RESEARCH PORTFOLIO
27/09/2012
Today was the first time I have used
ZBrush. Enjoyed it very very
much and realised that 3D modelling is most probably the main area I would like
to get into.
Although,
at the beginning of the course, my intention was to develop my drawing skills
in order to get into concept art, I have now realised how much more there is to
the gaming industry.
The
main two job roles I am interested at the moment, are described below. (Job
description is taken from the websites mentioned below each job role)
3D Character Builder
As a 3D Character Builder you'll create the characters in the game, which could be either low or high-resolution models depending upon the platform and the design of the game. With the new consoles there is less distinction between those two versions; though game characters are still not as highly detailed as pre-rendered ones, they're very close. To create the characters, you'll work closely with concept artists and programmers, and possibly external license holders, to translate concept art into 3D game characters. This may or may not include texturing and animating the character, but you will still need to be familiar with the entire animation process in order to generate a character that will move naturally after bones are added. You should also have a thorough understanding of animal and human anatomy in order to make fantastic characters believable. A new tool available to 3D builders is the 3D scanner - a physical model of the creature made by a sculptor is scanned into the computer and "cleaned up" and textured by an artist.
As a 3D Character Builder you'll create the characters in the game, which could be either low or high-resolution models depending upon the platform and the design of the game. With the new consoles there is less distinction between those two versions; though game characters are still not as highly detailed as pre-rendered ones, they're very close. To create the characters, you'll work closely with concept artists and programmers, and possibly external license holders, to translate concept art into 3D game characters. This may or may not include texturing and animating the character, but you will still need to be familiar with the entire animation process in order to generate a character that will move naturally after bones are added. You should also have a thorough understanding of animal and human anatomy in order to make fantastic characters believable. A new tool available to 3D builders is the 3D scanner - a physical model of the creature made by a sculptor is scanned into the computer and "cleaned up" and textured by an artist.
Jobs available now:
3D Character Artist
WORLD OF WARCRAFT
Office: Irvine, California, United States
Blizzard Entertainment is looking for an exceptionally skilled 3D character artist to join the World of Warcraft team. The ideal candidate has experience modeling and texturing a diverse visual range of characters and creatures. A solid grasp of form, structure, color, and light for both 2D and 3D art assets is essential. The character artist must be skilled in another form of art production as well -- illustration, modeling, texturing, animation, concept drawing -- and be well-versed in related tools --3ds Max, Photoshop, etc. The ideal candidate also works well in an environment with peers who are passionate about making great games.
Requirements
- 3+ years experience in game development modeling and texturing characters using 3ds Max and Photoshop (or equivalent 3D and 2D programs).
- An exceptional understanding of human and creature anatomy and a keen eye towards form, shape, structure, and silhouette in regards to modeling.
- Superior eye for light, shade, color and detail in creating texture maps.
- Self-motivation, good communication skills, and a great team-player attitude.
- Skill in one or more of the related creation tasks - illustration, modeling, texturing, animation, concept drawing.
Pluses
- Have shipped AAA PC or console titles as a 3D character artist
- Strong foundation in the traditional arts, including but not limited to figure drawing and illustration
- A passion for developing online games
- Understanding of the visual style of World of Warcraft and a passion to push it to the next level
I haven't yet got the skills to apply for this job, but I find it quite interesting. I don't have the 3+ years experience, but then again, that wouldn't stop me from applying for it if I thought I have the other skills required. But this advert has given me a good insight into what is required to be able to enter the 3D artist environment. I need to perfect in the human anatomy sector, and would also like to learn a lot more about lighting in video games.
2D Conceptual Artist
If you love to invent worlds, people and creatures on paper, then Concept Artist might be just the job for you. A good video game conceptual artist needs the classic "hand skills" of the traditional artist to generate high quality images quickly - images that will inspire the team and might even be used as temporary art in the game. You'll need to especially good at 'perspective style' artwork and real and organic architecture. You might also create storyboards for movie sequences, so you'll need to be able to sketch important movie elements quickly without getting bogged in unnecessary detail. You will probably not create any actual in-game art, but will be responsible for the basic 'look' of many things. In design brainstorming sessions you'll sketch out ideas on the fly. At the beginning of the project, you'll create a lot of the art that appears in design document, and at the end, your art may be featured on the web site and in the manual.
If you love to invent worlds, people and creatures on paper, then Concept Artist might be just the job for you. A good video game conceptual artist needs the classic "hand skills" of the traditional artist to generate high quality images quickly - images that will inspire the team and might even be used as temporary art in the game. You'll need to especially good at 'perspective style' artwork and real and organic architecture. You might also create storyboards for movie sequences, so you'll need to be able to sketch important movie elements quickly without getting bogged in unnecessary detail. You will probably not create any actual in-game art, but will be responsible for the basic 'look' of many things. In design brainstorming sessions you'll sketch out ideas on the fly. At the beginning of the project, you'll create a lot of the art that appears in design document, and at the end, your art may be featured on the web site and in the manual.
(http://archives.igda.org/breakingin/path_art.htm)
I have listed below a page extracted from the internet when I have searched for 2D concept artist jobs. Most of them are in the US, but for the moment, I found it quite interesting to see that there are a lot of jobs available and the wages are reasonable as well.
I have listed below a page extracted from the internet when I have searched for 2D concept artist jobs. Most of them are in the US, but for the moment, I found it quite interesting to see that there are a lot of jobs available and the wages are reasonable as well.
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The thing
that initially attracted me to this course was the possibility of creating my
own animation at the end of it, in the form of a cartoon. So I am (at the
moment anyway) very much attracted by cartoon characters. I will show a few
examples of things that drew my attention so far. (My favourite website for
this is http://www.3dtotal.com)
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