INFINITE JOBS FOR ARTISTS in the game industry

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INFINITE JOBS FOR ARTISTS in the game industry
In this video I discuss how you can have infinite work in the video game industry and why 99% of artists will not get hired, or keep a job in games even if they get past the interview process. This video may upset some people with a different view. If thats you, feel free to complain about it in the comments, but remember this video when you are bitterly screaming at working artists who are making their fortune doing what you wish you could be doing. You are always welcome in my dojo.
Games I've worked on -
Fortnite (Environment concept art)
Overwatch (Environment concept art + Sprays artwork)
League of Legends (Character design + Environment concept art, UI + Icons)
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)
Indivisible (Environment concept art)
Final Fight Streetwise (Voice Acting + Character Design + World Design + Cutscene Direction + Co writer on script)
He Man GBA (Pixel Art)
Terminator 3 GBA (Art Direction + Pixel Art)
CannonBallers (Character + World design)
Ikeda: The Scrap Hunter (Programming + Art + Design)
Goblins and Gnomes (Concept Art)
Books available-
CreeD Re:Imaginary (2021) - 2 part Comic series
Twilight Monk - Return of the Ancients (2021) - Illustrated Novel
Twilight Monk Secrets of Kung Fulio (2020) - Illustrated Novel
Escape from Giants Crown (2019) - Illustrated Novella
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

[@ursusludens7174]

I would really like to see a video about production process of concept art. In general how much time your boss gives you, how they make an order, ect.

[@Orthosunil1234]

I would love to see a video like this!

[@angelperezespinoza]

Yes I’m down too

[@whatif5465]

Things are changing quite a bit. Please keep in mind that AI is becoming a new way of production. Everyone has a different approach.

[@soupmanimation]

@@whatif5465 not an ethical one tbh

[@whatif5465]

Your boss is usually a programmer type person that thinks art takes two seconds to do. That's why concept art must be done fast. Your hope is there is a good art director to cushion the communication and give reasonable time to invent the wheel.

[@ijeomaossi61]

My main takeaway from this is mainly that you should tailor your portfolio the same way you would tailor a resume for a specific job.

[@CozyToad]

it is the thing that gives them some level of confidence you can actually do the work they need done after all.

[@alexandraws_33]

TRENT.....you taught me more than my school. Thank you for opening many closed eyes. Much Love from germany

[@ginkgopenguin1818]

''You don't NEED to get a job as an artist''' is really an underrated sentiment. I think most of us when we get to a certain level of expertise feel like we have to make art our profession. No matter the cost! You have to be a 'pro' to feel good about yourself after all. But some of us are just not cut out for the harsh realities of constant critique and feedback, and most of our brain babies not making it onto our client's projects, not being credited, our work iterated on again and again... I'm just realising now, after struggling in the animation/music industry world for 3 years that making illustrations for clients gives me zero satisfaction, and I feel better just sticking to graphic design as a job. The hours are better, the pay is better, the clients are less demanding and I actually have free time to make my own comics and stuff. Maybe eventually I'll have a big enough following and I can start to live off my own IPs, but if that doesn't happen, I'm okay with that. Thanks, Trent - the video you did a few years back on this topic really helped out a lot. :)

[@WHTJunior]

Back in the 90s, I dropped off a portfolio to Disney Animation Studios, feeling nervous but confident. The letter that I received was very humbling. I had included fan art of Darkstalkers, Megara from Hercules, and many other pieces that I thought were really good. If I had done any research (which is definitely easier these days), I would have known that they actually wanted more original works in a Disney style, showing form, design, and animation fundamentals. Lesson learned, I took one of those costly Game Art & Design courses in the mid 2000s, and learned a great deal about all of the things you mention here. My latest problem is, I make more at my current job than I would make locally doing game art. So, I don't think I'll go that route, but am considering supplementing my current job with side projects, like commissions or other freelance work.

[@sanjanaparab2721]

What is your current job ?

[@gaspachoo5046]

do you have a portfolio that you are willing to share?

[@scottmcguirk4848]

In the 90s Disney wanted life drawings. My class was invited to see portfolios submitted to Disney Orlando. Around the time of Mulan. What I got out of it is not to put in a weaker drawing hoping to complete a body of work. Portfolios seem to blend together after flipping through dozens and the people who hire look for a bad drawing to lower the amount for the next round of reviews. They only had 20 spots but were going to hire a few more because submissions were so good.

[@wickedarctiinae4132]

What is your current job?

[@ToxicatedSins]

Sooo true. I am working in a game industry and latest project going for a 3+ years, most of the time it is just grinding ideas, designs, giving feedback to 3D modelers, I barely get illustration type of tasks and even those most of the time are 3D, so I just need to overpaint for a much faster workflow. Also most of the time a barely touch drawing tablet. People think that working as an artist in a game industry is just doodling and drawing all day what you think is awesome dragons, creatures, but it is not. It requires discipline, good communicating skills, good understanding what project requires, great design and idea skills. It is too far from what artstation offers and misleads a lot of young artists.

[@adrienlerequin]

This video hits differently in february 2024, it just keep popping into my feed.

[@Control_Z.]

Currently posting 4 days a week on social media while I work on my skill as a concept artist. You totally changed my mind on posting on social media. I’m going to post my fun stuff on there but keep my self focused on the main thing. Thanks trent ❤

[@ainesk0.074]

this is so inspiring, I've heard opinion that it's impossible to get into gamedev in 2023, because of many cool artist from foreign countries tht study in cool art schools and etc, so for a self taught artist that's still learning your videos are a breath of fresh air not to give up

[@RottenSkull]

Where did you hear that nonsense?

[@Balloonbot]

Not sure where you're from but there's very few good schools around the world that teach entertainment art of any kind. The large majority are self taught, even the school attendees.

[@ainesk0.074]

@Balloonbot I'm from Ukraine, and tht was something my discord friends tht do commissions as artists told me, but yeah I figured that the most important is self discipline and being self critical is like very good skill to have cause we always learn ig... yuh haha), already forgot I left this comment

[@Balloonbot]

@@ainesk0.074 Absolutely, there's many great artists from Ukraine, outsourcing is big there for a reason - so dont let that hold you back.

[@zyrkugilgamesh]

Mate I studied on one of those fancy schools you say and I'm still jobless, the industry is hardcore, no motivational video is going to change that

[@dinamvolpe]

I just wanted to thank you for the fantastic delivery of information in all of your videos. I greatly appreciate the straight forward facts. I am just entering the education stage for concept art starting in environment design at 29, and I can see the allure of the term "concept art" umbrella and the misconceptions of what is part of that umbrella. All of your videos are extremely educational. It's so reassuring to see just how many options are available for creatives. It's really motivating, especially when falling into the first-time learning slump, and not feeling quite good enough. Thank you again 😌

[@Lola_in_the_Black]

Thank you for the awesome pep talk! :) You assured me that I'm going the right way pushing harder and working on skills and learning things (how they are constructed and how they move/can be moved) instead of caring about social media or instead of applying for jobs because it feels too early for my skills level. I bookmarked the video and I'll return to it every time I'll feel I'm not being productive :)

[@inconspicuousboar3177]

The biggest struggle for me is finding which concentration of art I should focus on improving at. My college didn’t teach many fundamental art skills for fine arts and focused more on the cs side of things for game design. I enjoy the idea of being a concept artist but have been putting in more time doing 3d for my capstone game. I’m graduating this spring and don’t feel confident enough at a singular job to make it professionally. Part of my decision making is simply looking at what internships are available this summer and just grinding towards making work that will fulfill that job requirement. I’m not sure if this will be a successful strategy for success though. Thank you Trent for the honesty about what is expected in the industry.

[@JoshAshConceptArt]

Another fantastic video! My portfolio got a bit bogged down with finished environment paintings so I'm going back and trying to fill it out with more callouts, cutaways, and props and man that stuff is just so much more fun for me than illustration.

[@MrsKachsa]

Thanks for all the good advice - over the years I feel that I learned a lot from you, thank you! Recently I had to go through a lot of portfolios myself (graphic design in board games) and the amount of the artworks that just didn't fit the job description was astounding...

[@tonysavv4642]

Damn Mr.Trent you've given alot of useful knowledge & wisdom I wish there was was a channel like this cuirated for aspiring coming book & cover artists, regardless of such you've opened my options to so many more art careers so its great to know that it is a plausible field to be able to excel in thank you

[@LolixBelle]

I will like to take the time to thank you again for making this channel and for the workshops, because since I started my journey and following your advice, I started to work as a developer and I was hired in artstation for a concept character I did for a OC of my own and from there I learn and gain so much experience in development that I haven't run out of clients in the indie world, mostly thanks to your discord too, I got 2 of my clients there, still learning but I am able to say that I have experience making things now, so again, thank you so much and appreciate every video and workshop you put out, it helps me a lot!!

[@solarflare6036]

Thank you so much Trent! Your videos are always very helpful

[@Rad_Wizrrd]

Always telling me exactly what I need to hear. Thanks, man!

[@tacticslc4805]

It's because of the influences of social medias, popular artists are doing like fanart, illustrations and cool dude with a stick looking at landscape, while the concept people are hidden in the shadows

[@Denise-dc1fd]

Your videos always inspire me sir. Honest, direct, and detailed. Always looking forward to the next.

[@jlam715]

Your videos and art courses are absolutely fantastic. You do such a great job preparing artists to work in the real world.

[@michaelmeacham4517]

Trent, thanks for making these videos. I’m excited to keep watching.

[@joseabello8322]

This video has really helped me to break the schemes that years ago I saw as unbreakable, I have dedicated myself mainly to illustration without having that feeling of fulfillment of knowing if I'm on the right track. I mean, I can enjoy it, but somehow I feel that I can't "fill my hands". Plus, I've also just realized that I've put together my portfolio VERY poorly, hahaha. This video has given me some light to see what I should focus on, I really appreciate the knowledge and experience you share, Trent!

[@derekscuteart5149]

Hi Trent I love your videos! Your advice applies almost every creative industry. I've been working as a graphic designer for 4 years, and you're correct when you say they don't want to have to train you that much. All of my bosses loved that I could just jump in and start working, and that I add value on top. Clients and bosses take a gamble when they hire someone and it's your job to make them feel like that made the right decision. When I interview I always ask what woulda successful candidate after 90 days look like and what would they be doing day to day after you hire them. This question gets right to the point of why they need someone on board, and it usually comes down to either they need someone with a specific skill or someone who understands the workflow. They want the person to take a weight off their shoulders and if the work in your portfolio reflects that and you're cool in the interview you usually have a good shot getting the job.

[@LoveLara92]

God this makes me so overwhelmed and anxious. I thought I wasn't good enough but now I know I'm not. Been studying for years, comparing myself for years, burned myself out and still am nowhere near acceptable. To hear that the job wont teach me is disheartening. My faculty didnt teach me, I fail at teaching myself, online courses are not enough, and now the only hope I had was learning on the actual job. But if thats not available... then I can't see my future. Massive layoffs year after year in big gaming studios I look up to, and I am incomparable to those amazing artists. If they were let go, then there is no chance for me. I love this industry and I know I will never quit trying to build myself up, but man, I thought the title was going to give me some hope and reassurance.

[@bobc4d]

as someone who is learning artas a hobby I am a disinterested bystander. Trent you may have popped a lot of bubbles but that honesty is a good thing. those who are honest with their skill set will benefit from this. those who are not, who view their art through rose colored glasses, who get praise from friends and family "oh honey thats the prettiest thingie I've ever seen" will have an inflated view of their art will be frustrated from lack of interviews. "my stick figures look as good as any Trent has done, why don't I get hired? those people just don't know good art when they see it"

[@te9591]

It's good to have objrctive awareness of the interest of your art.

[@fattimslim8343]

Always love hearing what you have to say about any topic!

[@alkorngrigA41]

Thank you for your videos Mr. Kaniuga. Laconic, up to the point, true. Love it 🙏

[@devamrutrevankar1765]

really needed this information for soo long and happy to get it from here ,thank you

[@gh6365]

Thanks for the advice and words here! I'm a 3d artist who has been looking to up my concept art work. Hoping to dive into some of your tutorials soon. Love your stuff!

[@Daemonpool65]

it's been a while Trent. Guess your game development cycle is getting tighter and tighter- hang in there :) thank you for taking the time to make a video for us again. And of course, thanks for the great advice.

[@Overcraft17]

Thanks Trent for the reminder :D It's always a pleasure to hear your wise and essential advice again.

[@bekachip7030]

I want to thank you from all my heart not only for this video, but for all of them. Actually I'm working in indie games as freelancer about 4 years already (mostly location design, maps, UI, and 2d assets) but before I started this, I was thinking that only GODLIKE ARTISTS have chance to get place in game industry, and you defenetely are one of this kind, but you also explained to me and many others, that there is so many different jobs in game industry, that people simply do not even think about, and this jobs does not require any specific soft knowledge, just adobe photoshop can be enough, to be overloaded by job, if you are responsible and act like professional, interacting with customers. Your help in way of understanding this was priceless for me, and many other subscribers you have.

[@LolixBelle]

agree, I used to get so discourage, especially seeing amazing work, I only fell in love with concept art after I realized what it was actually and that not every sketch had to be perfect and that different games needed different types of style, it just came down to whenever your style was the right fit and understanding too

[@all4cyrus]

Thank you for the laser sharp direction Trent. I needed to see this now🙏

[@MrMadalien]

The tricky thing in video game roles is that you actually have to work much harder, it's much more competitive, and there's also a lot of circlejerking around aesthetics (everyone loves mechs, fantasy temples and shiny blue lights) that makes it particularly vulnerable to be replaced by AI. I hope video games pivot more towards unique visions like what Kojima has tried to do and a few others. Until then animation is the superior industry although it is more precarious (currently out of a job for a month despite working at the top of this field for 7 years).

[@TrentKaniuga]

Ouch. Sorry to hear that. Hope you can bounce back soon. I recently read that even most anime lose money. Animation isn’t the most profitable business.

[@supermaxg]

I appreciate the clarification on what art serves what purpose. Took me forever to understand that there is a difference in each when I was starting out.

[@romanrazumowski5275]

Great video! I really like what you doing, thanks a lot!

[@bmxadventures]

Trying to shift how I present myself. Ready to listen!

[@SuperFlyGhost]

Trent's courses and workshops were a pillar in both me and my partner into opening our own indie art studio to work both in video and tabletop games. I can't give it a higher recommendation for anyone who wants to take their craft seriously.

[@RapThorX4]

Thank you for the awsome video full of very important information

[@robotsix6268]

Thanks for the tip. Will adjust my portforlio.

[@ro.s4167]

Thank you Master Trent, I really like your art and work, thanks for sharing, you are an inspiration for me as an artist.

[@nomoooofish_design]

very inspiring! I am a graphic designer and at the age of 35, I want to change my direction from graphic design to game art. Honestly, after seeing what you have done, I am not sure if I can make it happen. It seems like there is way too much to prepare for a portfolio before I can even begin to looking for a job.

[@izeta3d]

I think this great advice applies to everyone in the art industry, you are right looking at my own portfolio I think I can improve a lot more if I use this advice, thank you

[@BunkoFlakes]

I've been chasing followers and subs on social media for far too long. Time to get my head down and just work on improving my art. Thanks Trent ❤️

[@nachonacho88]

Thank you so much... I just liked and subscribed!

[@lucagaravini2771]

Could you please do more of workouts for artist videos they helped me a lot. I really need them right now!

[@AikauOliva]

Amazing like always!!!

[@te9591]

Good job on clarifying the difference between illustration and concept art. That's a confusing detail for many flat artists. In addition, sometimes i hear employers may want people who aren't top shelf illustrators because they dont have to pay them as much for an above average illustration. In addition, you can see each visual art job can be a drastically different audience and focus. And one problem are these jack of all trades art degrees saying you learning multi positions will help you get a job and it most likely wont.

[@starjunvv4349]

i can confirm your last sentence, on the 25 people in my class nobody found anything yet. All the professional that i looked at said: specialize in something you like, being a jack of all trades is worth nothing if you are not great at at least 1 thing. School need to give themselves a reason to exist now that you can get train on the internet, and how are they doing this? bullshiting there students so they are not confident when facing professionals, that way the student simply think: i guess i don't know enough i will keep studying at school until i got it. I can be wrong but this is how i feel now after my formation. I am still pistoff at them and at my self for believing them.

[@te9591]

@starjunvv4349 there's a massive problem with art schools and higher education going on in America. It's a HUGE scandal. That is not an illusion. I dont feel comfortable giving you advice personally since i never made it after school. But if i was to do anything different, it would be to have picked a couple of companies in mind and try to match their product and then also try to develop their universe with concepting. Try and match the subject and spirit of their content. For example, if you did a serious tattoo portfolio vs. A disney aimed portfolio, those flat art pieces are going to be night and day in difference. Same would go for Dungeons and Dragons content vs. Disney. Or a new Fallout video game vs. Disney, night and day difference right there.

[@starjunvv4349]

@@te9591 At the moment i do online class, i still don't know/practice enough of the fundamentals so i focus on that. I will try that, matching companies is going to take a while but the goal is interesting enough to get me drawing. Hope things goes well on your side 2 :) have a nice day

[@TheVeyZ]

I'm saving this video so I can repeatedly come back to it. Thank you for the raw and honest truth.

[@aesonlone9314]

Thank you for making these kind of videos.

[@angel4893]

Thank you so much for the video! I was able to get so much from your video. I was wondering when you said to do more studies are you referring to more tutorials and lessons to reach that level of proficiency? and also would the courses that you have on your gumroad be a good place to do those studies?

[@JohnyKato]

oh my God i needed this video 5 years go when i started as a freelance artist. Super usefull information thank you!

[@LAUZERTV]

That was intense & super good advice, thanks

[@Nyxlaru]

“If you dont want to go independent, dont waste your time on social media.” Thank you! People keep saying you should as an artist post on instagram but I was never personally interested in that. Im happy its not necessary

[@jojonokimyonaboukenn]

thanks bro this was really informative

[@rockieillustrations]

This was very motivational, thank you so much

[@Nieco2187]

Great video! Thanks

[@ssharma26]

Great Channel!! Subscribed 😎🤟

[@xeni9941]

Amazing stuff, I would LOVE to see a "draw along" of some sort where You would show how You go about your creative process real-time. I know it's something avaliable in your courses, but as I'm yet to buy one, I thought a 15 min video or even less, where we could see the most rough sketches, or the mid to last stages of the creative thinking could be awesome, it's really relaxing and inspiring for me to listen to You while I work, so that idea gets me excited 😄! But of course, this is Your way of making money at the end of the day, so it's understandable if this process is something You rather keep in the courses, as You have given many tips on how it works here on youtube, just without demonstration. I appretiate all the things You do for artists, I'm one of those scardy painters who always worries, and I have to say, the way You talk about the long hours for concept artists really does worry me a bit, but at the end of the day You help me see a light in the tunnel, though I would LOVE to see a little elaboration from You, on how to get a concept art job that maybe has more of the 9 to 5 work time, or one where artists get decent payment for their work? I've heard that can be an issue too unfortunately. Again though, great stuff You're doing, much love, thank You so much for putting this information out there, there is far too little of people who share the inside stories and information about the industry!

[@bellathomas5804]

this video was eye opening for me! thank you

[@shadowmurlock282]

i'm in school for animation but I appreciate your thought process of how you hire artist and how an artist that wants to thrive in the video game industry will have to think about their work.

[@te9591]

@@YakOfArt yes, location/culture is half the battle.

[@shadowmurlock282]

well I have connections down and the school I go to has a spread sheets of internship offers for students and are partners with Epic Games, so I feel like i'm in a good place to get a job when I graduate, hell I'll have a internship before I graduate. But I understand peoples frustration if they don't have those kind of opportunities, I just feel blessed, but all that can be taken if I don't take advantage of it though and work hard.

[@CesarIsaacPerez]

Awesome video!!!

[@zionleach3001]

The problem I see is company's just choosing NOT to pay them for months.

[@cassiuskurei]

That seems to be the situation with the BIG companies, like Blizzard or Marvel/DC in comics, they know there's an abundance of artists who want to work for them so they treat them like expendable assets.

[@zionleach3001]

@@cassiuskurei Yep. Or just want AI to do it. You'd think with younger generations liking manga. You'd think they'd hire artists and writers who like Manga. It beats recreating the same characters over again.

[@Starset1881]

@@cassiuskureiit’s ass working at those companies. I don’t think ive ever heard of 1 game developer/ artist saying “yep, I’ve worked here for 5 years/10/20 years” they mainly just give you a seasonal full time position with a lot of overtime and the nice it ends you’re out. 😊

[@rich_3d]

Thanks man this was really useful!!

[@ILoveCiniminis]

So much insight to fix the view❤

[@rushirveerasamy1427]

Trent...this video is definitely what i needed to hear about the type of portfolios that should be put together, but would you know if gaming companies still hire animators and what those requirements are?

[@terrifyingvoid8444]

thats awesome I wish i will be able to buy some of your courses someday

[@user-10021]

Wouldve loved to have had this back in 2015. As a kid I didn't know how any of this works, so I went on to getting a degree in ad design and then onto university for gameart which was cool but really an expensive mistake just to notice I'm not built for this requirement. Essentially wasted 7 years going towards a dead end. Now trying out a different career though. I wish they'd show this video in middleschools to actually teach kids what the workforce is like in special industries so nobody wastes their time like I did.

[@user-yb4eu9jx6v]

Hello..May I know what you doing now??..I am in same situation..

[@maaajdar8512]

Really appreciate your advice about the game industry. Could you tell us where to actually find production art of artists who are currently working for game studios? All I can think of are concept art books. Thanks!

[@user-yn6tt5wy1t]

You know it’s funny, I spent today pondering the thought of how I plan to impress potential employers of game studios for when I graduate, and I created a intricate list of things I I think I should do to stand out of the crowd, and my intention before I came across this video was to Watch some KZbin on Something related to 3d Enviroment art and your video pops up and completely opens my eyes, helping me get one step closer to where I want to be, I’d like to thank you with a like and subscribe 🙏🏿💯

[@mr.artist7247]

The thing that scares me the most is the damn competition! Plus I have been taking art seriously for barley 7 months so I still suck at drawing hands and Anatomy and I am 16 so I have plenty of years until I end high school in Sweden. We end school at the age of 19 in most cases.

[@LolixBelle]

you can do it!, I only started getting clients and jobs after 2 years of posting, collabing and just making stuff, but honestly just keep posting and applying and you'll never know!

[@mr.artist7247]

@@LolixBelle Thanks for the boost of motivation! All those kind motivating comments make me happy 😊 I appreciate it, good luck on your own journey to Izzie!

[@makingmonsterart]

If you let fear of competition get to you, you'll have a really rough time of it. Yes, there are a LOT of really great artists out there, but the thing to keep in mind is, at a certain level ALL of the artists are really really good, so at THAT point it somewhat ceases to be a factor. What becomes the REAL factor is who is pleasant to work with? Who makes the art director's job easier? Who is consistent and dependable? 1000% work on improving your art skills, but remember that your REAL competition will one day be based on factors that go beyond art skill and a lot of amazing artists drop the ball in those other areas.

[@mr.artist7247]

@@makingmonsterart ok thx

[@mr.artist7247]

Man it's been 5 months almost. :) thank you so much for your comment. I was very bored back then so I didint take your information as seriously. I totally understand what u mean. About being flexible, having better communication skill. Being adaptable and so on. :] i have improved a lot since then and I celebrated 1 year of art in June. I hope you see this and are good. ❤️❤️man thank you I am tearing up

[@ortolaobla]

I was thinking about becoming a developer, but when i started it wasn't suited for me. So i try for game art, 3d art spesifically and i love it! Now after almost 2 year, when i look for game industry has become for artist. It's dead. Not just from my personal experiences, but when i look around and see the other artist has become. It's just literally inflation of artist all around and there is not enough junior positions to develop and growth themselves. I loved video games, now im just starting to hating it. I don't know even though i go back as developing myself as a software developer, i will never look back again to gaming industry. Keep polishing your portfolio is just a word, since even lots of experienced artist can't find a job, how am i suppouse to be motivated and keep moving forward?

[@TrentKaniuga]

There’s a shortage of artists that make concept art that is useful for game dev. It’s flooded with people who have no idea how art is used to build 3D models or consideration for game design or storytelling. I see worse and worse character design every year.

[@je_racontuer4948]

Love the ponytail, Sensei.

[@theinktician]

FINALLY! A HELPFUL VIDEO😭😭 THANK YOU SO MUCH HOLY CRAP edit: I tried to subscribe, but i was already subbed.....awkward

[@starjunvv4349]

God damn i hate my school even more now. Just finished my 1 year class in a private college for 2d/3d artist before Christmas. Even with 90% average i never felt a single time confident when i was looking at artstation. My teachers ALL said ''don't worry we gave you a base line and your future job will train you for the next step'' what a load of bullshit. At the moment nobody in my class found a job and on the 25 people in it, i would say that 2 of them had a portfolio that was worth something(not mine), but even them haven't fund anything yet. When i was learning stuff online, on my own, all the professional that i looked at had a takes similar to yours, and yet our school just kept going with their toxic positivity. I scraped my school portfolio since i don't have anything interesting in it anyway. I am back on the grind but this time i will trust my instinct. The reason why people think that their future job will train them is because that is what school teach them, i am disgusted by that. Every time i looked at artstation and then looked at our class i knew something was off, and felt trap between school and self learning since time is a limited resource. I am still pistoff at them and at my self for believing them. Thank you for your teaching people about this.

[@nicholasblicharski835]

I am really working on making my portfolio super specific and launched my first real site. I'm going into 2d animation but all of this information applies there too in that you have to pick which part of animation you're going into. Mine is layout. I wonder if there is a cross over and I can apply for video game jobs too. Thanks for all the insights.

[@yosoyeljairo]

Thank you for being blunt. I have a couple of questions. I recently cut a lot of projects from my ArtStation portfolio, leaving almost exclusively environment work, which teachers, peers, and working artists have told me is my strongest. I feel it looks more consistent, but I worry that it might reduce my chances of landing my first job as a concept artist. Should I create another portfolio and include only the process for the character projects and practice more of the rendering (which is my weakest), or keep on pushing with the environments and put all my money on that bet? to be honest, both characters and environments is something I deeply enjoy. On the other hand, I wonder If the rendered image is the best thumbnail I could use. I include most of the process leading to the final render, but that is inside the page. Should I shuffle the thumbnails with rendered images for some projects and some parts of the process for others, like, for example, linework? Finally, thank you for your content. It is inspiring and relaxing and a great company to keep grinding happily.

[@frankhorrigan2137]

Great video as always Trent! Thank you for your constant real applicable advice. I do have a question, you somewhat have answered it, but im a concept artist and illustrator 2 years out of school. I worked at an indie game studio for 2 years before the project was done, I did environment concept art as well as some marketing illustration art. I also have done several children's books. I am now applying for jobs, and have both illustration and concept art from my studio time in my portfolio. I have both because I am applying to multiple jobs, some are more illustration jobs and some are more concept art jobs. I might be answering my own question I know it is important as you said in the video to have your portfolio be focused, but what should I do when I have professional work experience in multiple areas, I want to show that professional work because I also am not completely sure where I want to go with my career but right now i just need work. Should I bite the bullet and take the time to create a purely concept art portfolio, while not applying for work. Should I have a separate illustration portfolio and a separate concept art portfolio. Right now I have my work separated into two categories. Thank you for the videos trent!

[@user-10021]

Make a specialized portfolio for each different job category. Don't just apply to one type as that lowers your overall chances. The company that chooses you will be what you're going to continue on in then. SO as you said seperazation each. The environment art job will not care about your childrens books, it only takes up the recruiters time, which is appr. 30 seconds for each applicant.

[@bonnbijithomas1517]

THANK YOU FOR OPENING MY EYES.

[@elecmria6737]

This was a great video! I have a question though about portfolio content. My portfolio in regards to the game industry is NIL. I have illustrations from books I've worked on, self directed projects and the likes but I'm a I'm a former fine art art teacher! (which should tell you enough about what's in there!). How would you navigate this? Would you self-direct small scale projects in its simplest form (one or two characters, aspects of environments/obejects/companions special skills etc?) to convey your creativity, or would you focus on doing standalone pieces that reflect more on your technical skills? I recently gave birth to my 3rd child and because of the way of the world, I just absolutely do not want to return to teaching and finally get a career that I can let my own art progress and grow in a way I could never do whilst teaching. Your videos have massively opened my eyes, it's so daunting but also so EXCITING how much I have to learn and all the space ahead of me. I genuinely feel like a kid in art school again, and its' a great feeling. Your videos have been such an amazing resource, and I will definitely be sharing them with former students of mine. A huge tysm for this resource

[@hawktondog]

Would like to hear advice on how to apply with most jobs listed say "senior exp required". How do you get more seniors if Internships require being in school and Junior/mid level jobs seems to be nonexistent now a days?

[@QuesoGr7]

It crazy how I've been wanting to get into to concept art for years but it's only been recently that I've understood that I've been doing that shit WRONG!

[@Lootgoooblin]

Making art as a hobby vs having it as a job requires a different process, a different approach and overall feels different. If you want to earn money you have to know who you're selling to and what they need, otherwise you're just in denial.

[@fuzzydragons]

I know I need to draw/create more concept work but its very hard to get my brain out of university fully finished piece mode, even years later 😝 I'm trying to just sketch critters/random prompts more to get my brain back into creative mode, back into the way it was in high school

[@LRGplayer1]

Bro, thanks for this advice you show me the rigth path, I was on another train.

[@Saeklovesdrawing]

Thank you.❤❤

[@READYFREDDY]

Thank you!

[@aa_gg]

Can you show us some good portfolios of concepts artits so we can understand what is good and bad and what we should include in it ???

[@fabiovaldesaraneda2012]

LETs go Mate

[@zu-tangclan8113]

I have a question for Trent, or anyone with knowledge on the subject. My question is if I wanted to get a art career in the gaming/entertainment industry, would I have to relocate to wherever the work is? I’ve been told that a lot of concept work is online through zoom meetings and work from home etc., but that’s mostly for things like comics and books. Also, what jobs can I get in this industry without having to relocate, if there’s any jobs at all. I have heard that being an independent contractor, you’re able to work remotely. Moving is a bit difficult for me at least for the moment, so I would appreciate any feedback, thank you!

[@varsilia]

Hi Trent, I understand moulding portfolios to suit what concept art for games should look like, having the right attitude, and having a lot of examples in the portfolio to prove I can generate infinite ideas. But what to do about all the jobs that require work experience in the industry already? Or if I just keep going and have close to a hundred (unmistakably) concept art posts on ArtStation recruiters will contact me?

[@arvindthangavel9437]

Hi Trent. Amazing video! I had a chat with someone about concept art and they told me to look into 2d production art in addition to concept art. I didn't quite understand. Please can you help explain what 2d production art is? Thank you.

[@rindenking1387]

Not to disagree on the point of having "experience" for the job or at least a mindset, but the issue with that in my opinion is that you actually need to land a job to learn about it. So in order for someone to get necessary experience, one needs to actually gain it by becoming part of the industry. It's like ouroboros, the snake eating its own tail. Anyway, a really high, information video as always. Like I always thought, the way employers think is the reason why I gave up trying to be in the industry. Maybe if I was born on the time where everything was still new land so to speak, then the chances of getting hired is much better compared today, which apprenticeship or even not having any experience will still land you a job if you have the raw talent or can be seen working hard to improve. But alas, business is business and it's more apparent that it will be even be worse later. I'm gonna stick to my own personal game project at least if in the future I have children I can show it to them instead.

[@gjosic]

Trent, I love your vids. I'm struggling as a freelancer to get hired (I do have a decade of work for Wizards and a decade of in-house full time, not a beginner, but it's still a void there), I was wondering how do you pitch your studio/work and how do you find clients (aside of Blizzard, where you get to connect with AD's over the course of years) I'm stuck at this point....Thanks!

[@TrentKaniuga]

LinkedIn might be a good place to post your work, and communicate that you’re a freelancer/contract artist

[@kingdomcuts6093]

Hey Trent, if I want be a concept artist at a game studio, should I learn painting traditionally, or digital is enough? I'm pretty confident in digital, but I rarely ever hold a real brush in my hand. I've been advised to take a painter course, as some professionals come out of that field, but I'm not sure if I really need that. (Also the course is expensive). I need to focus on fundamentals. I'm a little torn deciding about the situation. Maybe your tutorials could launch me a lot further, than a school for painters. Anyways, thank you for spreading knowledge about the field, it really helps clear out the fog.

[@TrentKaniuga]

99.999% of concept art for video games is done digitally.

[@kingdomcuts6093]

@@TrentKaniuga Thank you so much for the answer! Your channel really helps.

[@summerredd3055]

Thank you for this! I’m wanting to make a career change and going into the video game field. I’m curious would a degree in computer science or getting more specific certification be more beneficial with breaking into the industry. All the different positions you listed are intriguing to me. I’m excited about putting myself out there to find what would be the position for me. Im wondering what specific education is recommended?

[@TrentKaniuga]

Just start making games.

[@summerredd3055]

@@TrentKaniuga sounds good! Thank you for all your content!

[@mehcaqueen]

Hey Trent, will you be creating a box set for 2023?

[@lindseyabell7496]

THANK YOU

[@kannika5531]

thank you😊