Insightful articles

[Meteorskies]

While surfing, I realized that there are a lot of blog articles written by professional artists and art directors that give some very interesting views, ideas and advices about art in general, and about the art industry in particular. I would like to list the best ones in this thread, split into appropriates categories with a one-line description. Feel free to suggest any article you deem worthy, but please only suggest articles from people who can be considered as professionals. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art as a career ::Is Illustration a viable and productive art form? by Jon Schindehette: self-explanatory title, but with some advices on how to approach your style. ::Gaining experience by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on how to gain experience to make your way to a full-time job. ::Which studios are right for you by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on how studios work, their work culture, and more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art fields ::Technical art, it's technical by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on what technical art actually is, what it takes to be a successful TA, as well as some great advice for those looking to break into this type of work. ::Design 101 by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on what to expect from most design departments, common misconceptions, as well as a breakdown of the different types of jobs available. ::Environment design by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on school advice, illustrative talent, what makes a successful scene, and more. ::Technical design by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on what technical design is, the best way to get on that career path, as well as what necessary skills are required. ::Character art by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on what it takes to work in this competitive job. ::Animation by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on what an animator does and how to land a job in animation. ::VFX and UI by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on what are VFX and UI and how to get a job in this field. ::Concept art by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on the ins and outs of getting a job as a concept artist. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Creativity ::Staying awake by Jon Schindehette: on the importance of sleep, and more generally of rest, for keeping your creativity. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Portfolio and competition ::Differentiate or die by Jon Schindehette: on what a portfolio really tells about you and what you should play on to get your dream job. ::I Hate Your Portfolio by Noah Bradley: on the importance of your online portfolio form and function. ::Portfolios by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on the basics of building a portfolio. ::The job interview by Aaron Canady: (podcast) on how to prepare and what to expect of a job interview as an artist. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Printing ::Printing your work by Dan Dos Santos: self-explanatory title, on how to use color corrections to get a good quality print.

[Mugshotpro]

I Hate Your Portfolio "Your art might be fantastic and make my eyes weep tears of sweet joy, but your online portfolio is making my eyes bleed." by Noah Bradley, Environment Concept Artist & Illustrator, on the importance of portfolio form and function.

[TomDeVis]

Games industry mentor: Aaron Canady from Blizzard has an audio blog with a lot of great information about getting into the game industry. (Animator, CA, lighter, TD... ) And for easy access to upodate your first post: Code: Select all [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/]Games industry mentor:[/url] Aaron Canady from Blizzard has an audio blog with a lot of great information about getting into the game industry. (Animator, CA, lighter, TD... )

[Meteorskies]

No general link to the blog please, link a specific article.

[TomDeVis]

No general link to the blog please, link a specific article. but the blog is just a list of his articles, but nevermind here they are: List podcast Game Industry Mentor: Episode 1: Audio design Episode 2: Technical art, it's art. Technically. Episode 3: Gaining experience Episode 4: Design 101 Episode 5: Environment design Episode 6: Writing Episode 7: Portfolios! Episode 8: Technical design Episode 9: Character Art Episode 10: Animation Episode 11 : The IDGA Episode 12: Programming 101 Episode 13: Which studio are right for you Episode 14: Online communities Episode 15: Community management Episode 16: VFX and UI Episode 17: The job invterview Episode 18: Concept art Episode 19: Women in the industry Extra information : Episode 1: Audio design Our special guest this episode is Scott Morton, Audio Designer at BioWare Austin. We discuss the different types of jobs within a typical audio department, advice on schooling, how the audio field in gaming has changed over the last few years, and how it might change down the road! I get quite a few questions from people about breaking into the audio scene, so do yourself a favor and check this one out! Episode 2: Technical art, it's art. Technically. This episode I sit down with Technical Artist Greg Bahm, and we discuss.. well... technical artistry. Topics covered include what technical art actually is, what it takes to be a successful TA, as well as some great advice for those looking to break into this type of work. Computer Science major? Art school? What about portfolio work? We cover it all! Episode 3: Gaining experience This time we talk about that classic “catch 22”. How do you get experience when no one will hire without experience? We talk about mods, internships, & contract work and how these are great ways to gain the experience you need for that permanent full-time position. I’m joined this week with special guest Toren Lehrmann, contract environment artist at BioWare. Episode 4: Design 101 Kicking off our new 101 episodes is special guest and BioWare World Designer, Eric Young. We talk about what to expect from most design departments, common misconceptions, as well as a breakdown of the different types of jobs available. If you have ever had questions about what game designers really do, don't miss this episode. Episode 5: Environment design Fresh off the presses. This episode we talk about environment art! I'm joined with my good friend Mike Harnisch, Environment Artist at BioWare, and Adam Bromell, Artist at Relic and Head Administrator at Polycount. We cover quite a bit this episode, including: school advice, illustrative talent, what makes a successful scene, and lots more. So sit down, grab a snack and give it a listen. Episode 6: Writing It's all about the story! This week we have Senior Writer at BioWare, Alexander Freed, talk to us about what to expect from writing jobs within the games industry. How hard is it to find a full-time, in-house writing position? What are other types of jobs that include writing? Really great info for you wordsmiths out there. Episode 7: Portfolios! You've been asking for this episode, and it's finally here! Our first dive into the topic that keeps you up at night - your portfolio. This week I am joined with Isaac Oster, Environment Artist at BioWare, and Riki Babington, President of Eat 3D, which provides some great tutorials focused on game art & the Unreal Engine. We discuss what to put in your portfolio, as well as what to leave out, common mistakes, presentation advice, and a lot more! This is our longest episode yet, with plenty of awesome info, so don't miss this one! Episode 8: Technical design For those who are into game design, but also into touch with their technical side, this episode is for you! This week I am joined with Will Wallace, Senior Game Designer at BioWare. We discuss what technical design is, the best way to get on that career path, as well as what necessary skills are required. Will is an extremely talented individual in his craft and provides plenty of great information. So don't miss it, or we'll have you hanged, drawn and quartered. Episode 9: Character Art On this weeks episode, we sit down with two great Senior Character Artists: BioWare's Pedro Toledo and Blizzard's Vitaliy Naymushin, to talk about what it takes to work in this competitive job. Luckily the episode remained peaceful and no Blizzard / BioWare battles ensued, which hopefully proves we only have the utmost respect for each other. Unfortunately Vitaliy's rabid dog was not on board with the anti-aggression pact, and decided to turn on his owner. Don't miss all the action, adventure, and of course, great information. Episode 10: Animation This episode we sit down with a couple great friends of mine: Mark How, Principal Lead Animator at BioWare, and Mookie Weisbrod, Senior Animator at BioWare. These guys are some of the nicest and helpful individuals I know, and I'm sure all you animators will get plenty of awesome info from this one! So far this is one of my favorite episodes, so don't miss it! Episode 11 : The IDGA Sorry for the delayed release on this one - but better late then never I guess. This episode I sit down and chat with Rodney Gibbs and Amy Goldenburg from the IGDA to talk about what the organization has to offer for those breaking in. We discuss a lot of interesting topics including best ways to network, how to start up your own IGDA group at school, and plenty more. If you have ever wondered what the IGDA is all about - this is a must listen. Episode 12: Programming 101 This episode we finally get to the long awaited programming 101 episode! Thanks for your patience on this one. As you may have guessed, programmers are some of the busiest folks in game development, so special thanks to Edgar Glowacki and Aaron Otstott (Principal Server Programmer and Principal Client Programmer at BioWare) for making this episode happen! They used up a good chunk of their lunch, then rushed off to meetings. Again, much appreciated guys. We get a ton of great information - everything from making sample games, to finding programming experience when you're green, so pay close attention! Episode 13: Which studio are right for you Which studios are right for you? This episode we focus on answering just that! Our special guests are Christian Sheppard - Animator from Junction Point / Disney Interactive, and Colin Greenhalgh - Environment Artist at Budcat Creations. We cover plenty of important topics including different types of work culture, making an educated assessment of a studio's work culture, relocating, cost of living, and more! Episode 14: Online communities This episode we discuss some great online resources and how they can help you with your career in game development. Joining me this episode: Rob Galanakis, BioWare Senior Tech Artist & founder of tech-artists.org; Adam Bromell, Head Administrator at polycount.net, & Artist at Relic; As well as Dave Traeger, Senior Editor at moddb.com & desura.com Episode 15: Community management This episode we discuss what it takes to be part of a community management team! I am joined with Sean Dahlberg, Community Manager at BioWare Austin, and Chris Mancil, Director and Community Manager at Trion World Network. Episode 16: VFX and UI Two for one! This episode we talk about both VFX and UI! Our guests this episode - Michael Voigt, Lead Interface Artist at Bioware, and Bryan Erck, Lead FX Artist at BioWare. It can be a bit difficult finding good information about these jobs, so don't miss this one! I should mention that we had some recording difficulties during the first part of the podcast, so I apologize for the strange audio interference. Episode 17: The job invterview Hey! We're back and talking about job interviews! Special guests this episode are: Jason Rosenstock - contract environment artist at BioWare, Mike Sheidow - senior environment artist at BioWare, and Alex Thomas - cinematic designer at BioWare. I'm really happy with the quality information this episode provides, so give it a listen! Episode 18: Concept art This episode we discuss the ins and outs of getting a job as a concept artist. Our special guests this week are: Paul Adam and Ryan Dening, both Senior Concept Artist at BioWare. Our returning guests are Alex Thomas and Jason Rosenstock. Episode 19: Women in the industry This episode I talk with a few of my BioWare Austin coworkers: Lisa Garrison - Senior Project Manager, Toni Phillips - Associate Project Manager, and Jackie Marroquin - Associate Project Manager. We discuss what it's like working and getting a job in an industry dominated primarily by men, as well as provide advice for any female trying to break in. and again for you meteor, we all want to give you as least work as possible ^^ Spoiler: show Code: Select all [b][u]List podcast Game Industry Mentor:[/u][/b] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=1]Episode 1: Audio design[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=33]Episode 2: Technical art, it's art. Technically.[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=49]Episode 3: Gaining experience[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=67]Episode 4: Design 101[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=72]Episode 5: Environment design[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=80]Episode 6: Writing[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=93]Episode 7: Portfolios![/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=106]Episode 8: Technical design[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=112]Episode 9: Character Art[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=124]Episode 10: Animation[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=130]Episode 11 : The IDGA[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=134]Episode 12: Programming 101[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=140]Episode 13: Which studio are right for you[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=149]Episode 14: Online communities[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=156]Episode 15: Community management[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=162]Episode 16: VFX and UI[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=170]Episode 17: The job invterview[/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=181]Episode 18: Concept art [/url] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=196]Episode 19: Women in the industry[/url] [b][u]Extra information :[/u][/b] [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=1]Episode 1: Audio design[/url] Our special guest this episode is Scott Morton, Audio Designer at BioWare Austin. We discuss the different types of jobs within a typical audio department, advice on schooling, how the audio field in gaming has changed over the last few years, and how it might change down the road! I get quite a few questions from people about breaking into the audio scene, so do yourself a favor and check this one out! [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=33]Episode 2: Technical art, it's art. Technically.[/url] This episode I sit down with Technical Artist Greg Bahm, and we discuss.. well... technical artistry. Topics covered include what technical art actually is, what it takes to be a successful TA, as well as some great advice for those looking to break into this type of work. Computer Science major? Art school? What about portfolio work? We cover it all! [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=49]Episode 3: Gaining experience[/url] This time we talk about that classic “catch 22”. How do you get experience when no one will hire without experience? We talk about mods, internships, & contract work and how these are great ways to gain the experience you need for that permanent full-time position. I’m joined this week with special guest Toren Lehrmann, contract environment artist at BioWare. [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=67]Episode 4: Design 101[/url] Kicking off our new 101 episodes is special guest and BioWare World Designer, Eric Young. We talk about what to expect from most design departments, common misconceptions, as well as a breakdown of the different types of jobs available. If you have ever had questions about what game designers really do, don't miss this episode. [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=72]Episode 5: Environment design[/url] Fresh off the presses. This episode we talk about environment art! I'm joined with my good friend Mike Harnisch, Environment Artist at BioWare, and Adam Bromell, Artist at Relic and Head Administrator at Polycount. We cover quite a bit this episode, including: school advice, illustrative talent, what makes a successful scene, and lots more. So sit down, grab a snack and give it a listen. [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=80]Episode 6: Writing[/url] It's all about the story! This week we have Senior Writer at BioWare, Alexander Freed, talk to us about what to expect from writing jobs within the games industry. How hard is it to find a full-time, in-house writing position? What are other types of jobs that include writing? Really great info for you wordsmiths out there. [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=93]Episode 7: Portfolios![/url] You've been asking for this episode, and it's finally here! Our first dive into the topic that keeps you up at night - your portfolio. This week I am joined with Isaac Oster, Environment Artist at BioWare, and Riki Babington, President of Eat 3D, which provides some great tutorials focused on game art & the Unreal Engine. We discuss what to put in your portfolio, as well as what to leave out, common mistakes, presentation advice, and a lot more! This is our longest episode yet, with plenty of awesome info, so don't miss this one! [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=106]Episode 8: Technical design[/url] For those who are into game design, but also into touch with their technical side, this episode is for you! This week I am joined with Will Wallace, Senior Game Designer at BioWare. We discuss what technical design is, the best way to get on that career path, as well as what necessary skills are required. Will is an extremely talented individual in his craft and provides plenty of great information. So don't miss it, or we'll have you hanged, drawn and quartered. [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=112]Episode 9: Character Art[/url] On this weeks episode, we sit down with two great Senior Character Artists: BioWare's Pedro Toledo and Blizzard's Vitaliy Naymushin, to talk about what it takes to work in this competitive job. Luckily the episode remained peaceful and no Blizzard / BioWare battles ensued, which hopefully proves we only have the utmost respect for each other. Unfortunately Vitaliy's rabid dog was not on board with the anti-aggression pact, and decided to turn on his owner. Don't miss all the action, adventure, and of course, great information. [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=124]Episode 10: Animation[/url] This episode we sit down with a couple great friends of mine: Mark How, Principal Lead Animator at BioWare, and Mookie Weisbrod, Senior Animator at BioWare. These guys are some of the nicest and helpful individuals I know, and I'm sure all you animators will get plenty of awesome info from this one! So far this is one of my favorite episodes, so don't miss it! [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=130]Episode 11 : The IDGA[/url] Sorry for the delayed release on this one - but better late then never I guess. This episode I sit down and chat with Rodney Gibbs and Amy Goldenburg from the IGDA to talk about what the organization has to offer for those breaking in. We discuss a lot of interesting topics including best ways to network, how to start up your own IGDA group at school, and plenty more. If you have ever wondered what the IGDA is all about - this is a must listen. [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=134]Episode 12: Programming 101[/url] This episode we finally get to the long awaited programming 101 episode! Thanks for your patience on this one. As you may have guessed, programmers are some of the busiest folks in game development, so special thanks to Edgar Glowacki and Aaron Otstott (Principal Server Programmer and Principal Client Programmer at BioWare) for making this episode happen! They used up a good chunk of their lunch, then rushed off to meetings. Again, much appreciated guys. We get a ton of great information - everything from making sample games, to finding programming experience when you're green, so pay close attention! [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=140]Episode 13: Which studio are right for you[/url] Which studios are right for you? This episode we focus on answering just that! Our special guests are Christian Sheppard - Animator from Junction Point / Disney Interactive, and Colin Greenhalgh - Environment Artist at Budcat Creations. We cover plenty of important topics including different types of work culture, making an educated assessment of a studio's work culture, relocating, cost of living, and more! [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=149]Episode 14: Online communities[/url] This episode we discuss some great online resources and how they can help you with your career in game development. Joining me this episode: Rob Galanakis, BioWare Senior Tech Artist & founder of tech-artists.org; Adam Bromell, Head Administrator at polycount.net, & Artist at Relic; As well as Dave Traeger, Senior Editor at moddb.com & desura.com [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=156]Episode 15: Community management[/url] This episode we discuss what it takes to be part of a community management team! I am joined with Sean Dahlberg, Community Manager at BioWare Austin, and Chris Mancil, Director and Community Manager at Trion World Network. [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=162]Episode 16: VFX and UI[/url] Two for one! This episode we talk about both VFX and UI! Our guests this episode - Michael Voigt, Lead Interface Artist at Bioware, and Bryan Erck, Lead FX Artist at BioWare. It can be a bit difficult finding good information about these jobs, so don't miss this one! I should mention that we had some recording difficulties during the first part of the podcast, so I apologize for the strange audio interference. [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=170]Episode 17: The job invterview[/url] Hey! We're back and talking about job interviews! Special guests this episode are: Jason Rosenstock - contract environment artist at BioWare, Mike Sheidow - senior environment artist at BioWare, and Alex Thomas - cinematic designer at BioWare. I'm really happy with the quality information this episode provides, so give it a listen! [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=181]Episode 18: Concept art [/url] This episode we discuss the ins and outs of getting a job as a concept artist. Our special guests this week are: Paul Adam and Ryan Dening, both Senior Concept Artist at BioWare. Our returning guests are Alex Thomas and Jason Rosenstock. [url=http://gim.acanaday.com/?p=196]Episode 19: Women in the industry[/url] This episode I talk with a few of my BioWare Austin coworkers: Lisa Garrison - Senior Project Manager, Toni Phillips - Associate Project Manager, and Jackie Marroquin - Associate Project Manager. We discuss what it's like working and getting a job in an industry dominated primarily by men, as well as provide advice for any female trying to break in.