3D Modelling Artist:

What does a 3D modelling artist do?

A 3D Modelling artist creates the models for all 3D art assets found within a game, ranging from characters,vehicles,furniture,weapons,rocks,trees and so on. The process of creating a 3D model for a game will often start with a brief or a 2D drawing from a concept artist, which they will build their models based on. Depending on the individual game studio or game project requirements it isn’t uncommon for a 3D modelling artist to specialise in a given area. If this is the case a 3D modelling artist can become; environment artists, character artists or vehicle artists. However in other studios 3D modelling artists can be responsible for modelling several types of assets or an entire level.

The median annual salary for 3D artists is nearly £50,000. 3D artists earn around £30,000 annually, while the highest paid earn close to £85,000 a year.

What skills do 3D modelling artist possess?

  • Using 3D software: create artwork using a range of programmes, know the latest technologies and techniques
  • Using game engines: implement art into game engines, understand their technical constraints and possibilities
  • Art: have a strong artistic ability, good understanding of form,colour, texture and light, know how these elements work together
  • Knowledge of game play: imagine how a character or vehicle will be experienced when a game is being played
  • Collaboration: work well with other artists, designers and producers
  • Organisation: work within the production schedule, manage files and meet deadlines.

Tools used by 3D modelling artists today:

  • Image editing software (Adobe Photoshop)
  • 3D modelling, sculpting and painting software (blender,Cinema4D, 3D SMax,Maya, Mudbox, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Substance Designer, Quixel)

Working Patterns of a 3D modelling artist:

3D modelling artists commonly work normal office hours, (35 to 40 hours  weekly), if there are deadlines needing to met they may be required to work additional hours. Many artists work freelance,part-time and temporary contracts are also very common.

Concept Artist

What does a concept artist do?

Concept artists are largely responsible for the style and look of a game. They’re the first to draw the environments, enemies and player characters. Concept artists are given a brief from the game producer(s), which they will create sketches based on the briefs demands. These sketches are used to help 3D artists, producers, programmers and publishers understand how the game will look.

The drawings of the concept artist are a vital part of the game’s early development stages as they are the starting point for all the artwork and an important part for marketing plans.

Whats a concept artist good at?

  • Art: be very good at drawing by hand, understanding of composition, draw in a way that matches genre styles such as fantasy, sci-fi or cartoon.
  • Creativity: imagine how a character will look, starting from a written brief
  • Using art software: create 2D and 3D art using a range of programmes, know the latest technologies and techniques.
  • Communication: work with the other artists and in the team, share the vision with the designers and games developers
  • Knowledge of games: understand gameplay, have market awareness, appreciate how art will be experienced as a player

Who does a concept artist work with?

Concept artists work with all the other members of the art department. They report to the art director and often work closely with the creative director. The art department consists of; 3D modelling artists, Environment artists and Texturing artists.

The average salary for a Concept Artist is £24,000-£30,000 for an experienced concept artist, with starting salaries for entry level concept artists being between £17,000 and £20,000.

Working Patterns of a concept artist

The working hours of a concept artist varies a lot. Permanent office positions are quite different from freelance, it all falls down to what you’re working on at the time, whether its; mobile game, AAA game, movie. The size of the studio and teams also plays a role.

Marc Holmes, Senior Concept Artist and Illustrator- “It varies wildly. Mine is now sitting at home, working freelance. It used to be going into an office and managing a 40+ person art team in the morning and drawing all night. So it varies a lot. Depends on the project!”

From this answer on an AMA forum its clear that the hours are really quite versatile.

Professional behavior whilst working in the creative sector

  • Reliability
  • Time management, Attendance and punctuality
  • Commitment and Efficiency
  • Self-Presentation and Communication skills
  • Contribution to Team Projects
  • Personal Responsibility (more catered towards freelancers)

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Job security, growing industry and money

Cons:

Extra working hours to meet deadlines