How to make it in CGI.
CGI is rising in popularity year after year.
This exciting technology is used movies, video games, art, and more.
Still, it can be challenging to figure how to get your start in the CGI industry.
This article will offer tips and tricks for those interested in
becoming professional CGI artists.
Master foundational CGI skills Several skills are likely to always be in demand.
Lighting, for example, is a CGI skill you’ll want to master to ensure your work
is appealing to potential hiring managers.
You’ll also need attention to detail.
Nowadays, movie studios and game developers want their artists to pay close attention
to textures, such as threads on clothes, reflections on particular objects,
and each hair on a character’s head.
Consider a specialty.
There is a lot that goes into CGI between environments, lighting, and movement.
Luckily, you don’t have to master every to become a professional CGI artist.
It can be beneficial to decide whether you want to specialize in character
creation, environments and backgrounds, rigging and animation, or lighting.
In most cases, you’ll be part of a larger team that works together
to create the final project.
Develop a keen eye for human behavior and anatomy If you decide to work with
character modeling or rigging, you’ll need an expert understanding of human anatomy.
Your characters must realistic proportions.
If their arms or legs are unusually long, will make them appear less realistic.
Of course, your artistic style involve unrealistic proportions.
In this case, you’ll still need to understand human behavior to ensure
your characters’ facial expressions and mannerisms are believable.
Consider getting a related degree Due to the complex nature of CGI art,
many jobs require a bachelor’s degree.
Those looking to enter the field should consider getting a degree in art, computer
graphics, animation, or computer science.
Earning a degree takes time, it’s easier said than done.
Still, it can set you up for success as you begin your journey to
become a professional CGI artist.
Practice time management CGI artists must intricate scenes and bring them to life.
You’ll often face tight deadlines, so you know how to make the most of your time.
Planning tools, like the Eisenhower Decision Matrix, can be a lifesaver when
you begin your first professional CGI job.
The Eisenhower Decision Matrix breaks your tasks into urgent, not urgent,
important, and not important.
This method helps you determine which tasks should take priority, which should be
delegated, and which should be ignored.
If structured planning methods aren’t for you, it can still be beneficial to break
your tasks down into smaller subtasks and write them down in order of importance.
Begin networking Some say, “it’s what you know; it’s who you know.
This is true in many industries, but in the CGI industry, it’s
what you know and who you know.
It never hurts to begin making connections.
Sites like Linkedin can connect you with professional CGI artists and
others who work alongside them.
You may not find a job immediately, you can get your foot in the door.
Connecting with those in the industry can put you in touch with people
that can teach you the ins and outs of how they landed their job.
Sometimes, they may need to delegate simple tasks to you, which can
be a great learning experience.
More importantly, you can make friends can further your career down the line.