This is a career question more than anything, but I’ve been stuck on this matter for a while now and would be very grateful to have a new perspective from someone who is from the industry and/or have worked for studios.
I’m a Junior Character Rigger, with a background in 3D modeling and unreal engine, looking to break into the industry. I’ve realized that if I were to follow rigging professionally I would mostly be stuck with freelance work, which is not ideal for me since I want a studio job eventually. In studios, rigging is usually given either to a technical animator or a technical artist… I cannot animate and tech art roles aren’t exacly junior friendly. Studios are mostly looking for mid/senior artists to fill that role.
In University there was a lot of conflicting advice. Athough I like character art I was told to persue environment because it’s “easier to get a job”. Aside from that my course was VERY lacking in the technical side, as it was mostly to graduate artists. My skillset has always been stuck between roles and it is so confusing to determine what I should focus on. I’ve started learning python because it is relevant to tech art, but I figure I wouldn’t be hired anywhere without studio work expirience.
Should I then focus on everything character? That being modeling, texturing, shader, rigging, groom/cloth, etc? My thinking is perhaps that way I can start as a Junior Character Artist to later move on to a Character TD role…
What do you guys think? I would really appreciate some help haha
tech animator in games is stil under subscribed, one of the few. but you should do what you like and are good at really as these are very different roles you’re talking about
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I went down a similar path as you: I studied modeling, scripting and rigging in school. I got lots of different advice and often felt conflicted.
Python is always good to learn more of as it can be applied to everything. I was given some advice to focus on getting really good at a specific thing, though that is not as helpful until you are already in I guess. You should also do what you like or else what is the point?
If you enjoy rigging the role you should be probably looking at is “Technical Animator” but you might want to brush up on your animation skills as well. Not strictly required for a technical animator role, but it would help.
I’ve always lumped Character Rigger in with “Technical Artist” and the day-to-day job really varies a lot from studio to studio. Regardless, there is a lot of overlap from: Character Rigger, Technical Animator, Technical Artist, Technical Director, etc. and it is one of the most in demand positions still. But in this job market it is difficult for everybody.
I was once told to “Stop trying to be a square peg in a round hole” meaning that hiring managers are looking for puzzle pieces to fit the specific problem they have. If you can make yourself the right shaped piece for the hole they are trying to fill you will have a better chance.
Hope that helps and good luck!
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I see, thank you very much! This does give me a better idea of what to do.
Recently I was hired as a QA Game Tester, so I’m hoping that the expirience from it will widen my horizons as well.