Career Change Advice: From Fine Arts into Gaming

Harorld · 09-23-2010, 05:36 AM

Hey all.

I am a painter. I have an undergraduate degree (in Fine Arts) and a MFA in Fine Art. My day job for the past few years has been in architectural design, one the admin/business side. I am in the midst of trying to navigate a major career change into gaming.

While in grad school I had some exposure to 3D art, MAYA, and regret not investing serious time and energy into becoming fluent in 3D. I’d like to change that now.

I potentially have an opportunity to start taking coursework at a university with a respected gaming & electronic arts department. I’m not looking to get another degree, but rather, to learn all of the tools necessary to enter into the industry on the artist side.

Does this sound doable? I’m 29 and am really motivated to align my talents, skills, and interests with my long-term career goals.

Any advice? I know this is such a general question, (and I've read the threads of posts in a similar vein) but any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.

** thread title should read "Career Change...."

tsloper · 09-23-2010, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harorld

1. I am in the midst of trying to navigate a major career change into gaming.
2. Does this sound doable?
3. Any advice?

1. Read Frequently Asked Question 41: http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson41.htm
2. Yes. FAQ 50: http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson50.htm
3. Yes. FAQ 65: http://www.sloperama.com/advice/entry65.htm

Harorld · 09-23-2010, 07:32 AM

Thanks for the information. Can anyone chime in with additional suggestions for “required” coursework? I'm currently applying for positions within the marketing end of gaming studios but my heart is in art & graphics, not marketing.

I just registered for an intensive Introduction to Computer Animation with Maya.

As an artist/graphics person, is there any additional coursework that will be helpful towards developing a portfolio over the next couple of years?

tsloper · 09-23-2010, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harorld

Thanks for the information. Can anyone chime in with additional suggestions for “required” coursework? I'm currently applying for positions within the marketing end of gaming studios but my heart is in art & graphics, not marketing.

I just registered for an intensive Introduction to Computer Animation with Maya.

As an artist/graphics person, is there any additional coursework that will be helpful towards developing a portfolio over the next couple of years?

An art degree is expected. But a spectacular portfolio can break through that barrier.

Harorld · 09-23-2010, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsloper

An art degree is expected. But a spectacular portfolio can break through that barrier.

When you say 'art degree' do you mean a BA in art? I have a BA in art and my MFA in art (in studio art, specifically painting) as well....

If I combine this with 3D coursework and begin developing a portfolio of work I make in Maya over the coming months, this should be sufficient to begin applying for jobs?

tsloper · 09-23-2010, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harorld

1. When you say 'art degree' do you mean a BA in art? I have a BA in art and my MFA in art (in studio art, specifically painting) as well....
2. If I combine this with 3D coursework and begin developing a portfolio of work I make in Maya over the coming months, this should be sufficient to begin applying for jobs?

1. Then you don't "need" any "additional coursework," but you do need to learn some good stuff. Check out the book Introduction to Game Development, and the publisher Cengage has numerous books on skills for making games.
2. FAQ #49: http://www.sloperama.com/advice/lesson49.htm

tsloper · 09-23-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsloper

1. Then you don't "need" any "additional coursework," but you do need to learn some good stuff.

I should explain. Nobody cares about extra courses or degrees on your resume, is all I'm saying. If just the learning (not the paper) is your goal, go with your own good sense and your own desires for what subjects you want to learn.

Harorld · 09-23-2010, 12:04 PM

Thanks for the info.

Harorld · 09-23-2010, 12:05 PM

Thanks for the info. By "additional coursework" I really meant the acquisition of new skill sets (3D, animation, etc) as opposed to being able to list classes on a CV.

tsloper · 09-23-2010, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsloper

go with your own good sense and your own desires for what subjects you want to learn.

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