Your passion for games can provide career direction as well as entertainment.
Playing video games won't help you put food on the table in most cases, but learning make them allows you to transform your passion into a lucrative career. A video game modeler, also called a game artist, is just one of the many professionals needed to make ideas for games into real entertainment experiences. While making your career in the game industry is definitely possible, competition for positions is stiff. To become a modeler, train and network your way to entry-level work.
Instructions
1. Network with professionals in the industry to learn more about what they're looking for in applicants to game modeling positions. Cold call game development companies you admire and attend annual industry conferences, like the SIGGRAPH conference, COMDEXvirtual and the E3 Expo. Ask company representatives where they were educated. Ask for career advice, based on your background and experiences. Take down names, phone numbers and email addresses.
2. Earn a bachelor's degree in a more traditional field with a concentration in game design and development. According to an article by Alistair Wallis posted on UBM's Game Career Guide website, companies generally prefer graduates from computer science and fine arts programs who took video game-specific courses during their studies. Graduates from dedicated game schools are less sought after.
3. Practice your technical skills on your own time. While your educational program should introduce you to the applications you need to know, true proficiency requires hours of practice. Sit down and learn the intricacies of Photoshop, Autodesk Maya, 3DS Max, RenderMan and AutoCAD. Schools often offer discounts for students on these otherwise pricey software packages.
4. Learn the basics of a programming language. Although programming expertise isn't required for video game modelers, knowledge of coding basics helps you understand game development limitations when designing characters and game settings. For graphics professionals, HTML, Java and Flash are smart languages to learn. Taking up C or C++ acquaints you with general programming principles.
5. Get comfortable with a number of different operating systems and hardware platforms. Work with both Macintosh and PC-based platforms. Learn Linux and UNIX, including the basics of Perl, shell scripting and tools. If you're a Linux and UNIX novice, a community college course can give you basic knowledge without the confusion of teaching yourself.
6. Write up a resume that includes your work experience, education and relevant skills. Include descriptions of your three to five most recent work experiences, focusing on artistic and technical responsibilities. While it's important to list applications, programming languages and platforms you know, don't forget to include related skills such as in story development. Limit your resume to one page.
7. Develop both digital and physical portfolio samples for interviewing and networking. Posting samples of your work online and linking to them on your resume lets recruiters see what you can do right away. Bring physical, high-resolution images to interviews; select samples that align with the experiences described on your resume.
8. Apply to jobs in the industry. Many companies recruit at conferences, and your networking contacts are another source of career leads. Don't forget more general search methods either, such as perusing company websites, scouring job boards and asking for help from your online social network.
