Quote:
Originally Posted by Xk0be
Hi no update I'll keep them more spaced out now, I'll post updates when I get much further along. Just have a question that keeps coming up... Really 2 questions, but the 2nd might not be appropriate, I'm not sure.
I'll be going to Uni next year and I need to select a major.. First off, what is this called? Game design? Art? 3d Modeling? The paperwork I currently have gives me the option of either Arts, Media and Communication or Engineering/Computer science. I obviously don't want to be a programmer but I mean 3ds max and stuff might just be 3d engineering or something.. Haven't really found something concrete with searching, maybe someone who is or was in this place recently can help.
2nd question... I'm practicing for game art, and I at least think I have time to continue getting better. However, salary is kind of an issue for me.. The only stuff I've been able to find is from 2006 so it's probably changed considerably... How much can I really be looking at coming off what I've got going now which is really not anything special, factoring in 4 more years of practice/experience if I were to join a game studio? Same question for free lance and same question for movies.. Just in the ballpark.
Thanks a lot to whoever answers either of these questions. And I'm sorry if the 2nd one is not somethin you can talk about here, just ignore it if so.
|
Hey!
To address your questions:
What you are doing would be considered
game-art. However, the essence of what you are doing is in fact,
art: where the principles and fundamentals of traditional art need apply, and will require further investigation if this is something you want to excel at. Spending a good amount of time cultivating these principles is far more important at this point than learning per-say "game-art". So don't get wrapped up in titles, and the labeling of things so much... and just remember that essentially what you are doing is becoming a commercial artist, or artist.
What entails "game-art" is more or less a process of applying these principles or fundamentals with-in a set of technical constraints, or limitations. While it is still very important to know the technical aspects of it, it will not necessarily give a person the perception or skills to create compelling work with-in it. Its not so important per-say what a UNI labels its courses or programs. Whats important is seeking out an education that covers these fundamental principles in great length, that will cultivate an individuals capacity to think creatively and apply it with whatever tools he/she chooses, in whatever field he/she chooses.
Now, I'm not saying that a "game" specific course is a bad idea, its not... as long as its well rounded to
emphasize the fundamentals and principles of art and design, and you can afford it. I would be weary of any school that undermines (doesn't teach, or emphasize) these principles. You would be just as good to, or better off pursuing something like a Fine Arts degree, computer-art/digital-media art/design, and animation (etc), or even an Industrial Design degree at a local UNI; picking up the game specific tools, and techniques in your spare time: as opposed to accumulating a tremendous amount of debt that would come with attending one of these private institution that more or less peddle the title of "game-art" and or design. Their cashing in on semantics more or less, making it seem as though you are getting a "special" education that will give you an "edge" in the field, as opposed to going else where, such as your good old local UNI
In summary... don't concern yourself so much with how things are labeled: make your primary focus on becoming a good artists first. The
game-art stuff really just pertains to technical things that can more or less be picked up as you go. Its not that big a deal, or even specialized enough to justify such a costly education, or a specific degree even. As of yet, there is still no such thing as a "Game-Artist Degree": Good "game artists", are just good "artist", who happen to create "art", for "games"
Hope this has helped.
BTW: Looking at your character here... I would say you are definitely on the right track, and off to a good start... keep it up!