Getting Your Dream Job - Interview with Top Recruiter from DNEG

[@Braytonks3D]

I specifically like these longer interviews with a diverse pool of professional people, this and the "Becoming a Better Artist with Emilie" are so good! Thank you guys for providing these resources :)

[@FlippedNormals]

Thank you! Much appreciated. We'd love to do more of these

[@michaelsulesky7221]

You guys continue to make the best cg tutorials on YT! Thank you so much!

[@FlippedNormals]

Thank you! We really appreciate it

[@bohdan_lvov]

Jeez, dudes, I listened that and only HOURS later realized that you said that simple, but really important thing. You lose sight sometimes, thank you for reminding be, how I LOVE IT! Every single bit and second of that, to the last drop and memory cell.

[@linerider50]

I'm going to a 3D School in Germany and your videos really taught me to strive for a greater Job in this field. You really put things into perspective and help overcoming all the depressing people who tell you its way too hard to get a job in 3D. Thank you so much for the motivation !

[@MR3DDev]

This couldn't have come in a better time, I have an interview today :) thanks a lot guys

[@FlippedNormals]

Awesome :D Best of luck! Let us know how it goes.

[@Braytonks3D]

Hey same! Crazy timing haha

[@MR3DDev]

Hopefully is not the same job hahahaha. Good luck man

[@akshaytripathi16]

@@MR3DDev How did it go ??

[@SVAFnemesis]

this is by far the most useful video on youtube since the beginning of youtube

[@boothy6890]

You guys are killing it with these videos! So much information! Thankyou so much!!

[@FlippedNormals]

Thank you :D Happy to help.

[@seijianderson8462]

Awesome video, thanks for the insights! One thing that would have been interesting to hear was if there was any advice for people looking to approach a studio like this in a career-change situation. Feels like this talk was heavy on the fresh graduate scenario or for people who have already had direct industry experience.

[@pp_h]

This was a super entertaining m, I listened to this under my English exam

[@sandor9687]

You should make podcasts from these type of videos. We could listen these in the car, it would be awesome.

[@thelemoneater]

This interview was really helpful! Especially the bit at the start where you guys talk about how (not) essential a bachelors or college education is. Now any time my parents bring up how important college was for them, ill show them a clip of this ^^

[@MrSeantheBear]

This was a most enlightening interview. Thanks for doing your thing. As an Australian who wants to exist in Vancouver, the international hiring insights were invaluable.

[@nxtlvl2116]

XD thanks guys i'll watching it while i sculpt i love these long videos

[@TylerMatthewHarris]

ditto

[@FlippedNormals]

Awesome :D

[@activemotionpictures]

Thank you guys, so much for this fun and open conversation with your former recruiter. Gosh! it shows how social empathy is so important at work. Thank you, this interview felt very sincere and some of the questions I had were nailed right along this video. You guys are geniuses! btw: I listen to your videos only since I´m also doing modeling work right now, so I guess it´s ok to have a video timelapse running in the bk. Cheers!

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks a lot! Really glad you liked it :D It's fun for us to hear that people put it on while modeling and working on stuff. /H

[@ArtofTonyPommells]

I've got two separate interviews coming up and one is tomorrow, this was perfect, I love you guys!

[@FlippedNormals]

Amazing! Good luck :D

[@RahfeN]

I love the interview, just give me fuel for working hard on my skills!

[@FlippedNormals]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[@JakobScheidt]

I just feel the same!

[@kamilabianchi]

Loooooooved it!!! Specially talking about VISAS! Thanks for that!!!

[@brucassol]

This is really helpful. The channel is getting better and better...

[@LuisSantanderArt]

Thanks a lot for asking about oportunities for foreigners. The way things are going in the world, it's a little anxiety inducing when thinking about options for the future.

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks Luis! Appreciated. It really is...

[@shinobi471]

A fantastic session, listened to it while working on a project. Great hearing about various aspects of interview process as well getting a glimpse at the mind of an interviewer.

[@FlippedNormals]

Thank you so much! Was there anything you found to be particularly interesting?

[@shinobi471]

It was interesting to know that while an applicant may be a good artist, they should be able to get their passion properly expressed through to the interviewer as this marks them to be proactive. The bit about how the applicants should have a positive spin about why they may have left their old work place while they are applying at new place was really important. Seeing how companies in this industry mostly try to have a good relations, its good for artists not to have unpleasant relation with their former workplace.

[@JamZamDesigns]

Thanks guys, super valuable info here! I'm hard at work on getting my portfolio to a point where I can get a job in a studio, hearing a bit about the visa stuff is interesting as I'm in Sweden and might be applying for studios in London (such as DNEG ;)). Keep up the good work, looking forward to seeing more videos!

[@cserbuj]

Very interesting! I really enjoyed and I think it covers some important things that many people have in mind. Very useful! Thanks!

[@Creative927336]

Man ! This series is sooo good to hear while working on personal portfolio stuff !!! (Better then music) lol

[@FlippedNormals]

Awesome, thank you :D

[@GrbesicM]

thx guys for all videos, this is just what i need, all this information!

[@pawpotsRS]

please do an interview of the recruiters from the game studio such as Blizzard or Riot or even Runic Games? DNEG is VFX specifically but great insight and tip I especially like what she said about expat this is the one hard to come by when it comes to applying since some country are kind of hard to get working visa like US.

[@bakedlights]

Great video guys, really helps to have insight into the interview process with a studio. Since you mentioned feedback, and how people ask for it, is it normal to get a response, or do some studios forget about it after they decline your application. Awesome video as always.

[@CONTORART]

Awesome advice. Thanks for sharing this!

[@ThatGuyFromYorkshire]

It really does suck how much Mumbai has taken over the industry and how much this has directly impacted Artist Runner positions :/ Smaller studios become the ones to look at for these positions and if you can't afford to support yourself while you temp as a runner for many months you just can't do it Breaking your way in just seems to be getting harder and harder for entry-level positions

[@matthewdixon8665]

Q: Harriet mentions that you might start working in TV but could transfer into VFX for movies. Can you transfer from VFX to gaming similarly? My particular dream job would be in the gaming industry. Like you are mentioning, I would take a VFX job if it was the first/only option for me, but as I gain experience would like to transition to gaming.

[@verudo7035]

Thanks for the high quality content!

[@TheBrainDunne]

Great videos and great channel guys.

[@waynebillingham7098]

Great interview , it sounds like other companies I’ve been at as both artist and producer / artist recruitment. Many things can slow the process ( in particular some European countries have quite strict rules ... France comes to mind) . I was often pleading with lead artists / art directors etc to make a decision . Having interviewed a wide range of people the 1st direct conversation ( Skype etc ) is also key just to ensure language isn’t an issue , lots of feedback is very nuanced . Perhaps a luxury of experience but employees should also note that it’s a two way thing , is the culture suitable , big office vs small team , is it the actual role you wanted or thought it was .. dig into the typical expectations , typical week , things like that.. most interviews have typical questions but also show interest in the company , potential for development , additional support like life drawing , anatomy etc. Showreel wise , sometimes the most promising people are ones that have shown their own ability to innovate , not always the ‘university’ work they can show. Discussing previous companies etc is interesting , not just being negative but also remember they’ve signed confidentiality , if they’re spilling the beans on a project they may do it again.. I’ve worked with same people from 25 years ago , eventually you will know a lot of people at other places which can be great.

[@Harikrishna-tj9om]

PLEASE do a video on highy poly detail projection on a low poly model using z brush and maya

[@smoovelikedat3237]

another banger video.Thanks for this valuable info!

[@nabilchequeiq]

thanks a lot for every video you did ,and i really learned a lot from you, keep up and i wish you best of luck

[@FlippedNormals]

Really glad you learnt a lot - thanks for letting us know - we appreciate it :)

[@kampart6035]

Very useful information. Thank you very much

[@jatingupta3929]

Hello Sir, I am from India. First of all thanks a lot for uploading videos like these and i really mean it because we hardly have industry people in India talking about studios and stuff. What i request you if it's possible is to talk about Studios like DNEG in India Specifically. Like, DNEG GOA, etc as i am really Considering my future there but all i need is a Direction For which i can work on my showreel to get into that ambiance. I am Really Passionate about this field but all my Concern is about the future that is possible. Thanks!

[@maheshd7796]

Yes.

[@maheshd7796]

May i ask, where are you now. Even i am currently at the stage where you were, 4 yrs ago .

[@Ali-yd3mb]

I was always afraid to ask that question, when I got to the interview stage. "Why do you like to work here" or telling the interviewer "Well I had questions but you already answered them during the interview" feels cheesy I don't know maybe it's just me overthinking the situation. Good Video! Keep it up!

[@FlippedNormals]

Ah yes - I've had the same feeling :) But as long as you're honest about them actually answering questions, that's all good.

[@jmccann96]

So I have a question. Long story short I had a long standing career in internet business upper management. I got laid off at the end of 2016. I decided I couldn't do it any longer, and chose to teach myself 3D. 3D has become one of my 2 passions. Composing music is the other. For the past 2 years 70% of my free time has been spent teaching myself 3D, 20% has been music. I've always been artistic and I am able to learn things really quickly. So here's my question, as someone who is self taught how do I get a job in 3D. Every job I see, even entry level, they want minimum 3 yrs experience. And from my research you can't get an internship unless you're a student or have just recently graduated. I have tried to get a mentor on sites like polycount. The problem with that was that the only people who responded about being a mentor had less skill than me. When I looked at their portfolios their work just didn't have the quality that I was striving for, and so I don't want someone to mentor me when I don't respect their quality of work. So getting trusted feedback has also been difficult. I feel like I can't get a job without the experience, and I can't get the experience without the job. Luckily I have been fortunate enough to land some decent freelance work, but not the experience I need. I'm constantly working on personal projects and trying to learn and improve. In case you want to take a look here's my portfolio. joshmccann.art/

[@alyfarroukh5834]

Very helpful thank you so much for this!

[@DigiMyst]

I found your channel only a few weeks ago, and the content here is invaluable! I primarily work in 2D, but you all inspired me to pick up 3D again :)

[@FlippedNormals]

Ahh great! Thank you so much! :)

[@DigiMyst]

FlippedNormals Dude, thank *you* for giving us your insights!

[@piwypd0]

great video guys!!!

[@WillPreston3D]

Gods of Egypt! that's my favourite film

[@TheCrestent1]

Great interview, was nice to listen to while working in zbrush. :)

[@danielevans3165]

OMFG it's Christmas! Thank you so much for this

[@FlippedNormals]

Amazing :D Hope you like it, Daniel.

[@Farrukh3D]

Great. Thanks for sharing :)

[@gion1988]

It be interesting to share the experience firing artist and layoff due to internal issue. Coz in the art industry there are quite a number of layoff from the big industry. How do company counter this issue ?

[@rixhhh2392]

This was actually hilarious!

[@helios4753]

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Added to watch later.

[@ZalvaTionZ]

Showreel vs artstation with pictures only? I know that for props and characters in video games the latter is (heavily) recommended, but seeing that the only serious job opportunities where I live are 5-10 person animation/vfx studios, I'm trying to get a good enough grasp on that part of the industry to tailor a portfolio for them.

[@smoovelikedat3237]

Would be nice if you guys made a video on sculpting realistic skin folds/wrinkles.

[@FlippedNormals]

We'd really like that actually! :) On our list.

[@EriscapE]

Very useful information, thank you very much :)

[@FlippedNormals]

Happy to help! Cheers! /H

[@MrIvanovichh]

Awesome interview!! very interesting how they hire, i have a question hope that it can be answered, when they hire freelance do they pay them regular or after the project and how long after it?

[@Freg094]

So last year i actually interviewed with Harriet for a runner job at DNEG (so it's a little strange to hear her voice over the medium of youtube rn) But i was just wondering, if you get to the interview stage at the place like DNEG, how many other candidates are you competing against when you get to this point? Just interested out of curiosity. P.S. Love the videos guys, so so helpful, keep it up :)

[@FlippedNormals]

Hey! Thats pretty funny - must be weird hearing her voice :) Honestly, there's no good answer to that. For some positions, you're literally the only person and for others, there's a bunch. For a runner, there's probably quite a few, and the more sr you become, there are less and less.

[@edwinter4816]

This video give me a slight gap of light into my career cuz actually I’m finishing my studies so I feel like I’m super noob and probably I’ll get reject for international studies so hard work always pays off. Another cool thing is that I won’t be getting into a big studio into a suit and wearing shoes :P Can we have some standard of quality of portfolio for getting at least to the phase of getting consider for next time? (As a runner) And if anyone knows a cool page to start making networking and work with some guys (to build rep and network) I’ll love to heard about it

[@bohdan_lvov]

Free beer and pizza? Why it's not the first thing they mentioned? APPLICATION SENT

[@FlippedNormals]

:D There's so much pizza too!

[@rasmusmortensen1995]

Why did you stop putting this awesome content on soundcloud too ☹️ anyway, SUPER work you guys!!

[@FlippedNormals]

We reached our free quota, so we need to look into a paid membership.

[@graygrandeza6126]

Love your videos as always

[@FlippedNormals]

Thanks a lot Gray!

[@jayachakkaravarthy]

Thanks, guys sharing the valuable information...

[@FlippedNormals]

Cheers Darth!

[@jayachakkaravarthy]

But I have one question. I don't have any previous experience in CG industry and can I apply for the junior artist role...

[@DeathKnight1905]

Hmmm, I'm curious, would you have any, I don't know, advantage? In your application if you have extensive experience in collectables/miniatures ( for a Modeller position ofc ) Say that you've learned the technical aspects for film/TV to an acceptable point ( UVs, Topo etc ), you've got that in your portfolio and you've got that experience working on collectables/miniatures for say Warhammer and Sideshow Collectables, would that make any difference when they're choosing a candidate? ( other than the fact that you have extensive experience as a sculptor )

[@Cuddle-Muffins]

Thank you for the video! I have a question for the smart people do the same requirements roughly to get a UK work visa apply to most countries in the world? There was talked about your salary must be above a certain amount for you to be eligible for a UK work visa?

[@nicspics]

So they would hire someone from Australia? If you had the right skills? I’m more in the category of self learning and still learning probably not job ready yet, just curious cause there isn’t many 3D jobs here

[@PoseidonArts]

I hope I don't sound too much like an idiot, but what is a runner exactly? I have never really heard that term before. Also, great interview and very insightful! :D

[@thorna100]

hey, A runner is basically a studio assistant. Its the most basic level job coming in where you will do assistant like tasks, making drinks, keeping the office clean and tidy and getting things for clients and so on. However in VFX there is usually a strong attempt to teach runners things and have them integrate eventually into the studio. So its seen as a chance to make contacts and a foot in the door if your showreel maybe isn't up to scratch to get immediately hired in an artist role. Hope that makes seance!

[@FlippedNormals]

Yup! Correct. ^

[@josh-ed7je]

My texturing/shading skills are alot better than my modeling skills. Im still competent when it comes to hard surface but not the strongest at organic modeling. Alot of job listing posts 3D modeling and texture artist, should i still apply anyway knowing my strong suit is texturing or should i skip those posting and just go for pure texturing roles?? Great vid by the way.

[@josephbrandenburg4373]

What's the worst that can happen if you apply? Maybe you won't get the job, which you don't have anyways. I say do it. On the other hand, you can make a weak model look pretty good with a good enough material. Even a great model might be boring with a flat white material.

[@hugosilva3568]

Quick question here, what does it mean going in on a job as a runner?

[@jenn6471]

Oh my ...dneg pls pls pls start a expansion in Florida. ❤️❤️❤️Jenn

[@ThrashingCoyote]

Thank you soo much for this!! I didn't graduate from a big art college so I've had a really hard time figuring out how this process works in the VFX industry. If you have time, I do have one question. Whom should I be addressing my cover letters to if I don't know specifically who is going to be reading them?

[@FlippedNormals]

Glad it's helpful! :) You can just write "Hi" or "To whom it may concern" if you want to be really formal. I wouldnt be too concerned about this, though. It's pretty much all about your portfolio /H

[@ThrashingCoyote]

Awesome, thanks!!

[@Miyauchi]

Thank you guys!!

[@shulk-oldaccount7295]

Just to let people know, my art teacher didn't get a job because he didn't wear a suit and tie, where the guy they hired did. I'm being serious, and now my art teacher wears a blazer everywhere he works.

[@BlenderBeanie]

its a weird thing to ask but it has always bothered me, whenever somone fnishes and inteview and say bye to the "camera", what do people after that? are they like "well yeah we dont need you go home" or like "yeah that was fun i will go now". i always imagined that to be really awekward

[@silviodsuarez]

Love the video guys, I have a question since I have an interview in a couple of days. How do you deal with the money part? cause I kinda know how much they are willing to give me, but I want to ask for more, but Im afraid that they will say like thats too much for us and then if I go back to the original offer it might make me look bad. So please help me to deal with this situation.

[@FlippedNormals]

They might ask you "What is your current salary?". If they do, say what youre looking for - NOT - what you are currently on. I'd say it's a good idea to be firm with your demand, as long as you know you're worth it. If you say you want double of your skill-level, thats not good - but you can generally negotiate it.

[@fractalelement857]

idea/suggestion: make video of how coronavirus impacted the industry

[@m4r_art]

Do they hire Zbrush cowboys? :D

[@phosphorus2740]

Zbrush knowledge is a must, but you must also know how to use a normal DCC app such as Max or Maya.

[@achmadmuslich5671]

What do you think the worst, Zbrush cowboys or Blender dweller?

[@macalby]

@@achmadmuslich5671 Yeah but it's better than Modo

[@JasonCobble01]

@@macalby A lot of places prefer Modo these days. For example, good luck working at New Balance without it.

[@mayslam]

What is a zbrush cowboy? I keep hearing this term

[@MrAhiiia]

I missed one question on the Interview, to be honest, I am a bit scared about speaking English at the studio as is not my mother tongue, I am practising it and going into classes, but the fear does not go away, my question is : How do recruiters deal with this? Is it super important to be super fluent? Thanks!

[@FlippedNormals]

Hey! Most recruiters I've spoken with are very patient when it comes to it :) I've worked with many people with non-fluent English. It's important that your English is good enough to work in the team, though, as otherwise there might be some bad misunderstandings.

[@Fightdemon]

I'm interested in this topic too, could you give us some insight about? Maybe in a dedicated video? Thank you so much!

[@thorna100]

as an artist working in London I can say that there are lots of people who don't have english as a first language. Sometimes when chatting at lunch they struggle to understand some things, but on the whole your english has to be reliable a feedback is given fast by supervisors and you have to communicate with the team. So you don't have to be perfect but I would say fairly fluent.

[@MrAhiiia]

Thanks you guys for the replies!

[@gopalv7546]

thanks

[@VertexCarver]

@FlippedNormals It's been very interesting but a bit all over the place?... A way to help with that could be to start with some more context or constraints of what's very important to know for the individual so it's less DNEG specific and more fundamental "why's" and practical "how's"? It seems like HR is a difficult job as you're judging from multiple perspectives as a company role & personal experience. I assume that one aspect is to counteract implicit biases as they go through a structured process of company needs. But I can't shake a slight disingenuous representation of organizations and it goes both ways as interviews & their candidates almost resembles a game of posturing eloquently... My argument above is only a single perspective as well. I don't mean to project a sleazy picture as the only truth onto organizations or that the recruitment structure is flawed beyond reason. I think it can be said the other way around as it's the most effective structure today even though it's far from perfect. Other than "why's" & "How's" I'd really want to ask recruiters are about authenticity, if the organization plays a infinity game and not chasing the concept of being the best! I'm also curious about their management and leadership. Edit; Broken english

[@steve00alt70]

Would the recruitment hire people with social skill disability (autism) but good art?

[@FlippedNormals]

Sure, there's a wide range of people working in the creative industries.

[@Sodomantis]

Don't be negative when working at Double Negative.

[@sergiovelandia3d370]

That girl has a beautiful voice ♥♥♥

[@bao007fei]

What does RUNNER mean? The people who participate a short-term project then leave away? They keep doing that for living? Are they senior or junior?

[@thorna100]

hey, A runner is basically a studio assistant. Its the most basic level job coming in where you will do assistant like tasks, making drinks, keeping the office clean and tidy and getting things for clients and so on. However in VFX there is usually a strong attempt to teach runners things and have them integrate eventually into the studio. So its seen as a chance to make contacts and a foot in the door if your showreel maybe isn't up to scratch to get immediately hired in an artist role. Hope that makes seance!

[@bao007fei]

I get it. Thank you for the explanation. Really appreciate.😉

[@FlippedNormals]

Perfect explanation by Thorna! :)

[@unbuiltartist2354]

Hey, I am a student and going to study abroad,I've gotten into Canada and New Zealand schools but I'm not sure where should I go.i want to get a job in the respective country where I study and hearing that Canada prefers citizen I'm kind of conflicted. What should I do!

[@FlippedNormals]

Hey! I'd first research on the visa situation. With your citizenship, can you easily get a visa in the countries where you study? I'd say it's a big advantage to get a job in the same country as youre studying in, as you then have a network there already. The next thing is really figuring out how good the schools are. May I ask which schools have you gotten into? In general, we're EXTREMELY skeptical towards schools (check our video on this), so I wouldn't attend one unless I knew it was a really good one. I hope this helps. /Henning

[@unbuiltartist2354]

FlippedNormals I got in Vanarts in Canada and media design school in New Zealand

[@kickoffgamer6838]

Rgt now im in india , my family is gng to migrate from india to london so can i get a job in london ?? is it possible ?

[@mdrafiqurahman1634]

Getting a job depends will on your skills but yeah it would be easy If you live in London

[@FlippedNormals]

If your skills are good, then it shouldnt be too much of an issue. There's a bunch of people from India in London VFX.

[@unbuiltartist2354]

Can we get part time job in VFX as students?

[@FlippedNormals]

Unfortunately, I dont think that's possible. You can get internships during the summer though!

[@DodZz666]

my dream is to work at DNEG

[@FlippedNormals]

It was a great place to work :)

[@Snowing264]

Je fais des tuto francais dans Zbrush et substance painter, s'il y a des gens que ça intéresse!

[@nxtlvl2116]

first

[@TylerMatthewHarris]

first_02

[@OmegaF77]

The recruiter sounds like Dua Lipa when she talks.

[@aleph-tav]

Sounds like you have to go study at a Uni :)

[@FlippedNormals]

What you have to do is to get good at what you want to get a job in. If you do that through a uni or by yourself, up to you. Plenty of people who skip uni :)

[@aleph-tav]

But she talks about uni a lot! Sounds like she expects you to have gone to you. I agree with what you are saying

[@wemac7826]

There is absolutely NOTHING in here about becoming a professional cat cuddler! I was lied to!

[@FlippedNormals]

:(((

[@MaruskaStarshaya]

hehehe, eeeehehehe, hehehe. God, did you ever try to do this seriously?

[@combojerman28]

one word to Harriet i sent my portfolio a extreme well done portfolio with characters and other stuffs there. she wrote me back and told me. hey! we love your portfolio, but you didnt study character and you specialized in industrial design. sorry but WTF! i study that because you and this whole industry of character design (not only) are so concentrated to just one thing and people with real talent dont get the change, because they didnt study the proper thing and dont have a specific diploma. look first at all at the portfolio and not which title do i have, studied or got. REALLY BIG FAT WTF!!!!!!!!!