Unit 7 Assignment 3

Information about a job in animation:

Animator (3D computer animation):

This job involves using specialist software to create three-dimensional images which, in sequence, create the illusion of movement. In principle, the role of an Animator is the same for all techniques of animation. The differences are in the tools used, and in some of the skills required.

What are the employment opportunities:

The hours are 35-40 per week and the starting salary is £12,000 + per year. For this job it may be for: full time, permanent and casual. However you will most probably won't enter the industry in this role. Instead, you are most likely to work in another department like modelling, and then work your way up to this role. Depending on your talent and drive, you might progress very quickly to the role of Animator, while others can take a lot longer to reach that position. You may also cross over from 2D and retrain to acquire the necessary computer skills. With the right confidence and talent, you could take a different route, being promoted from Runner to a junior technical role, which may then lead to an animation role. Also you could apply to be a trainee through Trainee Finder, which gives you a hands-on experience in the industry and helps you build the all-important contacts that are essential when competing for a job.

Professional development:

To become a Computer Animator, it will help you to gain a degree in computer animation, computer science or similar, or in an art-related subject. If you are considering taking an animation or art and design/graphics course in higher education, the following courses have been rigorously assessed by the industry and awarded the Creative Skillset Tick for the high standard of education they provide and the degree to which they prepare you for a creative career. You will also need skills in drawing, modelling or using computer animation packages. Some animators are self-taught, but many start by taking an animation or art-related course to develop their skills before looking for work. You could also start in the industry with qualifications in other relevant subjects such as:

• illustration
• graphic design
• computer programming
• model making or sculpture
• 3D design
• maths or physics
• multimedia design.

BA (Hons) 3D Computer Animation and Modelling:

This course uses mixed teaching methods but the majority of undergraduate time is spent on project work and software and art-based workshops and lectures. The digital animation courses are assessed through individual and group project work. There is also a contextual element that requires a submitted essay and there are regular assessed presentations and professional juries. Employment opportunities include roles at computer animation companies and work with games, TV and film special effects companies. Graduates work and freelance with some of the world's best known production and post production houses. You are required to hold 280 points from GCSE A-Levels (or equivalent) including art skills (life drawing, sketching) plus GCSE Maths at a grade D or above and English Language at grade C or above. Key skills are accepted as equivalent. Selection is based on a portfolio interview, after which you may be required to complete a foundation year or Foundation Diploma before progressing to the degree course.

Where to find work:

Some specialist sites like http://www.theartcareerproject.com/

Most of the animation jobs are advertised in conventional methods and you must network and promote your work. There is animation festivals in the UK and internationally which you can submit work to and gain collaborate or contacts. Social media is another way to share your work and gain interest. Linkdin, Vimeo, wordpress, Behance and specialist animation sites are all free and easy to create accounts, you will need time to update work.

Future opportunities:

Employment opportunities include roles at computer animation companies and work with games, TV and film special effects companies. Graduates work and freelance with some of the world's best known production and post production houses.

Professional behaviour:

To do this job role, you will need to:

• have a feel for movement and timing
• possess creative and artistic qualities, along with the appropriate technical skills
• have observational skills and acting talent, for character work
• have good communication skills
• have good team-working skills
• have good organisational skills
• pay close attention to detail
• be able to take direction

Where can you find recruitment for these types of job roles:

You can find out more from these places:

• Animation Magazine - a US magazine about the business, technology and art of animation and VFX
• Animation World Network - production news, interviews, jobs and a big archive 
• Shooting People – community-driven site, founded by filmmakers, and providing opportunities, news and animation jobs 
• Skwigly Animation Magazine - the longest running UK based animation magazine and community. Offers news, interviews, reviews, podcasts, videos and tutorials 
• Toonhound – website about cartoons, animation, comic strips and puppets in the UK
• Own-it - offers intellectual property (IP) advice, information and learning resources for the creative sector 
• Animation Nation - Animation industry news and useful links
• 3D World Magazine - international magazine for CG artists, covering the fields of animation, VFX, games, illustration and architecture
• Computer Graphics World - magazine covering innovation in computer graphics technology across various industries
• Cinefex - quarterly magazine devoted to motion picture visual effects

You can also get advice from this link- Tangible Advice from the Pros for Future Animators and Top Animation Schools According to Industry Execs shows where you can get good qualifications.

Information about a job in games:

Games Artist:

Artists make the visual elements of a game, such as characters, scenery, objects, vehicles, surface textures, clothing, props, and even user interface components. They also create concept art and storyboards which help communicate the proposed visual elements during the pre-production phase. There are various specialisms within the art department, including 3D object modelling, character design, textures, and environments. Each Artist has responsibility for the creation of particular art assets with a game, but there is also a lot of movement between roles. They might also create artwork for packages, promotional materials and websites. Artists do a range of jobs which have different responsibilities and techniques, including:

• Concept Artist - mainly using traditional materials (e.g. pen and paper) rather than computer software, the Concept Artist sketches ideas for the game worlds, characters, objects, vehicles, furniture, clothing, etc. They also suggest level designs, colour schemes, and the mood and feel of the game. Although not involved in creating the actual game art, their concept will shape the look of the game
• 3D Modeller - builds the characters, objects and environments of the game, including life forms, scenery, vegetation, furniture, and vehicles, etc. They need to balance visual richness and detail with the limitations of the game's technology
• 2D/Texture Artist - creates and applies textures to characters, environments and game items, such as the surfaces of walls and floors of buildings. This is also a highly skilled area, which requires considerable knowledge of lighting, perspective, materials and visual effects

The employment opportunities:

This is a full time job, the lowest payment available I have seen is £35,000 and work around 35 hours a week, but they might have to work longer hours as deadlines approach. They work in offices and spend long periods sitting at a desk using a computer or attending meetings. There is no formal promotion route for games designers. They may be promoted from junior designer to designer and with experience and management skills, to lead designer. Some designers move into management and marketing roles, or become self-employed.

Professional development:

Most Artists in the games industry has a degree or HND in an art subject, such as fine art, graphic design or illustration. You should also learn how to use 3D graphics packages such as 3D Studio Max, Maya, etc. and 2D packages such as Photoshop. Game Artists might also use software tools that have been developed in-house. Most game art involves 3D graphics, so you will need to understand the basic mathematical concepts involved. A work placement during a degree course would provide a useful way to gain the industry experience that could lead to your first job.

Professional behavior:

A computer games designer should:

• be creative- imaginative and original
• be fluent in a number of software packages
• have a thorough understanding of the market and target audience for computer games
• have problem-solving skills
• have storytelling ability
• have excellent communication and presentation skills
• understand the capabilities and benefits of different hardware including PCs, consoles and mobile devices, as well as the relevant software technologies and techniques
• have basic drawing and 3D design skills
• be able to adapt quickly to change
• work well in a team and alone
• work well under pressure and be able to meet deadlines
• take criticism well
• be willing to keep up to date with new developments and trends in the computer games market.

Where can you find recruitment for these types of job roles:

you can find out more at these places:

• 3DWorld - the magazine for SFX, TV production and game development artists 
• BECTU - the UK's media and entertainment trade union, covering broadcasting, film, independent production, theatre and the arts, leisure and digital media
• Develop - the monthly magazine for European developers 
• e-Skills UK - the Sector Skills Council for IT, Telecoms and Contact Centres
• Edge - the UK's self-styled bible for UK gamers
• Eurogamer - European-focused consumer website
• Gamasutra - website founded in 1997 that focuses on all aspects of video game development
• GameDev.net - online community for game developers of all levels
• GamesIndustry.biz - covering breaking news from the game's business
• IGDA - the International Game Developers Association, a global network of collaborative projects and communities comprising individuals from all fields of game development
• IGN - internet media and services provider focused on the video game, entertainment men’s lifestyle markets
• MCV - the weekly trade magazine of the UK games industry, 
• TIGA - the Independent Games Developers Trade Association - non-profit trade association representing the UK's games industry
• Ukie - the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment - champions the interests, needs and positive image of the video games and interactive entertainment industry whose companies make up its membership

Applying for a specific job role:

I am applying for a concept designer role at Ubisoft, here is a link to the full description.

What’s the main purpose of the job? What are the main tasks?

Main objectives:

• Produce sketches, paint-over and/or mood board to make the art director vision;
• Supporting the Art teams like UI, Characters, Props are Environments during the production to produce assets on quality and according to the creative vision.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in establishing style for production art like environment, characters, 2D or objects ;
• Maintain consistent style under the direction of the Art Director and be able to iterate on them;
• Work with production leads to create concept art relevant for project;
• Actively participate in technical and artistic problem solving;
• Able to identify inefficiencies in the concept-to-production process and help formulate resolutions;
• Produce environment concept art and in-game mock ups, focusing particularly on lighting and post effects;
• Actively seek feedback from the Art Director in style and mood;
• Communicate with co-workers, including designers, programmers, and other game artists;
• Follow the schedules set by the Production Team;
• Carry out all other related tasks.

How is this role important to the company? What will its impact be?

Its important because the Concept Artist will be responsible for the creation of 2D assets that will constitute the graphic representation of ideas, provide inspiration and become references for all the artist in the project. They will be responsible of carrying the art director vision throughout their work.

What skills do they want applicants to have?

• Excellent drawing and conceptualization skills with an ability to adapt to established styles.
• Digital illustration skills with an advanced understanding of Photoshop.
• Solid interpersonal and communications skills.
• Self-managing, organized with good time management.
• Understanding of 3dsMAX modelling and texture tool sets.

What knowledge or experience do they want applicants to have?

• Anatomical knowledge.
• Architectural knowledge.
• Minimum 1-3 years’ experience in concept art, in the games industry
• Understanding of fundamental illustration skills including composition, perspective and colour theory.
• Understanding of form, composition, and use of detail.

My CV and Cover letter:

To see my CV- click here

To see my cover- letter click here

My presentation:

Click here to see my presentation