How to get a job in Concept Art or Digital Art:

Are you competing on the right track?

Imagine that the process of getting a job as a concept artist is like a competition or a race. In that context, it is crucial to ask ourselves some critical questions. How did the person in that race or competition reach the level they are currently at? I assume that individual needed a significant amount of training and had to compete at lower levels before reaching their current position, participating in various categories and accumulating achievements until reaching the final competition: the opportunity to work at their dream company. In our case, these companies could be Riot, Ubisoft, ILM, Digital Domain, Weta, etc., or any other renowned studio.

It's true that some people seem to have a natural talent for certain areas, but what's important is that, with constant work and continuous effort to improve, anyone can achieve their goals. While luck can play a role on the path to success, life itself is unpredictable, and we should not rely solely on luck to achieve our goals. Personally, I believe we can be a bit more realistic, and our goal should be to make a living from digital art or concept art by working for any of the thousands of other studios that exist, earning a good salary while enjoying what we love to do, which is more possible and achievable.

In my opinion, there are several key ingredients to consider in achieving success in this goal:

1)      The Reality of the Quality of Your Work:

Another crucial aspect is being aware of the quality of your work. It's important to have realistic expectations about your goals. While it's true that someone might be just starting out or recently graduated, we must be realistic. Seeking employment at companies like Riot, ILM, and others I mentioned earlier may seem ambitious when your portfolio doesn't measure up. This doesn't mean you can't achieve it, but you should be aware of the fierce competition in such prestigious studios, where thousands of people are competing with varying skill levels and portfolios.

Perceptions of quality are subjective and vary from one company to another, making the process even more challenging. Companies rarely tell you that your work is subpar; they simply inform you that you don't fit their current needs.

Therefore, it's crucial to be realistic about the quality of your work and seek feedback from colleagues and experienced professionals to assess your level. Often, those already working in the industry will honestly tell you if you still have a way to go.

This brings me to the next point: temporarily put aside the obsession with big renowned companies. I'm not saying you should give up your dreams of working at those studios, but they shouldn't be your immediate goal. This is important because you may find yourself unable to find work in your industry and needing to work in another sector while advancing in your career. There's nothing wrong with that. By focusing on the 99 percent of lesser-known studios and aiming for stable employment, you can make a living, cover your expenses, and meet your basic needs.

This approach will provide you with financial security and the peace of mind needed to continue growing in your field, developing your skills and experience. Eventually, you'll be able to get closer to your dreams of working in the studios you've always longed for. Remember that the ultimate goal should be to make a living from your digital art, whether it's illustration, concept art, or any other form of creative expression, and gradually build your career until the time comes to take the leap to your dream studios.

2)      "Fundamentals" are just the minimum requirement:

In addition to having a solid understanding of the fundamentals of art, it's essential to implement a routine of continuous development in your career as an artist. This routine may include intensive practice and thorough study, and ideally, you should combine both approaches. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to work in another field to sustain your income, it's crucial to maintain a rigorous discipline and establish effective routines to continue evolving as an artist. Failing to do so can result in a deterioration of your skills, as, much like a muscle, if you don't exercise it, it weakens over time.

You must be committed to continuous learning, considering that the art industry has undergone numerous changes over time. These changes not only affect the techniques and methods used but also the disciplines that intertwine and evolve. Staying up-to-date with these transformations is essential for professional growth.

In addition to the fundamentals, it's advisable to dedicate time daily to reading books related to the fundamentals of art and regularly practicing aspects such as anatomy, perspective, and other relevant elements. This constant investment will allow you to transform as an artist over the course of a year and reach a completely different level in your artistic ability and understanding.

3)      Using High-Value Techniques in the Industry:

It is crucial to stay informed about the constantly evolving techniques in the industry. Artistic disciplines have merged and transformed significantly in recent times. For example, artists who used to focus on matte painting are now venturing into concept art, and vice versa. Those who used to work on digital sculptures with ZBrush can now excel in concept art, and vice versa. These changes reflect the flexibility and adaptability necessary to excel in the industry.

It is essential to keep up with these techniques and disciplines because companies will not roll back their requirements to accommodate your skill level. For instance, if you want a well-paying job as a concept artist, you cannot limit yourself solely to painting unless we are talking about a specialized video game studio with a very stylized or indie style. However, in most studios, you need to make strategic decisions, such as whether you prefer to enter the smaller pool or the larger one.

In the smaller pool, where mainly cartoon-style work is done, and English language knowledge is required, salaries may be lower. Therefore, your options and requirements increase as you dive into the larger pool, where skills in Photoshop, ZBrush, 3D, and the ability to create realistic renders are expected, along with a mastery of English. The choice of the pool will determine your opportunities and initial earnings.

It is important to note that there are special cases where people embark on personal projects, such as comics, independent video games, or live streams, and achieve success without relying on an employer. However, my focus is on finding employment in the industry.

To stay up-to-date with techniques, consider taking courses annually. I recommend courses like those offered by CGMA (CGMaster Academy), as well as searching for online resources, such as YouTube tutorials and mentorship opportunities. The key is to maintain constant growth and not become stagnant. It's important to remember that even techniques established over a decade ago, like using Photoshop, remain relevant. For example, photobashing is a technique that has been used for many years and is still valuable. Additionally, 3D asset creation can be an advantage if you already master other fundamental and technical aspects of the industry.

4)      Where to Look for Jobs?:

An important consideration is whether you are investing your efforts in the right platforms to search for employment. Personally, I believe that Instagram is not the ideal option for finding a job. While it's not impossible to land jobs through this platform, it tends to be more geared towards entertainment and information rather than job hunting. In contrast, platforms like LinkedIn are highly effective for this purpose.

LinkedIn stands out as the primary platform for seeking job opportunities. On the other hand, ArtStation, although a popular place for artists to share their portfolios, is not necessarily a space where recruiters actively seek talent. When you have your work on ArtStation, you are competing with high-level artists, which can cause your work to go unnoticed if it doesn't measure up to the best.

However, this doesn't mean you should avoid ArtStation altogether. It's important to keep your profile updated and showcase only your best work. Remove old pieces that no longer reflect your current level. Often, it's difficult for oneself to identify less outstanding pieces, so it's advisable to seek the opinion of a trusted artist to select the best pieces.

Remember that finding a job in the industry is ultimately a numbers game. You may need to send numerous applications before getting a positive response. Setting a goal to send between five and ten portfolio applications per day is a sensible approach. These applications should not be underestimated; it's crucial to write engaging and concise emails that capture the potential employer's attention.

Put yourself in the shoes of the person receiving your email and ask yourself if you would be interested in learning more about you after reading it. Avoid writing lengthy and tedious messages and use flattering and sincere language when appropriate. You can mention specific aspects of the company's work that you admire to demonstrate your genuine interest.

Consider even making a phone call. This practice is uncommon today but can make a difference by adding a personal dimension to your application. Remember that in the job search process, many of your attempts may go unanswered. However, it's a statistical process where out of 100 attempts, only one may be successful. Therefore, don't be discouraged by the lack of responses, as there are many variables that can influence the application review process. Patience and perseverance are essential on this journey.

5)      Build Connections:

Another crucial aspect you should consider is the importance of creating connections and participating in industry-related social events. This may seem obvious, but seeking networking events and specific activities in your area can have a significant impact on your career.

I'm not only referring to the opportunity to interact with other artists at these events but also the chance to attend in-person courses and workshops. In Spain, for example, there are two resources I consider particularly valuable. The first is the Galería Roja, where artists offer classes and workshops that typically last three days, usually on weekends. The second is an event called "BeerWorking," where digital artists, video game programmers, producers, and others gather for networking purposes.

At Galería Roja, you not only have the opportunity to learn from talented artists during classes but also to interact with them in a more informal setting. After lessons, it's common for the teacher to meet with students for a beer, chat, and share experiences. This personal interaction creates stronger and deeper connections than simply meeting someone online through platforms like Instagram or YouTube.

Participating in events like these also offers a similar dynamic. Being in a relaxed environment where people converse, share experiences, and enjoy a more informal atmosphere allows you to showcase your authentic personality. It's important to remember that this can be both positive and negative, as your behavior and attitude can influence how others perceive you. Therefore, it's essential to present yourself authentically and positively.

In the job-seeking process, it's crucial to understand that personal and professional connections are an integral part of the industry. These connections can be more effective than online interactions, as they allow for a deeper understanding of who you truly are as an individual. Additionally, they facilitate collaboration and smooth communication in a work environment.

If, despite all your efforts, you don't receive job offers after a substantial period of time, it's important to reflect on what might be hindering your success. This could include aspects like the quality of your job application emails, the targeting of your submissions, or even issues with your personality and attitudes that you need to improve. Job hunting is a complex process that requires a multifaceted approach, and it's essential to maintain a mindset of continuous improvement in all aspects of your career.

6)      Remove Barriers and Limitations:

It is essential to keep all opportunities within your reach and minimize any obstacles that may arise. Sometimes, limitations can stem from a lack of preparation or even bureaucratic issues. In my experience in Spain, I've noticed that some artists feel uncomfortable with the idea of becoming self-employed, a necessary requirement for billing and operating completely legally. However, it's important to note that most employers prefer to work with individuals who are in this legal status.

Not being self-employed itself is a limitation, and it's crucial to eliminate any obstacles that could affect your chances of being hired. In fact, you should strive to be a person with all doors open for job opportunities. Every closed door represents a missed opportunity, as in an industry where large companies receive thousands of daily applications, standing out from the crowd is a significant challenge.

Therefore, it is essential to address these aspects to maximize your chances of success in the field of concept art. These are my comments and advice on how to improve your opportunities in this industry. Thank you for your attention!