Joseph Pomeisl Needs Help On Getting A Job

[Joseph Pomeisl]

Well, I was wondering what sort of stuff I should have in my portfolio and things like that. It'd be neat to hear how you've landed a job freelancing or with a studio, too
Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Freespace-3DT]

This is pretty obvious advice, but sometimes the most straightforward things work out the best: You should figure out what is your best asset, and build your reel around that.

[chris_solo]

have a website or a blog/porfolios is a greatly advanced things then do the door to door, I think it's like everywhere...but I'm wholeheartedly with you because I know it is difficult at this time

[Joseph Pomeisl]

Thanks, fellas. Been working on the portfolio stuff. Trying to put it out on as many sites as possible. Did the linkedin thing, as well. Sounds like a proper demo reel is next on the list...
And good luck on your search, Chris; you know I love ya, brotha

[Crispy4004]

I've been on the job/internship hunt for a while now. It's been quite a learning process. Though I have had no luck myself, I do have some advice that may help:

1. Having a strong Portfolio or Demo Reel means nothing if no one looks at it.

This is easily the most frustrating part of landing a job in the industry. I sent my application to nearly two dozen studios only to find 1 or 2 hits to my website that could have come from employers. Don't count on anyone to look at anything if all you do is turn in an application.

2. Keep your cover letter short and on target.

The easiest way to get your application tossed is to turn the cover letter into a lengthy essay that reads like a generic template. Shoot for no more than a half a page, ideally less. Tailor each application to each studio. Expect companies to review your resume before looking at your portfolio.

3. Know someone who works in the industry.

I have a distant family member who works at Electronic Arts. Two weekends ago I talked with him at family reunion about how I was studying 3d in school. He offered to help get me an internship there next summer, no questions asked.

Obviously, there is no guarantee I'll get it, but my application is now automatically put in a higher priority pile. Pays off to know people.

4. Get to know someone inside the industry.

A friend of mine interviewed an animator earlier this year for a school report. Got in contact with him on the web and now the guy wants to see my friend's demo reel.

I would suggest getting on Linkedin, find a studio you want to work at and look at the employee webpages. Find someone you like and butter them up with your first email or two. Talk about how much you admire their work, maybe even ask a few questions about their process. Then later ease your way into asking questions about how to land a job in the studio. Hopefully they will offer to help.

[le1setreter]

or just make great stuff^^

[Joseph Pomeisl]

Thanks alot, Crispy. Good stuff. As of now my resume contains nothing game art related - probably not good for me. This is the difficulty it seems, getting a job to show that you can do the job; if you get me. Best of luck on your own search
le1setreter: ...I'm working on it

[Crispy4004]

Originally Posted by le1setreter

or just make great stuff^^

That's the opposite point I was trying to make. You need to make great stuff in addition to networking, gaining industry experience, getting yourself exposed, and writing a good resume.

It is possible to create some mind-blowing 3d work and have Studio's begging you to join, but it would be a major mistake to blow off all the other preparation.

[Joseph Pomeisl]

I figured as much...

[Crispy4004]

Originally Posted by Joseph Pomeisl

Thanks alot, Crispy. Good stuff. As of now my resume contains nothing game art related - probably not good for me. This is the difficulty it seems, getting a job to show that you can do the job; if you get me. Best of luck on your own search
le1setreter: ...I'm working on it

Maybe you could get involved with a game mod. Build them a couple small props and presto, you've got some game art experience you can put in your resume.

I feel yah though. I was lucky to get the little game art experience I have and it's still nothing to brag about. But at least it's something.

[chris_solo]

yes, agree with you Crispy! but, I think, it should target companies that hire because sent resume/demoreel to companies that does not hire does not make much sense, the staff is already done except for freelance work ...
we must also try to make themselves known on the web/forums with fine achievements and challenges of work, it can attract contacts ...because we must not forget that there are many people who want to do this great job and there are a lot of talent! Therefore we must try to get out of the shadows to be known , this is my point of view!
but it is true that to start somewhere and we must do apprentices in enterprises sometimes without being paid or just ...to gain new contacts and experience.