This goes out to any professional artists out there. How is the art field when it comes to jobs?

I want to know because I'm considering several different areas of art to pursue at college, and I would like input from any pros out there.



Currently, my interest is Game/Concept Art (The kind that is done before the 3D designers make it).|||In general, the market is extremely limited for entry level artists. It is one of those industries that are so competitive that agencies and publishers can afford to only hire the best of the best.



Many people graduate from college and find that their little talent that was so outstanding in their school, is merely run of the mill on the open market.



Even the most talented need to have strong, creative marketing skills to sell themselves to potential employers, or, as in my case as a freelancer, to the clients.



A little luck doesn't hurt, either.



I don't intend to discourage you, but only to prepare you for a "gut check." Are you THAT good that you can look at your work, side by side with what the pros already have out there and STILL say, "I can do THAT, and better." As long as you can keep honestly saying that, then you can go right ahead and pursue that path.



Degree or no degree? You may not need the degree to DO the work, but, employers look for that on a resume because it indicates a certain amount of discipline, and, that the applicant has, at least, been exposed to the knowledge and tools that are required for success. No employer wants to go through the expense of training someone in some neglected fundamental skill.



Good luck.|||I'm only a student yet (3rd year 2D animation) but from my research Concept art is the most difficult field to get in as far as the gaming and animation industries are concerned.

Having said that they are both lucrative fields, I know Ubisoft in particular is on a huge hiring spree right now.

If you want to do Concept you have to work your way into it. You would start as an animator, modeler - what everer, until you've proven yourself competent and worked your way into a concept position.

90% of people in the gaming art industry want concept jobs, so the employers have their pick of the crop, unless your the genius of the western world you wont get entry level positions.



In the meat time, hang out at conceptart.org , post some of your work and see what the big-boys think. There are alot of professionals hanging out there who will have great advice.

pick a part

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