Industry Question
by Andrew Hull · in Artist Corner · 11/20/2008 (10:09 am) · 4 replies
Hey all... I have a question in regards to being a 3D modeler in the gaming industry. I'm in the IT industry right now, and looking to switch gears a little bit, and possibly go into more of the art side of things. My question is thus:
Is it imperative to learn/know a certain tool before looking for work? I am comfortable with the tools that I have, and know them fairly well (Blender and GIMP). So, do I create a portfolio with those tools, and worry about learning Max or Maya down the road? Or should I learn those tools now, and create my portfolio with them, to say that I know those tools?
Looking at the job listings of a few companies in my area, some seem pretty vague in what they are looking for, others say things like "Thorough knowledge of 3DS Max or Maya" etc etc.
Any insight is much appreciated.
-Andrew
Is it imperative to learn/know a certain tool before looking for work? I am comfortable with the tools that I have, and know them fairly well (Blender and GIMP). So, do I create a portfolio with those tools, and worry about learning Max or Maya down the road? Or should I learn those tools now, and create my portfolio with them, to say that I know those tools?
Looking at the job listings of a few companies in my area, some seem pretty vague in what they are looking for, others say things like "Thorough knowledge of 3DS Max or Maya" etc etc.
Any insight is much appreciated.
-Andrew
About the author
#2
11/24/2008 (7:41 pm)
I would definitely recommend being familiar with the interfaces of Max and Maya if you are looking for professional work in the industry. It doesn't mean that you need to know one in and out if you can't afford them (though the demos of Max and Maya will get you started). Make sure you have time to get into the workflow of each and find some shortcuts to transition your modeling skills from Blender to them. 30 days is not enough to learn them, of course (some artists who have been working with them for over 10 years are still leaning new things every day even if they have established workflows), but they will give you a flavor of whether you even want to apply for jobs hoping to learn them. If you end up with a grace period job to break in and can't learn a solid and dedicated workflow with the company's software, you will be out of a job *and* not be able to get a solid recommendation for your work. 
#3
If you are an awesome modeler...there is no problem getting your meshes from Blender to other apps as of now, and gradually switching over time. But as David says - it's always good to know the tools used by the company you apply to. If the ones hiring use Maya/Max ...and has applicants familiar with either of those - then you will probably have to step aside for people equally talented...of course. :-/
11/25/2008 (7:59 am)
I agree with both Ron and David - but with definite emphasis on the end result.If you are an awesome modeler...there is no problem getting your meshes from Blender to other apps as of now, and gradually switching over time. But as David says - it's always good to know the tools used by the company you apply to. If the ones hiring use Maya/Max ...and has applicants familiar with either of those - then you will probably have to step aside for people equally talented...of course. :-/
#4
I guess I will just focus on improving my modeling/texturing skills with Blender and GIMP and put together my portfolio, then start transitioning that skill to Max when it comes time to start looking for work in that field.
-Andrew
11/26/2008 (3:23 pm)
Thanks a lot for the advice guys!I guess I will just focus on improving my modeling/texturing skills with Blender and GIMP and put together my portfolio, then start transitioning that skill to Max when it comes time to start looking for work in that field.
-Andrew
Torque Owner Ron Kapaun
KAP