Industry Analysis
I started my college career wanting to learn how to do animation for cartoons. After three years of college classes and learning what I have learned at Westwood College Online, I know that I have barely scratched the surface of knowing what I need to know. I’ve also learned that the design and game industry has many, many subspecialties in which an artist can then learn details about that particular specialty and perform really well. It’s good to have a working knowledge of how to do an animation from scratch, but to do one well requires an in-depth knowledge of all aspects which is very difficult to learn in three short years. In my three years at Westwood I have learned that I like to do 3D modeling, graphic design, and editing.
After doing a Google search of job opportunities in 3D modeling and graphic design, as well as job searches on filmcrewpro.com, careerbuilder.com, ifreelance.com, 3dmd.net, careershift.com and michigantalentbank.com. I was able to find categories of jobs that seemed appealing and also allowed for an inexperienced person to get their foot in the door. I’ve also discovered the competition is fierce for 3D modelers in the few jobs that are available for them. Some of the job opportunities that I thought I would be qualified for included: Assistant Editor, Promo/Commercial Editor, Freelance VFX Artist, Color Grading Company Intern, 3D modeler/animator/texture artist, 3ds MAX animator, and 3D character artist. The job requirements and skill sets are listed below:
Company | Job Title | Job requirement | Skill set |
Flawless ENT | 3D modeler, animator, texture artist | Dedication and motivation, must own 3ds MAX, Maya, Blender, etc | Know how to use 3ds MAX, Maya, Blender and how to properly export models |
PM Productions | 3ds MAX animator | 3ds MAX, animation and After Effects | Know how to use 3ds MAX, After Effects and how to animate. They want to turn a logo file into 5 sec animation |
Funcom | 3D Character Artist | Experience in: 3ds MAX, Maya, Photoshop, Zbrush. Able to work well on team, willing to relocate to Beijing, strong in human and animal anatomy | Skilled in: creating high/low poly models, normal map creation, creating textures, understanding of color theory, lighting and design, able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines |
Sub-Conscious Concepts | 3D Modeler | Demo reel which shows abilities | Ability to create models of jewelry |
Casting Call | Assistant Editor | Lives in LA; Know Final Cut Pro; Mac-savvy; Knowledge of Photoshop & AfterEffects; familiar with tape formats & decks; prefer someone looking for career in post production, clean driving record, working car, & cell phone | A self starter, motivated, organized. Assist post department with administrative and technical tasks, keep post-production area clean/organized, able to log and digitize; able to prep projects for editors |
| Promo commercial editor | Good knowledge of Final Cut Pro, have Final Cut Pro and their own system | Good with graphics and music and able to work on their own for first cut, then incorporate client notes into a finished two minute promo |
| Freelance VFX Artist | Must work in their office with their equipment (software knowledge not specified) | Ability to rotoscope, green screen composite, stabilize images, model and animate paranormal elements, liquid effects |
| Color Grading Company Intern | Must work in their office with their equipment | Knowledge of Avid, Smoke, DaVinci and Adobe |
Only one company mentioned any portfolio requirements and that was Sub-Conscious Concepts which expected a demo reel which demonstrates the artist’s ability. I would have in my demo reel/portfolio an example of projects done in 3ds MAX and Maya with some projects highlighting special effects which I have done in After Effects, Blender or ZBrush, including before and after pictures to illustrate progression (for instance, if I were to show my skills with Photoshop).
Portfolio Plan
The critical components of my profile include projects done in 3ds MAX, ZBrush, Blender, After Effects and Photoshop. There may also be small bits done in other software titles, but the majority is what is already listed. The existing projects which will be incorporated into my portfolio include blue man jumping, blue man pushing, car crash, cheetah, farm, robot and volcano and I have recently created dancing pumpkins to add to the assets. These projects will show my ability to model characters and environments utilizing the software mentioned earlier. The main thing I need to work on to bring all of them up to portfolio quality is to refine the animation. What I have so far is very rudimentary and isn’t really representative of what I believe I am capable of producing.
Reflection Statement
Due to the large variety of software available for 3D modeling, animation and graphic design and the many subspecialty areas that artists can be found in, it is imperative to create a resume and portfolio that is geared toward the position or area the artist is seeking. It will be useless to create a resume which lists 3ds MAX, After Effects, Sound Booth and Premiere Pro as proficiencies and a portfolio which shows proficiency in those areas if the employer is looking for someone who can use Maya, Blender, and Final Cut Pro. The CG and animation fields are very competitive, making it important to showcase your talent in the areas employers are looking to fill.
I will be periodically reviewing my resume and portfolio to ensure that I have included all current knowledge, experience, and projects. Prior to submitting my resume and portfolio to a potential employer, I will also check them over for skills and examples of what I can do that the potential employer is seeking, as well as reexamine my work for knowledge and use of current trends in modeling and animation.