How to apply for art jobs! Why don't art schools teach ANY of this?

Tutorials/Templates/Brushes - gumroad.com/trentk
Books - www.lulu.com/spotlight/TrentKa...
digital/ebooks - www.aquatic-moon.com
Twitter- / trentkaniuga
Cubebrush - cubebrush.co/trentk
Discord - / discord
Equipment I use- www.amazon.com/shop/trentkaniuga
If you've ever thought that you wanted to work in video games as a concept artist, this is how you do it. Its not a magical unexpected accident. It will take a great amount of effort for you to achieve it, but almost anyone can. I had no training, I grew up poor, from a small town that no one has ever heard of, and I was able to work on games like world of warcraft, diablo 3, league of legends, hearthstone, overwatch, and many more that are not yet announced.
Your success depends on how you learn. This video should give you a strong starting point to learn what to learn to become a concept artist in video games.
Books available-
Twilight Monk Secrets of Kung Fulio (2020) - Illustrated Novel
World Of Twilight Monk Vol 1 (2019) Art Book
The Man and the Moonken (2019) - Illustrated Novella
The Beast of Tuksa (2018) - Illustrated Novella
Twilight Monk (2012) - 2 Graphic Novels
Nova Colony (2009) - 1 Graphic Novel
CreeD (1993-2007) - Comic Book Series
Ghost Rider (2000) - Comic Book Series
The Fuzz (1997) - Comic Book
Games I've worked on -
Indivisible (Environment concept art)
Overwatch (Environment concept art + Sprays artwork)
League of Legends (Character design + Environment concept art)
Diablo 3 (Character design + Environment concept art)
Hearthstone (Illustration)
Burning Crusade(Character design + Environment concept art)
Wrath of the Lich King (Character design + Environment concept art)
Final Fight Streetwise (Voice Acting + Character + World Design + Cutscene Direction + writer)
He Man (Pixel Art)
Terminator 3 (Art Direction + Pixel art)
CannonBallers (Character + World design)
Ikeda: The Scrap Hunter (Programming + Art + Design)
Goblins and Gnomes (Concept Art)

[@ElliotBoyette]

That lesson of "do environments if you want to get hired" is an invaluable one I need to keep hearing. Maybe I'll take a stab at what some new locations in Ikeda would look like ...

[@Fandirek]

Will a company hire me when I'll kick down their door and say: 'Yo, Trent sent me'? :p

[@TrentKaniuga]

Probably not. lol.

[@olimueller]

make a video of the process if you try that 😀

[@idontknowWhatTosay8]

@@olimueller lol would be great :D

[@energypersonified3324]

I appreciate you so much for helping artists find their starting point, it's usually the most challenging part. Thank you

[@AndrewMaksymBrainNectar]

I love that intro so much! Gonna have to make my own version for my channel.

[@SashasSketches]

Well... There is an entry Job, but it requires 5 years working on AAA titles lul

[@MrSharko12]

If your'e good you can get a job without any experience if you manage to fit all the other requirements. if not, you can always try to get a job in a smaller project, Im sure a lot of indie game developers will be happy to work with a great artist even if he has no working experience. I now work with a group of developers on a small mobile game project, non of us get any money for this yet and were all still figuring out what were doing and trying to learn, and it will all count as job experience for me in the future.

[@RhysKSmith02]

Gotta love that video discretion in the beginning. Live long and prosper, Trent. 🖖

[@TheMoonPhoenix21]

I'm pursuing a Computer Science masters and trying to get started with the fundamentals and Environment Art with 3D modelling and especially what you pointed out about Concept Art being about how the people live and the world is the reason I got excited about Environment Art. Thank you for the reminder to improve on my fundamentals and put out some art and thank you for all the instructional videos you put out, they are a massive help.

[@just_cody3569]

Hey man. Just gotta let you know that I love what you’re doing. I have to put off watching/ listening to your videos all day because you inspire me to pick up my tablet and get to work soooo hard. I’m headed to grab my iPad and fire up procreate as you speak right muther flipping now!

[@kobedesue6791]

That’s a good idea about the mods , I honestly thought you just have to keep throwing your resume and keep drawing until they see it I’ll give the mod idea a shot, thanks for always making raw videos like these it helps the art community a lot.

[@cyberlevelvision]

What? I always thought these jobs were passed through Mythical Forest Creatures XD

[@stefanfrenkev9493]

And he does it again ! Whenever you struggle with something , Trent is there - saving the day 🤜🤛

[@Dash49]

This is such a fantastic video! So much of these steps are easy to say but not easy to do. I can't wait to put in the work and apply for studios in the summer. I have no idea how to even approach making mods so maybe that would be a good video idea for next time. Thanks Trent!!!

[@DTylerV]

One of the most informative videos for art that I've ever seen. Great job man!

[@milkbread5036]

Thank you for being straight to the point, sharing examples and tough love.

[@_ranituran3161]

The second the disclaimer came in, I CRACKED 🤣🤣🤣 Thank you sir, you truly are the wizard of illustration industry 👍👍

[@Hibernial]

Loving the disclaimer in your video man. Cheeky but competent gets the message across. Awesome video of course. Love the show and process for portfolio readying and deliberate presentation.

[@denilsoncordeiro591]

I have never seen a video like this, amazing content you have been doing in this channel, thank you so much

[@olimueller]

Nice, honest and to the point. Thanks again for such videos! I appreciate the efford. 👍

[@jameslemon6523]

Such good advice, thanks Trent. Love this channel

[@unlimitedquickworks7387]

Thanks a lot for taking your time to do this.

[@Klaracbarack]

I'm 17, am I watching this video too early? lol Seriously, this was really helpful and informative! Making art for video games has been my dream job ever since I got into 3D modelling, and I've been trying to improve my art skills as much as possible and get as much experience as I can. Making mods and uploading them to the Steam workshop is a great tip, I actually started doing that last year, if you don't mind a little bit of coding it's actually a lot of fun! Anyway, thanks for making this video! Keep up the good work!

[@ケイータKeiyta]

I am 14 bro , i am a highschooler who works pretty hard on getting a job in the art industry and i feel like i should have searched this up earlier x)

[@blakemarsee4801]

This is gold. I'm currently trying to get experience as a ui artist. Thanks for the advice.

[@nikunjmajithia5002]

I love how you love keeping stuff simple keep up the great work you are awesome I want to be an 3d Indie game designer/Animator like have my own studio and you are a big inspiration I'm currently start you art fundamentals course you rock canf wait to learn

[@manuelherrera6938]

Damn! I like your banner at the start of the video! Ha! Nailed it!

[@augyart]

Thanks for the advice Trent! Also.. love your video disclaimer at the beginning! Well done sir .. well done 😂

[@itanchiro5524]

8:11 already the most important, helpful life saving video on this topic that you can find of the internet

[@frejazz2]

Thank so much Trent !

[@LeonardoSartorelli]

Hey Trent thanks for another awesome pro tips, by the way would you do a video about how to make a ''Cover letter or resume'' for people that are starting on the field and trying to get their first job in a studio...and have not much to put there for baking their experience other than just a good enough portfolio. Thanks dude !!! see you on the next video !!!

[@mikkelmelby]

wise words! nice presentation as always!

[@RukileinchenChan]

I often hate that I don't live in the US or Japan because here in Germany there are not that many studios and if there are some they don't look for jobs most of the time. I want to improve through working with more professional people but I just don't have good oppurtunities here... internships are impossible and my level is only ok in my opinion... Plus, I have some kind of "application fear" which somehow prevents me from doing a portfolio. I am not confident at all even though I practise daily *sigh* Thanks for the video nonetheless!

[@thaumana8489]

Create your own opportunities then. I know that problem since this country's game industry shows barely some love for 2D art or for the artistic market in general. If moving to another country is not an option for you, you can look out for remote jobs on the job offer site of Artstation (you can subscribe to their newsletter to receive notifications whenever new job offers are coming in which occurs almost daily) or in the job offer forum of Deviantart. Despite the reputation of the latter it still got me my freelance job in an indie studio and there are actually a lot of them looking out for suiting artists from time to time. It is far away from a secured job and requires a lot of work routine, discipline and especially genuine trust in strangers, but if you are eager to get such a kind of job you should give this direction a try. As for your 'fear" - well, that seems to be a specific and individual conflict of anxiety that you have to overcome yourself. Try to break down the reasons for this anxiety and after you have identified the source maybe look out for some motivational advice videos related to the subject like this one from Sensei. Those video creators are most likely experienced people from the industry and are willing to help if you have questions which you can ask in the commentary section or on their respective social media channels. In my case it helped a lot and I gathered more knowledge and confidence with every new approach, conversation and application. Good luck!

[@user-vl8ck4gz6w]

same germany doesnt have much 3d zbrush stuff. I need to move to anotger country but how am I supposed to move out to another country without having a guaranteed job? Ill go there homeless lol

[@AmberAkArt]

Thank you so much for this video! I keep wondering if I can do concept art from home and still make a living. I've been recovering from a divorce and my job experience is only retail, while my college education is extensive and still in progress. But I really wish I could gain employment as an artist and actually draw and paint for the rest of my life. (Sure would prove everyone else in my life wrong about it being possible.) I'm currently working on building my portfolio and brand. However, my dream game studio to work at would be Bethesda, like the ESO loading screens make me *drool. Although, I feel like it's too far out of my reach. HOWEVER, now that I've seen so many of your videos, I'll be hunting for some indie games that need some commission work done on Steam! :) I know Facebook is a silly place to have a portfolio, so I'm trying to build a website with Wix or Squarespace. (Edited to add: I won't post any links because I don't want you to think you need to take the time to look at my stuff. I know you're busy! Lol.) But I need to narrow down to my best pieces in order to build up my art station and make a real website! I just wanted to express my gratitude for everything you've put into helping to teach others and the way you share your experience and wisdom with such passion!!! Happy Turkey Day tomorrow! (oops. my comment turned out a little long. lol. oh well.)

[@Lhitri]

AmberAkArt ESO loading screens make me drool aswell. I hope you get the job, good luck in your journey !

[@kobedesue6791]

Yeah good luck you can do it

[@JonLauArt]

Heh, funny enough I've gone back to school xD. CGMA to be exact. Outside of an indie game I'm working I really need to just redo all of my portfolio at this point. Almost half of it is going on 1 - 3 yrs old by now. Though I'll say this the one thing I feel lacks in all my applications are my cover letters. My art style might not be a right fit for a company but I know it's not for lack of skills.

[@TrentKaniuga]

You're on the right track Jon!

[@Sweetroll_Wolfie]

Woo! This is gonna be good!

[@PurplePufferfish]

Love your disclaimer at the beginning! LOL

[@Control_Z.]

Good news Trent I’m getting a Wacom pro for Christmas including the compete gumroad works shop bundle

[@nickjames8136]

Lol at that disclaimer, cant wait to see where this goes. . . XD

[@mohamedelhawy4124]

TY Great Advises.

[@idiocracy10]

Love the disclaimer, I have been suggesting a terms of service/disclaimer/liability release for a few months now, to youtubers complaining about the dec 10 purges that are sure to happen. I dont know if it will work, but I would put " continuing to watch this video is acceptance that the creator of this video can present his information as he deems fit, and you forfeit any right to report this video, and must resort ot arbitration with the creator prior to reporting to youtube or otherwise posting complaints about this video on social media."

[@alfredosantos142]

I love your videos, thanks for all of your advice! oww yeahh hehe

[@Artsensei86]

another great video

[@idontknowWhatTosay8]

I just love all that stuff. Introos. Ends. Speech. Knowledge and experiencr u gave us just great. I do watch ur videos wich i dont even need them. 2hatever. Can u make any tut for tips or any suggestions for artist s whos nt doong concept arts. Like they do some figures or backgrounds or whatever they feel great to paint or draw it. Thats bring joy. Or u just have to work for someone else..? Sorry for big text. Wish u have minimum 1m subs

[@sebaslincep6808]

thanks, trent.

[@bb_Boofus]

Tank you so much!

[@bobbiemeri7245]

A lot of this is so overwhelming to me. I can't imagine making an entire portfolio for every application just because I have to match the style. Is it ok to just do 1-2 pages in the style?

[@MrRandomnese]

Nah, be hyper specific about the style and genre. If you have like 4 different styles in your portfolio, that will confuse the employer. Remember that there is no such thing as a game that is truly unique; all games have similar copies out there. So by having one style, you can apply to many places, not just one studio/game.

[@lorenzobejaranolibreros]

so useful thanks trant

[@xuanxh]

Hi Trent and thank you for the video! Sorry for the long post, but I am really panicking about the idea of having different portfolios tailored for different studios, probably because I don’t really know how it really works. I have never worked in the industry before, I am slowly leveling up my skills by studying during my free time after having worked for more than 10 years in a different field, and I am no longer that young. I have a question for you, or anyone reading this message. How do you quickly prepare a portfolio that is tailored for a specific studio? For a regular job, you need to tailor your cover letter to the place you are applying for: that can be done rather quickly. But creating a whole unique portfolio, from scratch, can’t be done fast unless you are a pro artist. You need to research the style of the studio: look at their art, study it, understand it enough so you can reproduce it, then create several new pieces for that portfolio. That is something that, in my case, could take up weeks. So how do you properly get tens and tens of different portfolios, with different art-styles, that you could submit to different studios? I am probably getting a wrong image of the industry, but right now this is how I understand it. Let’s say you want to work for Blizzard and let’s just imagine that freelancing is not an option for you. You reach a rather good level, quit your day job, and decide to invest 100% of your time into your art career. Then you spend weeks working on that Blizzard portfolio. Only problem: Blizzard is not currently hiring, or your portfolio is rejected. But you need a job fast, because your savings are going down. You could find whatever kind of job in the meantime, even part time, but that would give you even less time to prepare portfolios (unless you decide to pull all-nighters for that). Then you look at other studios that have similar styles to Blizzard, so you could submit the same portfolio: none of them are hiring. Then suddenly you see a position available at a small indie studio you had never heard about, that happens to be located a few blocks from your place! But their art style is very different, and you need to create a brand-new portfolio. You spend some weeks doing that but once you have it ready it’s too late: that position has been taken by someone else long ago, first one first served. Back to square one. You decide to spend months working on different portfolios that could land you a job at some specific studios, then hope there will be a job opening in one of those. In the meantime there is a job opening, but at a studio you don’t have any portfolio for because of their art-style: do you try to scratch together a portfolio for that job? Do you send one of the few you currently have? Or do you simply ignore that job since you don’t have a portfolio ready for it? And then, finally, there is a job opening at Blizzard! But now your portfolio is too old, full of pieces you did a year ago if not longer: you didn’t update it because you were too busy working on all those different other portfolios to try to secure a job somewhere. It seems to me that any artist trying to find a job in-house needs to have at the very least 10 different portfolios, with different art styles: that would be the bare minimum for me, as there are so many studios and you can’t know when one will be hiring. Plus, for each style, you might want to have a portfolio for characters, one for environments, and a last one for props and vehicles if you are really desperate for getting a job. Simply keeping all of those portfolios with different art-style and content up to date could be a full-time job on its own, with little chances of success. My understanding is that, unlike a cover letter that can be used anywhere with some tweaking, you cannot really do that with a portfolio since each portfolio needs to be tailored to a specific studio, or at least art-style. Is this how it works, or am I overthinking it to the point I am making wrong assumptions and seeing it as an impossible task? Can you simply do super-generic portfolios, like fantasy RPG in cartoony style, fantasy RPG in realist style, scifi cartoony style, etc...

[@StarlightAkari]

If you have different folders/categories on ArtStation, do you think it matters if employers can see the other categories? I know I spoke about my confusion with ArtStation earlier, I'd really love if you made a video on ArtStation for applying to different companies that you try to tailor to, even when you feel you only need to swap out a few pieces to each unique studio, which is kind of hard on artstation.

[@jasonrock3278]

wait wait wait now hold on a second, they put Trent's art in their portfolio ! what the hell!

[@brucemashbat240]

Insightful

[@Arterismos]

I see a lot of info on being a concept artist for games. Could you do a video on how to get hired as an illustrator instead i.e. making splash art or card art? Are in-house illustrators even a thing or do companies just commission freelancers?

[@TrentKaniuga]

Being an illustrator is even easier to get the job. Your portfolio just has to show the style of the game/project. The problem is that you're competing with pricing of foreigners that have a different economy, so illustrators end up working for very cheap in the US. Some companies hire full time, but this is even harder to get into than concept art.

[@Arterismos]

@@TrentKaniuga Thank you for the valuable info! Sounds like being a concept artist is the more stable career choice, then. :O

[@sekkataziz1644]

but how to get a job when they want someone with 3 years experience in AAA studios but you just started your career

[@urtwurm]

So sorry Uncle Pablo...

[@Cacalotlraven]

Hi Trent! Do any companies hire artists from remote locations or do they prefer everyone in house? I’m having a feeling that as a married man with young children with a wife in an alternate career path (medical provider) I can’t freely move to any location.

[@TrentKaniuga]

It will almost always be most helpful for you to work in house if you can. The experience of learning how to collaborate and discover the needs of the team will help you tremendously when you are working remotely later in your career. That said, if you cant move, then it is more likely that you should look for remote contract work with a focus on prop design, user interface or 2d mobile art assets.

[@Cacalotlraven]

Trent Kaniuga thank you for the tips. I’m about to turn 40 and I think your suggestion might serve best this late in my career.

[@vlweb3d]

*Hey Trent, Pewdiepie recently declared that his videos were never intended for kids. Logan Paul however, stated in an interview, that his videos are for the kid to teenager demographic. So you might want to change your age warning from Pewdiepie to Logan Paul - lol. Anyway, good video as always.*

[@TrentKaniuga]

I plan to change it every week or two. But Pewdiepie has absolutely called his audience "8 year olds".

[@vlweb3d]

@@TrentKaniuga *lol, yeah, but when this COPPA thing started, he instantly started calling his audience "19 year olds". It was hilarious. He knows that they might come for him.*

[@digital_artistlvl1977]

Hello Mr. Trent l am struggling with color right now, do you have a course that you can recommend me?

[@XonixDerps]

How long do you think is acceptable for a beginner when designing a character? or skin etc in concept art? I feel like in traditional media im quite fast/ quality is good but digital speaking im still a novice and take wayyyy to long to do the process :c. I had it in my mind I need to finish a concept in a week tops or something. Also are Props just what I'd call say a lamp sprite or something? Been looking those up for concept design and they seem like that, smaller things that fill the world or have a particulate reason

[@scribblingjoe]

I love your COPPA disclaimer.

[@daisyconcepcion8687]

Question, do you recommend affinity designer or procreate? And for 3D modeling is UMake a good app to make 3D models to use in my portfolio?

[@luisdebayle2239]

in photoshop when you where rendering the gazerbeast rider did you put pressure on opacity and pressure on flow when drawing or coloring it?

[@adelacreative]

Could you tell us more about the timeline expectations for character design? For example in how much time we will be expected to hand in thumbnails, and finished turnarounds? I've started working on my portfolio and the timeline I think it's important before I apply to any jobs. I've been doing web/graphic design and illustration for 18+ years, half of them contracting but I have no idea about the time expectations on character design. Thank you!

[@TrentKaniuga]

Have you taken my character design course on www.gumroad.com/trentk ? You have to do a sheet of character design sketches every day. Final render usually gets a full 8 hour day. If it's for an important character, you'll go through dozens of iterations on the final design and it can take up to 3 months of redesigning it every day.

[@adelacreative]

@@TrentKaniuga That's a great insight, thank you!!! I was searching for your course but can't find it. Is it called Advanced character Skin design?

[@ceilingfan3986]

If I want to be a character concept artist do i need to do environments aswell? Or will I just apply as a concept artist and do both

[@friedchicken3242]

Character concept is really hard to get into, practice environments anyways as a backup. It’ll also improve your perspective.

[@cheesemaster6796]

yay I'm early!

[@bitesizeart6054]

Can anyone tell me what the basic brush he uses for most things is?

[@spikespiegel3197]

I think the main brush he's using most of the time is graphite brush at low opacity

[@GiezelleBernal]

There is a problem when it comes to applying jobs posted online. What most companies don’t want you to know is that these job posting are for somebody they already know. There’s always politics going on when it comes to clients recognizing other clients they worked before. It doesn’t matter how great your portfolio is.... if you don’t have a good connection with a professional person. Apply at a company all you like, but beware that these job postings (especially when it comes to gaming industries) are an excuse for a specific applicant they already know. At least, that’s my opinion...

[@Aaurelion]

Can I just apply to studios as Trent Kaniuga??? jk xD. Thanks for the vids!

[@shiireo.o1719]

Sorry for the repeat but... "Ross Draws or something".... HAHA

[@wykedbunny9792]

I notice that a lot of these listings look for people who have a bachelors degree. Any advice on how self taught artists with no bachelors might have a shot?

[@TrentKaniuga]

Your degree doesnt matter as much as your skill level.

[@wykedbunny9792]

Ah, thank you so much for responding! It’s been pretty discouraging to see that a lot, but it’s great to know that a strong portfolio would be just as good. 🙏🏾

[@dungofrungus7659]

I'll let my Uncle Pablo know its time for a different career path....

[@Jowyerv]

Hey Trent, I'm considering apply as a concept artist in Bandai Namco. but they didn't mentioned what certain kinda art style that they are looking for. after I've researched they have many different kinda art style of games been published. For this case, any advice?

[@neowasusuge]

I think the best you can do is to show that you can be versatile and change your style if needed (I'm not a pro but it's what seems to me the most logical)

[@TrentKaniuga]

Is there a specific team that is hiring? Also, do you speak the language of the studio you are applying to? Many Bandai Namco studios are in japan only. I recommend focusing your art style on the style of the game they are hiring for. If you don't know, then aim for their most popular style. For example, right now Code vein seems to be popular for them, as well as their dragonball and other licensed games. So try to show that you can design in those art styles.

[@Jowyerv]

@@TrentKaniuga Thank you for the response. on their recruiting page mentioned "being able to portrays different art styles to meet client's requirement." that's the part that bothers me. n fortunate enough, there's a franchise studio nearby my house, which means most probably it will be locals working in there, even if the superiors are Japanese I speak Japanese np. 🤗

[@kevzik7629]

Is there a secret how to organize your portfolio to look good and interesting ?

[@user-vl8ck4gz6w]

Yes. Use artstation and add explanation pictures with further information on why you did different things the way you did. People wanna see it quick and fast. Artstation is good for that. Everybody knows how to use it and all you need is a link or your name. Dont use selfmade websites or obscure links

[@jayrielruelo568]

What pencil did you use in digital drawing ?

[@TrentKaniuga]

a plastic one.

[@ricardosalazarperez1163]

Is it even more difficult by not living in the US?...

[@TrentKaniuga]

Its difficult to break into the game industry even in the US. But these days there are many companies outside of the US like those popping up in germany, and all over europe, as well as asia. You don't have to live in the US to make games.

[@user-oc8mj7yc9r]

I love Naruto 😂😂

[@tutiloco6749]

Ive always see the jobs the aaa companies post as a little trap cause if u read the requirements it Will say most of the Time that u need from 3-5 years alraedy working in the industry soo ...no place for new people right.

[@TrentKaniuga]

Not true. You just need to work your way up. Start in mobile or indie games. Start at less popular game studios. AAA game development is like the Olympics now. You have to be damn good just to get noticed in the big leagues. Once you're there you have to defend your title.

[@tutiloco6749]

@@TrentKaniuga thanks for the uplifting answer ill do my best!

[@pearlbones4]

Why this beef with pewdiepie thou 💀

[@ccaspercrow]

what are the odds xD

[@Papa_Mendes]

😊😊😊😊😊 I