• Game Artist Job Description

    A game artist is a person who creates the visual effects of a game such as the design of characters, surface textures and environments. A game artist is responsible for the looks of a game, as they create the graphics for the background and every other object in the background.

    A game artist should be perceptive, imaginative, creative, analytical, adaptable and confident, and have a great sense of perspective, anatomy, lighting, shaders, textures and surfaces. They should also be well organized and good at time management to avoid stressful works due to deadlines.

    Pursue a career in game art if you have strong artistic ability and are passionate about games and technology.
  • What does a Game Artist do?

    Game artists may do some or all of the following:

    • make sketches to help other developers understand the visual concepts of games
    • build the game environment based on the concept art
    • build and texture 3D objects in the game environment
    • position the game characters and create animations
    • work collaboratively with the rest of the game development team
    • contribute to the overall game design and development
  • Where does a Game Artist work?
  • Working Conditions

    Game artists usually work normal office hours, but may be required to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. They work in offices and game studios.

  • What is Required to Become a Game Artist?

    To become a game artist, a diploma or degree in computer animation, graphic design, visual effects, fine arts or a related discipline is helpful. You can gain experience of the game industry and prepare for future employment by doing an internship or apprenticeship with a game development company.

  • Modules
  • Specializations

    A game artist may specialize to become one or more of the following:

    • Concept artist – an artist who makes sketches to help other game developers understand the visual concept of a game
    • 3D modeler – an artist who builds 3D characters and environments based on a concept art
    • Environment artist – an artist who builds a game environment
    • Texture artist – an artist who textures the 3D objects created by a 3D modeler
    • Lighting artist – an artist who creates and light scenes of a game
    • Effect artist - an artist who creates and manipulates environments of a game
    • Animator - an artist who puts characters and backgrounds of a game to motion
    • Art director
    • Technical director
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Game artists need to have:

    • patience
    • creativity
    • adaptability
    • self confidence
    • determination
    • excellent power of observation
    • good attention to detail
    • good interpersonal skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • good listening and communication skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • technical and computer skills
    • game testing skills
    • the ability to visualize game concepts
    • the ability to work calmly under pressure
    • the ability to learn and apply new knowledge
    • knowledge of animation and animation techniques
    • knowledge of video editing and compositing
    • knowledge of graphic arts and 3D modeling
    • knowledge of software packages such as photoshop, ZBrush, and Maya

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Computer Scientist
  • Game Programmer
  • Fine Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Game Designer
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