Questions submitted by Eddie Mendoza

HOW DO I GET MY HARD SURFACE AND WEAPON DESIGNS TO BE NOTICED BY COMPANIES LIKE SLEDGEHAMMER OR TREYARCH?

To get noticed and land a gig at Treyarch (or any AAA company like it) first and foremost your weapon designs have to be cool! (And not just what YOU think is cool, but what others think as well).  On top of that, their design aesthetic should unique to your style/ and thought process.  (Don’t copy other  artists here)  Lastly and perhaps most importantly, it has to be believable (grounded in reality) and build-able; Think about their construction then create images like this which demonstrate a thorough understanding of weapon design, inside and out:

Mase
 

You should also think about their operation/ animation, and moving parts, etc.  Studios want to see all of this as well.  NOTE: not only do I draw the various stages of the weapon firing, but I add notes as well so there is no confusion.

 

badit_45_firing_2200


 


 I’VE BEEN TOLD THAT A LOT OF MY WORK IS VERY “HIGH CONCEPT”  WHILE COMPANIES ARE MOSTLY LOOKING FOR PRODUCTION LEVEL DESIGNS SUCH AS PROPS.  WOULD YOU THEREFORE RECOMMEND CREATING EVEN MORE PROP DESIGNS FOR MY PORTFOLIO?

 Yes.  To be attractive to studios you will need to show versatility in multiple areas.  In addition to your mood paintings, I would suggest that you add specific call-outs to the assets in your image. Simple line work can demonstrate a solid understanding of perspective, form, and volume.  (You can’t cheat those things in a line drawing)  Try creating a few prop call-out sheets like this:


outdoorprops

IT SEEMS VERY DIFFICULT TO BREAK INTO A AAA STUDIO AS AN IN-HOUSE ARTIST AND I’M BEGINNING TO WONDER IF THE INDUSTRY IS VEERING TOWARDS A MORE CONTRACT AND OUTSOURCING MODEL FOR ARTISTS. I’M WONDERING HOW MUCH OF HIRING IS BASED ON A NEED-TO-KNOW BASIS OR IF I SHOULD FOCUS MOST OF MY ENERGY ON GETTING INSANELY GOOD? 

I would agree that the industry seems to be moving towards a more contract/ outsourcing mindset. In response, I’ve noticed that more pros are going freelance than ever before.  To stand out from the crowd,  I think your best bet is to build the strongest portfolio possible, get insanely good, and people will take notice of you.

 

 

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE ANSWERED, SEND AN EMAIL TO ME@ELIOTTLILLYART.COM

REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE:

  1. 1. Free goodies 

    As a thank you for signing up, you'll get instant access to exclusive resources, like the "Top Five Poductivity Tools" list, awesome picture packs, my prized E-books and much more!

  2. 2. Connect with a PRO

    I get A LOT of emails and questions each week from readers just like you.  I tend to give priority to people who've subscribed to my mailing list. I do it to foster a better art community and reward reader  commitment and loyalty. 

  3. 3. Content that matters 

    You'll get content that matters to your growth as a concept artist, such as the resources library. Over time, I'll get to learn more about you and will deliver content that's meant to make a real difference. Promise!

Thanks- You've successfully subscribed. Now check your email and claim your free stuff....

GET THE RESOURCES YOU NEED TO BE A BETTER CONCEPT ARTIST

Join my mailing list to access our extensive resources library. Plus, I'll send you additional tips and insights that you won't find here on the website. Consider it the 'inside' scoop.

Great! Excited to have you. Check your inbox...

STAY IN THE KNOW

Be one of the first people to know when this course is available.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This