How to become a Video Game Artist

I wrote this post as a draft about a year ago, decided to throw it out today and see what happens. Disregard any out of date information! Edited for continuity ;)

Hello everyone. Happy Tuesday! I am editing and posting this, because my artist corner crashed and burned this week. Great start right? I had the interview set up and everything, but work and my parents coming to visit made scheduling impossible.

So, with adaptability in mind, I decided to use an old draft I had about ways to become a video game artist. These obviously are not the ONLY ways, but they are ways that I have seen work, and have been recommended to me by industry professionals.

So how do you get to the top of the most wanted list in the industry?  I have compiled a short list, to at the very least point you and your pencil in the right direction. Enjoy!

       1. Sketchbook: If you don't already have a sketchbook, go grab yourself a medium sized one and take it with you everywhere. The good thing about a sketch book, is you don't have to make complete drawings, because this is your private book. When you are out at a coffee shop and inspiration hits, you can draw a crude sketch and if you like it, you can redraw it in detail. Remember, draw everything, nobody but you will see it. 

       2. Tablet: If you have never heard of drawing tablets, they are pads that you can hook up to your computer so you can draw in Photoshop like you would with a pencil on paper. They are kind of expensive, but they are insanely useful. You can finish up sketches, and eraser marks are not a problem. Almost necessary if you plan to do video game art. (Unless you are a pixel artist*)

     3.  Deviant Art: With any field, networking is key. Build yourself a following of people that like your art. One of the most popular places to do this, is Deviant Art. The reason being, is that unlike Facebook where if you post your art, people will have reactions like; "Oh that's pretty... Let's look at some memes." On Deviant Art, people are there to look at art, and likely have the ability to give valid input. So if you gain a following there, it will likely be with people that can appreciate your art and  will willingly talk about it, and repost it.

    4. School: This one should be obvious, but if you want to gain skill in your field, whatever it is, go to school. There are art schools all over the country, some being better than others, but all are better than nothing. Polish your craft, practice practice, and get good grades in school. If you are lucky, your hard work can pay off your student loans!

    5. Work: This is an interesting one, and I have seen it more so in the programming field, but if you can show a company that you have made a decent amount of money doing what you do, you are more trustworthy to them. They see that your work was worth someones money. So, jump on Deviant Art, get a portfolio on there, and then go looking for people in the forums looking to pay you for work. Find companies locally or online that are looking to get artwork done. Submit t-shirt designs to Jinx.com. Do whatever you have to do, because not only will this help pay for gas and coffee, but it will help you get a foot in the door for a future job.

I hope this helped you out, and I wish you luck getting into the industry!

Thanks again for reading my faithful followers of the technical inclination. Comment, rate, subscribe, share! And an interesting question, what was the last video game you finished? Answer in the comments below!

Time for linky links!

Art Schools!: This is a comprehensive list of art schools that you can look around at. It could help you find which schools are right for you. And put you on the right track to jump start your career.

Deviant Art: A great art posting site, go there to get ideas, or post your own work. Get amazing criticism, and make some friends. Even make some money!

Yesterdays Post: Kickstarter: Anima - Gate of Memories