The Shortcut to Getting an Art Job

[@VillaCarrington]

"You're helping people with your skills" And you're helping people with your acknowledge Chris. I don't know how I've ended on your video, but seriously this video is pure gold. I'm an hobbyist myself and never thought of doing more. I wish I could work with people like you, you are amazing. Thnks a lot for your advices.

[@ChrisChien]

+VillaCarrington No problem man! Thank you!

[@RR-wz1cl]

Mang, my depressive mindset + your optimistic motivational speech makes a perfect balance in my messy mind. Thanks for this, many needs this so continue pushing forward!

[@ChrisChien]

+Baz Richard No problem man. Good luck!

[@lucasdomaradzki9316]

Man... you have no idea how important and powerful your message is to me right now. Thanks a lot, I really appreciate you sharing your personal view and your experience. I'm starting now as an illutrator, but I have no idea where to go, I have a a hard time trying to figure out which path to take, but now this is going to more easy with your advice from this video. Thanks a lot.

[@ChrisChien]

Hey no problem man. feel free to message me if you need any help

[@thearthub8775]

this is a super high quality video. I thought you were a professional You tuber keep it up!

[@ChrisChien]

thanks dude! glad you liked the video

[@gingerbreadbirdy7994]

I thought this was gonna be clickbait bs, but this is actually pretty helpful. Thanks!

[@ChrisChien]

haha thanks! I published this back in 2014 - so that was before clickbait was rampant on youtube! :)

[@gingerbreadbirdy7994]

Thats great to know! :)

[@slavikgondelya8607]

Cool video. Helpful and practical. Thanks

[@ChrisChien]

no problem man!

[@DonSeaworth]

More people should watch this. Thanks Chris this is awesome!

[@ChrisChien]

No problem Don! Thanks man!

[@tingting7856]

I wish i found this vedio earlier. I now graduated from university and finding jobs as a graphic designer. However, I am somehow interested in printmaking arts more. I should do client research earlier. I applied for jobs which is open on job searching website. And, go to the company I didnt know before. Thanks a lot of this vedio. It tells me we can do more control on who r we going to work with.

[@miturtow]

Thanks for putting out some good advice!

[@ChrisChien]

Thanks dude!

[@whade62000]

I have the opposite problem. I can read people well and have good general trend awareness. My issue is that I have difficulty committing to hard work and learning specific skill, because I feel a constant need to go back and re-examine what is actually "hot" right now and the fact that trends do not last weighs heavily on my mind.

[@ChrisChien]

Yeah man. This video I made 3 years ago or so. Shortcuts will lead to temporary results. Long terms results will still require long term hard work. Stay focused bruh. Get laser focused on what you want. And keep out the distractions.

[@foxfire1345]

yo bro this video is so inspiring! thanks for giving us your roadmap of how to break in into this industry. your insights would be helpful with you currently being in this industry. thank you too for working on this even though it took you a year. i guess it was pretty worth it.

[@ChrisChien]

thanks dude! hope it helps! :)

[@vladimir4614]

thank you very much! this video is incredible helpful! i still don't have job that i want, but now i know what i should do to get there.

[@Hopischwopi]

Thank you so much for this video it really gives a solid ground. It is so hard to start after studying for so long and it is really scarry to not know where to go.

[@bureh230]

Thanks for the really helpful video.

[@TMSKINS]

I wanna be a car designer, and this definitely also applies to my area of work. Really great informative video!

[@ChrisChien]

thanks man! good luck!

[@SeventhDoorOpen]

wow. great tut. thanks for posting

[@ChrisChien]

hey no problem man

[@michaelyoung6325]

Thank you for sharing, I will take notes on this the second time I watch through. My illustration instructor Susan Ogilvie shared this us. Your work is great. Cheers.

[@ChrisChien]

Oh wow - no way? Where do you go to school? Thank you instructor for me! Thanks man!

[@michaelyoung6325]

I'll make sure to thank her. I attend the Northwest College of Art and Design. Otherwise known as NCAD.

[@jbfuller2076]

Man... this is bloody brilliant! I love this! Thanks so much!

[@ChrisChien]

hey no problem man! Thanks!

[@tuedaz]

Thank you for the perspective. Good direction and sounds like good commonsense. :)

[@demitry2oo9]

THANK YOU CHRIS.

[@ChrisChien]

+Luciano Fleitas no problem man!

[@sydtscott]

Man, this was refreshing. Thanks for the advice!

[@gregoryedwards3467]

This is gold Chris. Pure gold >.

[@ChrisChien]

+Gregory Edwards thanks man!

[@ipivot157]

Great video and blog post Chris! :)

[@ChrisChien]

thanks man!

[@fishyovohhh]

Wow, great video Chris! I have been trying to figure out what I wanted to and who I want to work for. I now know what I want. Thank you for the great information and process. This could easily turn into a presentation at expos and such. Good luck with your theme park designs, which look great by the way!

[@ChrisChien]

Thanks Kyle! Man - I would love to present at expos - that would be so sick. Let me know if you see any ones that need speakers! lol

[@ashcomics13]

wow thanks that was super informative and straight foward

[@burapharaithby3313]

Thanx so much. This video is a big help :)

[@solrossi_illustration]

Very cool ideas Chris. Thank you.

[@ChrisChien]

No problem! :)

[@to-acpro-iw1748]

This was very helpful! Thank you!

[@ChrisChien]

no problem!

[@its_nukatron]

This is great info! I'm starting to look more into Linked In for employees that already work at the studios I want to be at. I guess my issue is I always want to improve or make cool stuff, but that can be a wide range of days taken up and not job searching. I already have a portfolio set up, but I definitely want better stuff on there.

[@ChrisChien]

Hey guys - new 2019 version of this video out with updated info! kzbin.info/www/bejne/enXUdJWpfNGhnck Sorry I don't really check this channel very often. I am more active on my other channel. Please check it out and I'll respond to any comments there. Thanks!

[@Seven55555]

Awesome stuff dude! :) Thanks for this video and your effort and time put into this. Its really helpful to me :)

[@ChrisChien]

thanks man! good luck!

[@erikm3101]

great advice, very helpfull! I like to be prepared for my future, thanks!

[@ChrisChien]

No problem! good luck!

[@sammyexperiments3062]

Thank you. I no what Art I want to do⚘

[@nerdyghost7384]

Thanks for the advice! This helped me ease my mind since I'm going to college and terrified that i won't find an art job.

[@ChrisChien]

No problem! work hard!

[@squdesigns1789]

Yo really appreciate the advice, Thanks man!

[@ChrisChien]

no problem man!

[@sergsouleiman9091]

Awesome advice Chris!

[@ChrisChien]

thanks man!

[@patchlily9444]

Highly informative!!

[@artandcreativity7021]

Thanks a lot

[@adeelazahid]

Good luck for your channel 😊👍

[@kseniavendrova2183]

Love this - feeling like finally there is some clarity in job search for artists. The advice I get is try to do as many different things as you can and build up portfolio. For me this is too much freedom and disorienting. What advise would you give to an artist who isn't looking for a corporate job but is interested in working with their community?

[@ChrisChien]

+Ksenia Vendrova Hi - sorry for the late reply! I only have a corporate job, I do not work with the artist community - so FIRST ALL - you should not be asking me!! :) I don't know the answer!! Important take-away from this video is only ask the people who know the answers for sure! Find an artist with a career path you want to emulate and ask them! :) yes please.

[@GameDevBeat]

Hi Chris ... Wondering if there any remote 3D artist jobs in big company's ..?

[@projectlifecoach7544]

Hi Osama - I don't really know because I am not a 3D artist. Have you done your research? Go google "3D artist jobs" and see what you find - there is TONs of jobs out there. It might take you 4-5 hours just to see which jobs are suitable to you. :)

[@alexismorales8879]

Hi Chris, how do I get an art job even though I'm a graduate student in a totally unrelated field (communication disorders & sciences). I've been drawing my whole life but never pursued the career because I was told artist would have a hard time getting jobs and the instability made me change my path. But now that I have been studying something else it makes me realize how much I love to draw and that I need to find a job that I will love regardless of the pay. However, in my area (silicon valley), I have looked up jobs and their requirements and most job posts for designers or graphic artist require a BA in the related field or need work experience. What would you suggest for someone like me who is pretty much self taught and would like to pursue a career in art without having to go back to school? Thank you!

[@ChrisChien]

Hi Alexis - yeah actually you don't need a degree. But you can take online art classes to buildup your portfolio. I know a lot of people who graduated with a science degree or something - and they took classes at a place such as "concept design academy"

[@giaco89]

Thanks man! Great stuff! :)

[@ChrisChien]

thanks man!

[@invisiblewoman339]

What if I want to be a painter? Like in a gallery and such?

[@projectlifecoach7544]

My best advice for you... Find a painter who is in a gallery - and ask them. Try to steer away from asking the wrong people. I am a commercial artist. And any advice I give to you will be based on speculation. My advice could steer you in the wrong direction. My general advice on how to become more knowledgable? Google search "how to be a gallery painter" and research the SHIT out of it. Like.. you know when you are buying a phone/ laptop - you do a bunch of research, and know all the different models, iPhone vs samsung, read all the amazon reviews, all the pros/ cons, sales, prices, discounts etc... That's the level of research I think you should do on "being a gallery painter" - do you research. do your homework. good luck!

[@vls8646]

Chris, I didn't go to art school (my background is in liberal arts) but I work with Cintiq 22HD and iMac. Should I create a proper portfolio (like a dozen illustrations) and use that when I inquire with all of these digital art companies? Also, would creating my own website be necessary?

[@ChrisChien]

Hey Victor - sorry for the late reply. The correct answer is that you should look at the companies and job postings that you want. You shouldn't be asking an illustrator to answer that question, because there is so much variation. lemme explain. If you are a visual development artist - you will need projects that shows the sketches, character illustrations, and environments. If you are doing games - you will probably need game art, orthographic and probably a little bit of 3D modeling. If you are visual effects artist, you will probably need a video demo reel. If you are a theme park illustrator like me.. you can probably have a dozen or so finished illustrations. It really depends on what you are going for. Right now, it sounds like you are new to the industry. You are calling them "digital art companies." I want you to really do your research. For example.. there are so many kinds of doctors: orthopedic, surgeon, radiologist, general practice, etc... and each one requires an individualized training. bottom line - do some more research on what company you would like to work for. message me if you have any questions. good luck!

[@goodsinner333]

I was a starving tattoo artist the location I was at was very small and not everyone wants a tattoo...my dream of becoming an art teacher has diminished....I create dark art and there is nothing that I have found for art in general....where else can search to find jobs...I don't have a degree and I feel that if your an artist then your an artist..you don't need math classes and a paper to tell you otherwise ..any suggestions?

[@ChrisChien]

Hey Good sinner - if you like dark art - there is a huge market for that. I'm not into that myself, but I have lots of friends who dig that stuff. I personally do really "happy" art - and I know a lot of artists who don't like my artwork. My suggestion to you is.. create an instagram, work hard, hustle, follow other artists who inspire you.

[@GabesGames]

Thanks for the great advice Chris! :) Congrats on the job! Also: Nathan is so so so cool! I wish I had the opportunity to meet him irl too!

[@ChrisChien]

good luck! maybe one day you will! :)

[@avosmash2121]

What if I am moving to a more rural isolated place that isnt very populated locally or art/animation industry centered as LA is? Will people be refusing to hire you if you arent from an industry hub?

[@ChrisChien]

great question. I'd say freelance / remote work is more popular than ever. As long as your work is strong - you should be okay. Some examples of really strong concept art studios include.. Oxan studios, and Six More Vodka, - I think they are located in Russia/ Germany or something, but they frequently work on triple A games. So these people just had incredible work, so they got jobs.

[@kaizen2222]

Sir thank you so much for this information :)

[@ChrisChien]

No problem Kevin! :)

[@amandamello7132]

do you think a good artist could get a job like this without a college degree or having 0 college experience?

[@jbfuller2076]

O, and as far as searching for companies, since this is the digital age and everything, should the search be restrained to where you live or is it fine to just search wherever?

[@ChrisChien]

I think you can search wherever! I have worked for clients in Canada before - and send them stuff via email. Bobby Chiu - lives in a Canada, but he has a lot of Hollywood clients. Distance isn't that big of an obstacle! (unless you want to work in house and locally!) I just put in LA and stuff cuz that's where I live - and there are plenty of opportunities there!

[@adeelazahid]

Great video, 👍I need a guide for jobs I'm doing at fiverr and it's going good but I want another online art job thats best of all.any suggestions I can do children book illustrations, portraits, hand sketch logos.. ect please any suggestions Thanks! 🙏😊

[@ChrisChien]

Hi Adeela. I went to check out your youtube channel. Good stuff. My suggestion is this. I'm interested in learn about what country you are from and what it is like there. I think it would be interesting to see you paint landscapes from your home country, the mosques and places you love. I think that is very interesting and different. Right now, I saw the hibiscus flower tutorial video. It's good, but that type of video is common. I would suggest you do a more unique type of video - while also teaching basic art principles. okay good luck. :)

[@antonio.clark.art01]

awesome video!!

[@ChrisChien]

+Tony Clark thanks dude!

[@JayHeartwing]

How about of getting an art job while you're living in a place where there doesn't have job opportunities related to arts, music or any of the stuffs you like or your skills fitted to? That's what I am struggling right now. Because of my place, and I am not a rich guy, I did tried any jobs that's outside my talent's skills or my interests, but I've been exterminated from these jobs.

[@ChrisChien]

Hey Jhamar. Sorry for the late reply. How you doing? Where do you live? What does your portfolio look like? There are a lot of jobs that are available freelance. So even if you live in Philippines, Africa, Ukraine etc... you can still get work because a lot of it is done remotely. So it's still possible.

[@JayHeartwing]

@@ChrisChien Thank you so much for the reply. Really appreciated. Yeah, I live in the Philippines. And because I am jobless and still can't afford my own place to stay, I still live with my parents and my young siblings. In this case, freelancing can be my poor decision because multitasking between job and house can be so hard to do. Currently, I make money by accepting drawing commissions online. The same time I also do the household chores and talking the kids to school and back. Its really hard to focus and do both at the same time and I have a very little free time for myself, mostly spending it for napping and resting. I mostly sleep late cause I always finished the drawings around late night cause most of my clients are mostly active in that time and I am mostly finished in my chores at that time. That's how my current life feels like. And I am still hoping that I could upgrade but I just don't know how to. Thank you again for replying, sir ^v^

[@WizardReel]

Chris, what if you find 2 studios you want to work at, but they both have very different art themes. For example, I really like Bethesda's Skyrim. However I also like Blizzard's Starcraft. What if I have a portfolio with 2 different art themes, and express that I have passion for both?

[@ChrisChien]

Yeah that's cool man. You just need to master both styles. Like in my portfolio - www.chris-chien.com - I have a bunch of different styles. But I try to group them together so it makes sense. It will take a long time to master 2 styles, let alone one. So I would just take it one at a time.

[@WizardReel]

Thanks Chris. I'll take a look at you portfolio

[@nantodebbarma3425]

nice trick

[@ballgen6116]

Man all this sounds hard, i need a job but haven't been approved by in the past. I'm young n all and don't know how to approach this stuff. I

[@B1Ibrahim]

how about degree ? not necessary as long you draw and design well?

[@juliancabrera]

Not really, many great artist are self taught, or didn't finish their studies at college. An example of that is Anthony Jones, he worked for Blizzard and many other studios and he dropped out art school. He acknowledges having learned and improved a few things there, though he says you can find online and for free all the knowledge you need, apart from your determination and hardwork, to become an artist.

[@ChrisChien]

Degree not necessary.

[@naivnaib]

I wanna do an art related job, but do they pay the bills? that's my biggest concern.

[@poojas5440]

I'm also painting artist.. But now I hv no idea wt i do... Hw to earning a big..

[@marymikel9193]

Thanks for sharing and God bless you to know him in Jesus name.

[@danquisjohnson]

Im sorry. Im watching this video because of how cute you are!!!!!!!!

[@dhirenmaharajgaming9389]

👍

[@B1Ibrahim]

song please at 1:55

[@ChrisChien]

Thrupence - Don't you mind

[@honeymaecahulogan3762]

wow the sugar rush game!!

[@ChrisChien]

Thanks!

[@honeybampton1445]

I am good at drawing and I want to get a job involved with it but I only copy things and draw them and they always turn out to look the same but in art jobs you make stuff up not copy them

[@mygamingdays1861]

+Honey Draws same hear i am good at drawing manga and chibi but only if i see photo of it to draw it

[@ChilloHaus]

+Honey Draws i used to be that way. Focus on studying anatomy then you'll get a feel of how a character's form will look and then you will be able to use that knowledge to draw anything (even your own OCs) in any pose you'd like without needing a reference :)

[@ChilloHaus]

+MyGaming days A good book I used to help me draw better characters is "Basic Anatomy for the Manga Artist" It helps you understand how the body looks, what it looks like in different poses/angles, and why it looks that way :) If you have that knowledge, you can draw anything, anywhere without a reference :) www.amazon.com/Basic-Anatomy-Manga-Artist-Everything/dp/0823047709/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456076301&sr=8-1&keywords=anatomy+for+the+manga+artist

[@ChrisChien]

+Honey Draws Hey - so it's possible you can use copying to your advantage when getting art jobs. This advice is probably controversial - but I would copy the artists who have the job that you want as practice. For example, if you want to work at Disney - copy the Disney concept art. And do a really good job!!! Like copy it f*cken good. you get what I mean? Here is what I did. chris-chien.blogspot.com/2012/05/art-of-tangled-mastercopy.html After you get the basic skills down, then you can basically other artists artwork and change maybe 10-20% of the original piece to make it original and yours. For example.. this is a piece that is mine.. It has gotten me a lot of jobs, and it took a lot of time to create it.. like 3 months to get all the details right. www.chris-chien.com/uploads/3/1/1/2/3112254/987155_orig.jpg However, if you really look at it.. it is really a variation of Disney Imagineer Eric Heschong's piece s843.photobucket.com/user/loaloauk/media/dlp%20encounter/tomorrowland1.jpg.html The only difference is that my piece is at night, it is modernized with a Tron themed. Can you say I copied his piece? Yeah - I guess you can. The only thing that is different is basically.. the entire thing! It's the same.. but different at the same time. This is a good way to break into the industry. I mean it. However, critics might say.. you don't have your own originality and stuff - which is true. I would say it is possible to develop the design/ art sense when you have a job and are making money doing it. It's like.. people pay you to develop your portfolio once you have the skills. And to counter critics... for the themed entertainment industry, a lot of clients will show me a picture/ work of art, and they will ask me to kind of copy it.. but change 30-50% of the content/ style. Move this over here, add this over there etc... So it's important to be able to mimic someone else's style and adding something new to it. That is a skill within itself. Go ahead and copy copy copy. Just copy the right thing. And change 10-20% when you are creating your own original work. (advice works short term to get your foot in the door, but may not work long term)

[@agha0333]

I do copy too but I can't draw something new..