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Hi all,
I’m a developer at ITT looking to get into games development someday. This question is not about me because I know I’ll find my own way.
My wonderful girlfriend however does not have this confidence. Shes a very passionate 3d modeller and for as long as I’ve known her, she wants to be a developer.
I believe she’ll be a great artist and developer someday but shes very nervous about how to get there.
She has the idea that she should go to BCFE to do animation after her degree in digital modelmaking. She believes that this will make her a better pick for games developers if she has both of those academics on her side.
I’m not qualified to tell her what to do and need the advice of someone who has a professional view.Whats the best way for her to find her way to games development?
Should she focus on high academics or go a practical route and make her own stuff as a hobbyist?
Any advice appreciated.
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She should join a mod team. Nothing better than having your work showcased in a working product.
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If she wants to be a modeller, while doing an animator course would probably help her develop her skills in understanding characters and models, I don’t think its really going to be something a company would be looking for in a CV. Unless she got a job in a small company, I don’t think you would expect someone to do character modelling and animations, as they are both very time consuming skills.
It may be more valuable as a character modeller to concentrate on learning good rigging skills, allowing you to work more closely with animators. -
I think experience is the way to go here.
There are a ton of teams in the country that would love to get some help form a good 3D modeler. This will allow here to see how she enjoys actually working on a game, rather than working in a vacuum. It will also fill out her CV and portfolio, give her confidence and set her up with the industry contacts she will need to progress.
I think all of these would be more valuable than going back to college, but as has already been pointed out, there is no right or wrong answers here. Tis just my opinion.
Best of luck,
And get her to post some of here work.Owen
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Where is she studying digital modelmaking and what does the course involve?
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Wow. Some great answers here.
The web summit sounds like fun. I’ll see if we can ditch and pop along :)
Shes studying Modelmaking, Design and Digital Effects in IADT.
Heres the link to the full spec but it contains a hefty mix of character design with both physical and digital elements. http://www.careersportal.ie/courses/coursedetail.php?course_id=17078Its by no means a bad course. She just thinks that it strengthens her chances to have those skills as an animator and be able to take a model from paper to digital and then bring it to life with animation.
Not that her idea is a bad one but the general consensus here seems to be that experience in the industry is worth more than the extra paper and skill.
Thanks guys. If anyone has any more good feedback then fire away.
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A good portfolio is key. there are many ways to create a good body of work, in college, personal work, internships, web tutorials etc. Completing a college degree can show a potential employer that you have the focus and discipline to actually finish out projects and get things done. There are many jobs for "just" 3D modelling out there and good character specialists are always sought after. A lot of the time due to the way teams and studios are structured a good character person will either be modelling or animating but rarely both, but everything you can bring to the table is a plus. A character modeller with a knowledge of rigging/animation would prove very beneficial as model topology is so important in character animation.
In short, the more tools in the box the better but it’s by no means a prerequisite to have modelling and animation expertise for one job.
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Where is she studying digital modelmaking and what does the course involve?[/quote:3f07fc99b0]
Hahah just found this now, thanks for asking for advice for me Overtone (I’m the girlfriend) :3.
I’m doing Digital Modelmaking in IADT in Dunlaoghaire, the course is Model Making and Digital Effects. First 2 years are mostly physical prop making and whatnot, but the last 2 years can be digital if you so wish. It’s actually not bad, I’ve learned a good bit of digital modeling BUT I don’t think there’s enough emphasis put on this subject in the course. That’s why I was thinking of doing animation.
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Heh,
For what it’s worth here’s my two cents. Currently I work as an environment artist ( over 4 years professionally ) mainly but I have also had a shot at concept work and storyboarding over the years. I graduated from BCFE back in 2004.The course did provide me with a good all round knowledge of modelling, texturing and animation along with 2d skills. I would recommend it.
As I have not seen any of your work from your current course you could be ready to job hunt now. The first thing you need to decide is what position you want. Do you prefer modelling environments/props or characters ? Is animator a role you desire ?
A strong portfolio will need to be focused and geared towards the position you want. I’d suggest not doing the BCFE course if you just wanted to be a modeller/texture artist depending on your current level. You can always hone your skills and get a folio together instead of doing another course. In the end it’s the portfolio not the paper that’ll land the job.
Game developers for a junior position often look for someone eager and hungry for the job who’s work shows potential. Your ability to work in a team is also crucial when crunch hits and the pressure is on.
I’m not sure if you want to stay in Ireland but most friends I know including myself who have jobs had to leave Ireland. Some are back now though. Be prepared to look abroad.
Even if you take the BCFE route you could always send out your folio to studios as you never know when the right time is.
I got really lucky to land my job it was more about good timing than anything else.
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IADT seem to be churning out good quality graduates in animation these days, could you possibly transfer to the animation course?
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