselves working on projects that they don't care for. This can result in poor effort and a bad end result. Understand that you are working for someone who has been at the job longer than you, and although you might have years of experience, you still have to work your way up and gain the approval of your co-workers.

4. Everything is Fun until its work.

Can you imagine working all day on modeling, and then coming home to model some more? Often, this doesn't happen as sooner or later we get sick of what we are doing and can't continue doing the same thing especially at home. Working at home was easy when we were single and building our portfolio, but with a job and maybe kids, exhaustion and priorities set in and "[file name].max" can't be given as much attention as it once did.

So after reading all of the hardships awaiting you in your search, you are now ready to find your dream job and here are the ways how:

1. Be Flexible

The first lesson that must be learned is that not every computer graphics job involves making fantasy lands or mystic characters. The job market for artsy jobs and jobs that surround creative thinking is very LIMITED. Therefore,you must expand your market scope and look to companies that need 3D services and not creative thinking alone. Understand that the product industry (cars, boats, architecture) need concept design artists to bring their ideas to life for a good sale, that would make you the picthman. The point is that ANYTHING that needs 3D SERVICES is in your job market. Examples: Condos, Navy, oliviergregoire.

2. Become an Expert in one program.

When jobs require one program, it means that you need to be the best of the best in that program and bringing C or B level work to a job interview just won't cut it. Therefore pick a program to learn and that way although you might be ineligible for jobs that use other applications, you have a better chance at getting a job that uses the program that you do know.

3. Be Versatile: Accessories to your knowledge

Computer Arts, doesn't incompass one particular skill or one particular program. Thus, you have to become at least an intermediate at a variety of popular programs. If you think everything is about 3D Studio Max, it isn't. What would you do if your workplace uses Maya. Your in luck here since most modeling programs have the same basic functions, and 3d design theory is universal. However, you might be asked to do work in Photoshop or Flash. So what programs should you learn, try: Adobe CS, Corel Painter, Flash, and a plethora of modeling programs even Poser (Do you think companies will spend a bunch of time waiting for you too model a perfect face.

Another tip, learn to merge these programs together. Model in Max integrate with After Effects through Blue Screen, and create a background in Photoshop.

4. Freelance

There is nothing better than working for yourself on your own time and repping all of the rewards. The main problem with freelancing is that its not a yearly salary plus pay can be otherwise meager and hunting people down for your money is not a good feeling. Customers can be a pain and never let up on their demands. However, the benefits are clear:

A.) Helps build your resume.
B.) Creates a clientel and if you do it right, will lead to other opportunities through free advertising
C.) You determine the amount you will get paid and the stronger your resume becomes is the more amount of money you can charge. Think of each successful job as your own promotion.

If you still have a problem with freelancing, think of it like this. De Vinci, Donatello, Michelangelo, was never hired by any employer and did all of their work freelancing. Why can't you be the same. Plus, if your inbetween work Freelancing can mean the difference when faced with bills.

5. Make yourself known.

Walking into interviews with your resume and portfolio only is not acceptable. You need to have a website that shows your employer what you can do with a bigger canvas. Including a short blurb about yourself would also be very valuable in building a personal relationship with your employer. Instead of just pictures of your work, show what you could do when you set your work to music in a cool video, so use Youtube or another free service to create an animation reel. Also, you can gain clientel without even having to go to job interviews because you can share your link any where you want including forums or online directories. Plus if an employer needs to share your work, then they have your link too.

Take it from me, finding work is never easy. But once you get in the industry and have references everything else will fall right in place.