broadskills-v2

Game Programmer

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:24:03 GMT

Game Programmer Job Description

Game programmer is a general term applied to the computer engineers that work on computer games. Usually trained in the basic languages of computer programming, programmers make a game come to life. They may specialize in areas of coding such as graphics, AI, sound, scripting, user interface, network, tools, porting, etc.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Game Programmer is to develop the software to create video games. This involves assembling the platforms and engines that will power the games, as well as writing code for custom software to support the unique requirements of games.

Game Programmers work closely with game designers and developers during the video game pipeline process, setting up the game engine and ensuring that the production runs smoothly. A large part of their role is problem solving, so a firm knowledge of gaming software is required to help bring the game to life.

Creating prototypes that will act as a proof of concept is a crucial early stage of the production pipeline. Programmers will gain a better understanding of the limits of the game and how to iron out bugs throughout the process.

Designers and developers rely on the programmers to deliver the best version of the game possible to thrive in competitive markets.

The responsibilities of a Game Programmer can include:

Liaising with game designers and developers in setting up technical resources
Researching and developing the suite of software and platforms that will be used to support the game
Ensuring the game design is fully realized and performs to maximum capacity
Creating procedures and production documents
Working to tight schedules and keep to budget
Producing prototypes in the early stages of production
Conducting quality assurance tests and respond to feedback
Collaborating with all departments to smooth over technical issues, problem solve and create solutions during the production pipeline process
Responding to the technical needs of all departments
Working in teams towards common goals
Providing ongoing tech support after the game has been launched, work on upgrades to the game

Game Programmer Software and Tools:

The software required by a Game Programmer:

Game Programmers are required to drive the technical needs of the game using industry standard software and the platforms that support them.

Software that Game Programmers may use include:

C
C++
Java
Nuke
Unreal Engine
Maya
3D Studio Max
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects
Unity

Skills Required:

Game Programmers will usually have a background in computer science or computer programming, specializing in the needs and demands of game production. In the quality assurance phases, the games will be pushed to their limits, the programmers need to ensure the game is resilient enough to withstand maximal gameplay.

A Game Programmer would require these skills:

Training in computer science or computer programming
Problem solving skills
Knowledge of 2D and 3D animation software
Familiar with the game production pipeline process
Passion for video games and experience with gaming
Interpersonal skills to deal with creative and production teams
Team player, ability to work independently
Analytical mindset
Able to keep on schedule and meet deadlines
Good communication skills
Creative problem solving skills
Expert knowledge of technical and software advancements in the gaming industry
Knowledge of gaming genres and trends

Average Salary:

Entry level positions start at £35,642 per year while most experienced workers make up to £61,828 and above.

Game Designer

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:23:57 GMT

Game Designer Job Description

Game designers create the concepts and worlds of video games. They are involved with the design of the genre, environment, story, characters, gameplay system, objectives and user experience of video games.

A Game Designer is the creative force behind the development of a video game. They are the originator of the game concept and will develop it through to its final release. Game Designers author the storyline, writing the plot points, character development, and game objectives that drive the game. The designer will work within the rules of the genre of the game, with real innovation occurring when the genre is pushed to its limits or reinvented.

Game Designers establish the aesthetics, mood and look of the game which is integral to the game’s individual appeal and marketability. The user experience must always be considered during the development process, as players need to feel engaged and rewarded by the game to continue playing.

The game development process is all about teams from different disciplines (creative and technical) working in tandem and communicating their requirements to each other. It is the Game Designer’s job to ensure that teams and team dynamics work effectively to finish on schedule and on budget.

Role and Responsibilities

Game Designers are charged with developing game concepts whether they be their own original idea, a commissioned idea or a game based on another medium such as a film.

Whatever the scope of the task, the role of the Game Designer requires a mix of creative, managerial and technical responsibilities.

Most illustrators will specialize in certain book genres and build up a clientele over the course of their careers. Professional relationships with editors and publishing houses is also key to attaining commissions and recommendations for work.

The responsibilities of a Game Designer can include:

Design and develop the original concept
Construct level structure
Write storyline, character bios, dialogue, plot points, game objective
Storyboard the action of the game
Conceive every element of the game including rules, setting, objects, vehicles, weapons, flora, fauna, etc,
Direct action sequences
Define user interface, menus and controls
Generate the Game Design Document (GDD)
Develop early prototypes
Decide on the devices and platforms on which the game is played
Define the user experience
Work with programmers to design the back end of the game
Research target audience to understand what they want in the game
Create storyboards and write scripts
Lead the development process
Produce sound effects, dialogue, musical score, sound mix and sound edit
Manage quality assurance testing, and follow up on feedback
Oversee the marketing and distribution roll-out
Ongoing development and versions of the game

Game Designer Software and Tools:

The software required by a Game Designer:

Game Designers should have a solid knowledge of 3D animation, illustration and programming languages. Even if they are not using the software themselves they need to be able to manage workflows of the creative and technical teams.

A basic understanding of system building is also required, as they will have to work with the System Designer to implement the suite of programs that will be used to create the game.

Software that Game Designers may use include:

Creative teams:

Unity
Maya
Adobe Creative Suite
Substance Painter
Unreal 4

Technical teams:

C
C++
Unreal 4

Programmers will often be required to script custom software to meet the specific needs of the game. Game Designers need to know when to commission these, how to schedule and budget for them, and how to potentially market them out into the industry.

Skills Required:

The game development process will require a series of skills that demand a lot from a Game Designer. They are required to see the big picture of the game and then develop the intricacies of game development that will bring it to life.

A Game Designer would require these skills:

Creativity - designing the world of the game, characters, storyline, visual style
Strong analytical mind
Programming skills
Solid knowledge of the gaming industry, how games work and the latest trends
Good communication skills - liaising between departments and ensuring they are communicating effectively between each other
Leadership skills - managing the production process, scheduling, budgeting, keeping all the departments on track
Technical knowledge - understanding the software and systems that bring the game to life
Focus - the ability to think about the big picture while dealing with the daily production issues that arise.

Average Salary:

The average wage for a Book Illustrator ranges from £29,095 for junior game developers to £65,009 for senior developers

Level Designer

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:23:55 GMT

Level Designer Job Description

A Level Designer is the creator of the levels within a game, mapping out the layout so that it functions within the rules of the game and executes gameplay as created by the Game Designer.

The first stage of the level design process is to sketch out the layout of the level in two dimensions, this is based on the concept art and storyboards that are provided by the Game Designer. Once they have been signed off they are then rendered to their 3D iterations and the level is then populated with characters, objects, events, environments and circles of action.

The Level Designer creates the entry and exit points of each level and guides the player logically through the game via its rules, rewards and objectives. Level design begins early in the game development process as it is the basic structure of the game, with gameplay refinement, inter-level consistency and user experience driving the development process.

The sequence of levels is also taken into consideration by Level Designers. The first level of a game will introduce the player to the game. It will establish characters, explain the storyline, instruct the player on the objectives of the game and generally initiate the player into the world of the game. Each level that follows will then act to further the story, develop characters, increase the level of complexity, up the stakes, and draw the player further into the game.

Role and Responsibilities

The Level Designer brings structure to the game concept by creating the environment of each level and then plotting out the actions within it. Fluency in visual, technical and storytelling techniques are required for the role.

The responsibilities of a Level Designer can include:

Interpret the original concept of the game as briefed by the Game Designer
Work from storyboards to create the level structure
Write document listing assets, objectives and layout of each level
Sketch and map out each level
Render each level to 3D environment
Plot and map out sequences of action within the level
Create entry and exit points for each level
Determine where the player will encounter characters & objects within the level

Level Designer Software and Tools:

The software required by a Level Designer:

Level Designers use a broad variety of resources that reflects their variety of responsibilities. They will work with graphics, 2D and 3D animation software, game engines and programming languages. These include:

Software that Level Designers may use include:

Adobe creative suite (Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator)
Maya
Unity
Unreal Engine
C
C++

Skills Required:

Level Designers need to be highly creative and methodical at the same time. They are responsible for imagining the intricacies of world-building from a concept brief and realize it in a 3D environment. The role requires the ability to sequence action, enact story, develop character and guide the player from one level to another.

A Level Designer would require these skills:

Artistic talent
Storytelling skills
Methodical mindset
Knowledge of architectural principles
Ability to transform 2D concepts to 3D objects
Understanding of how objects respond to the laws of physics
Deep understanding of gameplay and game engagement
Programming knowledge
Problem-solving ability

Average Salary:

Entry level positions start at £26,186 per year while most experienced workers make up to £67,647

Systems Designer

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:23:50 GMT

Systems Designer Job Description

A System Designer is the creator of the software systems that will power a video game. They are brought in early in the development process to analyse the scope and design of the game to set up the platforms that will bring the game to life.

Based on the genre and mechanics of the game the System Designer will assist in establishing the development of the project. They will assemble the suite of technical resources that the game requires, and identify any custom software that needs to be scripted for the game.

System Designers will identify which elements of the game require artificial intelligence (AI), fighting features, scoring rules, etc. They must also manage the system performance of the game, ensuring it has the power to deal with rapid gameplay and the demands that the players place on the game to make for compelling gameplay.

The prototyping process at the start of game development and the quality assurance process at the end of development are overseen by the System Designers. The prototype will test the concept of the game, inform how the game should be developed and alert to any issues that may arise during development. The QA process will test the game in its later iterations and inform of the glitches that need to be ironed out before the game heads to distribution.

Role and Responsibilities

System Designers take on a role similar to a computer hardware engineer, yet their role can also be strong on creativity and problem-solving duties. They may be required to track character progression from concept to implementation, defining crafting elements, skill trees and level tables.

The responsibilities of a Systems Designer can include:

Research and analyze resources available in the market
Assemble all software and hardware required
Data entry and management of game database assets
Produce prototypes, oversee testing and implement changes
Create customized software
Iterate, polish and balance player progression and experience
Tuning and balance of game data
Oversee quality assurance process and implement changes

Systems Designer Software and Tools:

The software required by a Systems Designer:

System Designers should have a solid knowledge of 3D animation, illustration and programming languages. They will need to assemble the software and hardware requirements for the duration of the game development process. Some customized software may need to be developed for the purposes of the game. The System Designer will need to factor in the resources for software development within the production process.

Software that Systems Designers may use include:

Unity
Maya
Adobe Creative Cloud
Substance Painter
Unreal 4
C
C++

Skills Required:

Apart from computer and software platform expertise, the System Designer will need to specialize in a number of skills that are specific to game development.

A System Designer would require these skills:

Strong critical and analytical thinking
Expert knowledge of gaming software and hardware
Adept at problem-solving
Advanced communication skills
Team leadership experience
Knowledge of gameplay scripting
Strong understanding of stat curves, player progression systems, and game play loops
Ability to identify, break down, and define core mechanics
Knowledge of game production pipeline and 3D game engines

Average Salary:

Entry level positions start at £37,533 per year while most experienced workers make up to £68,066

AI Game Programmer

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:23:44 GMT

AI Game Programmer Job Description

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Programmers can be said to give a game its brain. They create algorithms that set the behavior of characters and elements based on the gameplay of the individual player. This is done by customising the reactions of gameplay to the actions of the player. Elements such as pathfinding, group movement and camera control are all embedded into the gameplay strategy.

In this highly specialized field programmers establish decision trees and design neural networks within the game, creating artificial nerve systems. AI programming is at the cutting edge of game development as it has a deep impact on gameplay that players may not be aware of, this leads to a dynamic and intuitive experience.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the AI (Artificial Intelligence) Programmer is to cater gameplay to the individual player. This is done by writing algorithms that create a system of action and reaction based on a unique set of decisions made by the player at every stage of the game.

AI Programming is a highly specialized area of game development, it should be seamless and invisible to the player by enhancing the experience on a subliminal level. This area of development is about providing the game with a ‘brain’ that works instinctively and independently based on the individual player’s gameplay.

The responsibilities of a AI Game Programmer can include:

Liaising with designers and developers to devise an AI plan
Setting patterns and parameters for the rules of the game
Creating a framework for artificial emotions and ideas within non-playable characters
Researching and developing AI elements that will best enhance the game
Creating procedures and production documents
Working to tight schedules and keeping on budget
Assisting animators and programmers on AI requirements
Enhancing the gameplay experience for users
Collaborating with game testers to identify bugs and effect changes based on feedback
Writing custom code and AI tools to expand the game
Brainstorming with designers, animators and developers on AI techniques throughout the process
Developing prototypes for testing

AI Game Programmer Software and Tools:

The software required by an AI Game Programmer:

AI Programmers work with standard computer platforms, 3D animation software, gaming engines, profiling tools and AI software. They will also write custom code for AI tools required by the game.

Software that AI Game Programmers may use include:

C++
Python
PyTorch
PyBrain
STL
OpenGL
PhysX
Perl
Perforce
Unreal Engine
Nuke
Maya
3D Studio Max

Skills Required:

An AI Programmer must be skilled in AI technologies, techniques and the subtleties of gameplay. They need to have highly developed problem solving abilities and enjoy the challenge of complex computing issues.

An AI Game Programmer would require these skills:

Trained in computer science, engineering or game development
Specialized knowledge of artificial intelligence and its future in gaming
Equally creative and critical thinker
Abstract thinker, understanding of relational reasoning
Strong intuition for how artificial intelligence works
Experienced in writing algorithms
Background in advanced mathematics
Solid understanding of physics
Ability to combine computer programming with human insight
Advanced problem solving skills
Familiar with the game production pipeline process
Passion for video games and experience with gaming
Excellent communication skills
Team player, able to work independently
Highly skilled in innovation
Understanding of the psychologies of characters and how they are likely to behave
Knowledge of automation scripts
Familiar with neural networks and deep learning

Average Salary:

This is not an entry level position. The average salary of the AI Game Programmer ranges between £35,642 to £61,828 and above.

Gameplay Engineer

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:23:43 GMT

Gameplay Engineer Job Description

Gameplay Engineers are code writers who adapt software to the requirements of a video game. They may also be required to create custom software for functions specific to a game.

Player usability is a key focus of the Gameplay Engineer. They oversee User Interface issues, player notifications, gameplay mechanics and game upgrades. Optimizing the playability of the game requires creative solutions to technical issues, testing, software integration, debugging, and an element of design.

The Gameplay Engineer also has to keep an eye on the long-term stability of the product as players will push the game to its limits. Engineers need to know what these limits are and ensure the programming is rigorous enough to withstand the most experienced of players.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Gameplay Engineer is to write code to affect gameplay. They also correct or refine software tools that may not be working effectively for the game. They are technical problem solvers, engineering solutions for all departments. They will also deal with UI (user interface) events, player notifications, calculate math for upgrades and write evaluation code.

Smoothing out clunky gameplay is also the task of the Gameplay Engineer, ensuring interactions within the game are realistic, satisfying and true to the objectives of the game. Game optimization is a key objective in their role, they understand game engines and how to best utilize them for the game. Developers rely on them to bring out the best possible results in gameplay and bring the game to life. The end user experience is always at the forefront of consideration in this role.

The responsibilities of a Gameplay Engineer can include:

Liaising with game designers and developers on the requirements and technical difficulties of the game
Researching and developing into the game engine options and best tools to apply to it
Creating procedures and production documents
Working to tight schedules and keeping to budget
Assisting animators and programmers in software efficiency
Enhancing the gameplay experience for users
Conducting testing for gameplay and user experience
Collaborating with all departments to smooth over technical issues, problem solve and create solutions during the production pipeline process
Responding to the technical needs of all departments
Working in teams towards common goals
Providing ongoing tech support after the game has been launched, working on upgrades to the game

Gameplay Engineer Software and Tools:

The software required by an AI Game Programmer:

Gameplay Engineers work with game engines and programming software to drive the game along with Programmer teams. They also work with animation and computer graphics software and write code to ensure the game can be fully realized. Working between platforms is also an engineer’s job, they must ensure that software can ‘talk’ to each other and operate harmoniously with the game engine.

Software that Gameplay Engineer may use include:

C
C++
Java
Nuke
Unreal Engine
Maya
3D Studio Max
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects
Unity

Skills Required:

Gameplay Engineers will usually have a background in computer science or specialized career training in game programming.

An Gameplay Engineer would require these skills:

Training in computer science, computer programming or software engineering
Problem-solving skills
Knowledge of 2D and 3D animation software
Ability to code custom software tools
Familiar with the game production pipeline process
Passion for video games and experience with gaming
Interpersonal skills to deal with creative and production teams
Team player, ability to work independently
Experience in debugging software and integrating platforms
Analytical mindset
Able to keep on schedule and meet deadlines
Good communication skills
Expert knowledge of technical and software advancements in the gaming industry
Knowledge of gaming genres and trends

Average Salary:

Gameplay Engineers will earn the same as Game Programmers. The average salary of the Gameplay Engineer is between £35,642 to £61,828 and above.

Game Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:23:42 GMT

Game Artist Job Description

A Game Artist is a generalist animator who creates both 2D and 3D art for video games. Working from design briefs and concept art, Game Artists give expression to the script from the storyboard to populate the world of the game.

They work on all the visual elements required to put a game together, including characters, objects, textures, assets, environments, props, vehicles, weapons, etc.

Many animators will specialize in one or more of these areas as game development becomes increasingly sophisticated. The extent of the role also depends on the size of the studio and project.

During the course of their career they may take on a variety of positions within an animation team, leading to an ever-increasing deeper understanding of the process.

Role and Responsibilities

Game Artists design preliminary sketches and develop them according to a video game’s general style. They then create 2D or 3D animations from these sketches under the supervision of the Lead Artist. These elements create the world, its mood, and unique personality.

There are various areas of specialization for Game Artists, including character design, architecture and landscapes, lighting, modeling, special effects, and texturing for 3D animation.

The responsibilities of a Game Artist can include:

Liaising with lead designers and developers regarding the style and feel of the game
Researching references and resources required to produce the assets of the game
Sketching concept designs and key elements of the visual style
Designing promotional materials, packages, posters and websites for the launch of the game
Building 3D models of all assets in line with the technical limits of the game engine
Applying textures to all visual elements
Adding lighting and shading effects to all elements, ensuring consistency in color, intensity and lighting levels
Integrating special effects to textures, scenes and events, including muzzle flashes, weather effects, particle systems, sparking wires, smoke, haze, billowing dust, steam vents, explosions, etc
Creating sound effects, conducting audio mixes and design
Producing prototypes for testing
Working with motion capture
Maintaining production documentation
Advising on new technologies
Problem solving both creative and technical issues
Adhering to the production schedule
Curating and cataloguing of asset library
Designing with the user experience in mind

Game Artist Software and Tools:

The software required by an Game Artist:

Game Artists may work with any manner of gaming and animation software.

Software that Gameplay Engineer may use include:

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects
Blender
3D Studio Max
Maya
Mudbox
Zbrush
Substance Designer
CAD
Quixel
TVPaint
ToonBoom Harmony
CelAction
Unreal Engine
Nuke
Unity 3
Python
C++
Houdini

Skills Required:

Game Artists are skilled in many aspects of game development. As their careers progress they may specialize in an area that interests them most and serves their specific talents.

Games are produced by teams, so communication and interpersonal skills are vital to aid in the smooth running of the game production pipeline.

An Game Artist would require these skills:

Training in game art and animation
Knowledge of lighting, perspective, material finishes and special effects
Cinematic eye for lighting and shading
Strong drawing skills, ability to visualize and design from abstract ideas
Solid knowledge of game genres and latest trends in gaming
Ability to work from storyboards
Advanced understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc
Talent for visual storytelling
Knowledge of 2D and 3D animation, and familiarity with the principles of animation
Systematic and logical work practices
Working knowledge of industry standard software and ongoing professional development
Team player, ability to work independently
Experience in working with audio files
Ability to create special effects
Knowledge of anatomy, zoology, layout design, texturing and asset creation
Ability to take on constructive criticism and delivering amendments based on feedback
Used to working under pressure and consistently meeting deadlines

Average Salary:

Gameplay Engineers will earn the same as Game Programmers. The average salary of the Gameplay Engineer is between £35,642 to £61,828 and above.

Technical Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 19:23:41 GMT

Technical Artist Job Description

Technical Artists are hybrid creative and technical operators who liaise between the artist and the programmer teams. They require both visual skills as well as programming knowledge to understand both disciplines and problem solve between departments.

A good technical artist will keep the artistic vision intact while working within the limits of the software systems used on a video game production. They work closely with the Game Designer, Lead Artist and Lead Programmer, advising on technical resources, researching new techniques, maintaining tools and pipelines, and preparing digital files of finished artwork to run efficiently without visual degradation.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Technical Artist is to bridge the gap between the issues of the creative, programming and engineer teams in game development. They must possess an equal amount of knowledge about both disciplines to ensure all needs are being met. Because of this they tend to be all-rounders with experience working in the artistic and programming realms.

Innovation in gaming treads a fine line between creative excellence and technical brilliance, making the role of the Technical Artist key to the success of a title.

The responsibilities of a Technical Artist can include:

Collaborating with heads of programming and design teams
Researching and developing technical tools for a project
Setting up workflows of art production
Supporting artists and engineers in the 3D art pipeline
Assisting in asset performance and validation
Solving complex technical issues during development
Deciding on what software and tools are required for game production
Developing and maintaining resources and pipelines along with programmers
Porting finished art to the game engine
Ensuring final art runs to full visual resolution
Working within the limits of the game engine, curating file sizes, polygon counts and loading speeds
Enforcing standards as outlined by heads of departments
Developing tools and software to execute the needs of the game
Preparing and designing character systems such as skeletons, cloths, effect emitters and ragdoll collision
Optimizing environments and establishing physics barriers
Writing custom software specific to the needs of the game which will work with industry standard scripting languages
Researching and overseeing the implementation of rendering techniques
Developing performance of frame rate and memory
Resolving material errors and collision issues
Monitoring the performance of the game
Maintaining technical documentation

Technical Artist Software and Tools:

The software required by an Technical Artist:

Technical Artists must understand the fundamentals of CGI, modeling, animation, special effects software as well as a solid knowledge of platforms such as C++ and Javascript to be able to integrate assets into the game at the highest quality.

Software that Technical Artist Engineer may use include:

Houdini
C, C++, Java
Python
Lua
MaxScript
Perl
Maya
3D Studio Max
Adobe After Effects, Photoshop
Substance Painter
Unreal Engine

Skills Required:

Technical Artists need to be expert in both the creative and technical fields, two areas which are usually at odds. It takes a particular mindset to be equally talented in both fields.

An Technical Artist would require these skills:

High attention to detail
Excellent communication skills
Career training in VFX
A strong portfolio or demo reel
Solid understanding of art and animation pipelines
Familiarity with game systems and the game development process
Scripting skills
Ability to identify the best tools and software to maximize game delivery
Rendering and post-effects experience
Understanding of rigging and animation
Experience in physics simulations
Shader development experience
High level artistic skills - proportion, color, composition
Creative mindset and ability to overcome technical challenges
Experience in digital art content creation - high and low-poly modeling, unwrapping, baking, texturing, level art, etc
Excellent interpersonal skills in dealing with differences between creative and technical teams
Knowledge of high-end coding languages

Average Salary:

The Technical Artist role is a mid-level position. The pathway to this role is usually to start out as a texture artist, shading/lighting artist, character rigger, animator or character artist. Acquiring a strong interest in and experience with coding and/or programming. The average salary of the Technical Artist is between £32,732 to £77,103 and above.

Book Illustrator

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:05:19 GMT

Book Illustrator Job Description

Book illustrators produce images for digital or print books. They work to a brief from the publisher or author to create the graphic elements of a publication.

The input for a book illustrator can be minimal, in the case of educational materials that require graphs and charts, or a major part of the work in the case of children's books or graphic novels.

Invariably Book Illustrators will train as digital artists as book production is computerized. In the case of illustrations being created with physical materials such as crayons or watercolors, the artwork must always be scanned as digital files and finished using software .

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Book Illustrator is to work alongside the author to create the artwork that will accompany the book. Most illustrators work as freelancers and pitch for projects. A well-known illustrator may be commissioned to produce illustrations. Some writers work in collaboration with illustrators on numerous publications, especially in childrens’ publishing.

The Book Illustrator must be able to imagine characters and worlds from descriptions, think in terms of visual storytelling and find a creative connection with the author. Depending on the publication illustrators can have a lot of creative input in the book, in the case of a graphic novel, or they can have minimal artistic engagement, in the case of an educational textbook that requires graphs and charts.

The responsibilities of a Book Illustrator can include:

Liaise with the author, publisher, editor regarding the brief for the project
Design with audience in mind, have a basic understanding of the text
Present a series of drafts of the illustrations for approval
Collaborate with author regarding the style and look of graphics
Work to a schedule
Ensure illustrations meet quality print standards
Deliver professional, appealing designs
Supply final artwork to set specifications

Book Illustrator Software and Tools:

The software required by a Book Illustrator:

Book Illustrators will work with desktop publishing, graphic design, multimedia development, technical graphic, specialized graphic software. They must know about publishing layout to be able to produce graphics that work within it.

Software that Book Illustrators may use include:

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat
Dreamweaver
Microsoft Paint, PowerPoint, Visio
QuarkXPress
Corel Painter
HTML
Autodesk SketchBook

Skills Required:

The skills of a Book Illustrator include the ability to visualize story, to give graphic form to elements of a text and an instinct to bring a book to life. They must have a talent for interpreting a brief or a text, and strong conceptual skills.

A Book Illustrator would require these skills:

Training in fine arts, illustration, graphic design
Talent for visual communication, strong drawing skills
Understanding of visual storytelling
Familiar with color correction for print
Able to work creatively with an author
Knowledge of book genres
Familiarity with publishing industry
Problem solving skills
Adaptable to concept and graphics changes, able to see the big picture and work collaboratively
Skilled in producing graphs, charts, maps, icons, logos, infographics, diagrams, tables, schematics, plots, flowcharts, etc for educational, scientific, corporate, etc publications
Solid understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition, depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc
Good communication skills, ability to explain concepts and support artistic choices
Skilled in technical drawing
Ability to adapt to various visual styles and genres
Passion for latest trends and techniques in design
Disciplined in delivering deadlines

Average Salary:

The average wage for a Book Illustrator ranges from £23,276 to £56,009.

Comic Illustrator

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:05:17 GMT

Comic Illustrator Job Description

Comic illustrators create images for comic books and strips.

The comic or graphic novel genre employs visuals in a series of sequential panels to tell a story. Most comic art includes text which may or may not be written by the illustrator, therefore they must learn to incorporate the text and font as part of the overall design.

Illustrators of comic strips tend to be the writers as well as illustrators of the series. Comic books or graphic novels may have authors writing the text, but it is ultimately up to the illustrator to integrate the text into the graphic.

Cartoons are another form of comic narrative, they are usually comical or satirical in nature and can be presented as single panels of image and text. They can pack a punch in expressing a powerful idea or keen observation, such as in political cartoons. Fumetti use photographic images in the comic book style to tell a story.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the comic illustrator is to create the illustrations for comic strips, books and cartoons. They must express ideas, story, situation and character very clearly and effectively. The Comic Illustrator has a talent for dynamic visual communication because this genre is highly expressive and designed to pack a punch in terms of message, especially in the case of single panel cartoons.

The responsibilities of a Comic Illustrator can include:

Liaising with the author regarding the design brief
Writing the text, joke, caption, dialogue if the work is entirely their authorship
Drawing the comic images, producing a series of drafts before final artwork is approved
Incorporating text with graphics as required
Working quickly to meet tight deadlines, especially for strip comics in daily publications
Plotting out storylines
Creating storyboards of key points of action or plot

Comic Illustrator Software and Tools:

The software required by a Comic Illustrator:

Many Comic Illustrators work with pen and paper to sketch out their illustrations, these are then imported into software which is used to finish the artwork and deliver to publishing houses or newspapers.

Software that Comic Illustrators may use include:

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
Microsoft Paint
Clip Studio Paint
Corel Painter
Autodesk SketchBook

Skills Required:

Comic Illustrators who author their own work tend to have a strong sense of humor or for the absurd. They must have a sharp-witted mind to produce social or political commentary, and a keen sense for storytelling if they create comic books.

When working with a writer the ability to collaborate effectively is key to a successful comic. These partnerships can be very lucrative and influential, especially when working for big brands such as Marvel or DC Comics.

A Comic Illustrator would require these skills:

Training in illustration, fine arts or graphic design
A strong portfolio of original work
Talent for visual communication, strong drawing skills
Understanding of visual storytelling
Familiarity with comic genres
Awareness of socio-political issues and current affairs
Keen comic or ironic outlook
Ability to express concepts visually
Writing skills
Storyboarding skills
Solid understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition, depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc
Good communication skills, ability to explain concepts and support artistic choices
Layout skills
Knowledge of typography

Average Salary:

Well known syndicated comic strip authors can earn very well, as can comic artists who create superhero comics for big-name publishers. The average wage for a Comic Illustrator ranges from £23,276 to £56,009.

Game Illustrator

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:05:11 GMT

Game Illustrator Job Description

Game illustrators draw characters, objects, scenery and backdrops that make up video games.

Also referred to as game artists, they take the rough sketches of concept art and transform them into finished artwork for video games. All images are created using modeling, 2D or 3D animation software and programming.

Giving life to rudimentary sketches and developing characters in different guises and from different angles is the primary role of the Game Illustrator. They imagine the world of the game as briefed by the developers and transform it into all its moving parts.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Game Illustrator is to design preliminary sketches and develop them according to the game’s general style. They then create 2D or 3D animations from these sketches under the supervision of the Lead Artist.

There are various areas of specialization for Game Illustrator, including character design, architecture and landscapes, lighting, modeling, special effects, and texturing for 3D animation. These elements create the world, its mood, and unique personality. These all must be translated into the creation of the game.

The responsibilities of a Game Illustrator can include:

Collaborating with lead designers and developers regarding the style and feel of the game
Researching references and resources required to produce the assets of the game
Sketching concept designs and key elements of the visual style
Designing promotional materials, packages, posters and websites for the launch of the game
Building 3D models of all assets in line with the technical limits of the game engine
Applying textures to all visual elements
Adding lighting and shading effects to all elements, ensuring consistency in color, intensity and lighting levels
Integrating special effects to textures, scenes and events, including muzzle flashes, weather effects, particle systems, sparking wires, smoke, haze, billowing dust, steam vents, explosions, etc
Producing prototypes for testing
Working with motion capture
Maintaining production documentation
Advising on new technologies
Problem solving both creative and technical issues
Adhering to the production schedule
Curating and cataloging of asset library
Designing with the user experience in mind

Game Illustrator Software and Tools:

The software required by a Game Illustrator:

Game Illustrators work with any manner of gaming and animation software. Knowledge of a combination of the following software is required:

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects
Blender
3D Studio Max
Maya
Mudbox
Zbrush
Substance Designer
CAD
Quixel
TVPaint
ToonBoom Harmony
CelAction
Unreal Engine
Nuke

Skills Required:

Game Illustrators are skilled in many aspects of game design. As their careers progress they will specialize in an area that interests them most and serves their specific talents. Games are produced by teams, so communication and interpersonal skills are vital to aid in the smooth running of the production pipeline.

A Game Illustrator would require these skills:

ATraining in game art, illustration, fine art or graphic design
A strong portfolio of original work
Knowledge of lighting, perspective, material finishes and special effects
A cinematic eye for lighting and shading
Strong drawing skills, able to visualize and design from abstract ideas
Solid knowledge of game genres and latest trends in gaming
Able to work from storyboards
Advanced understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc
Talent for visual storytelling
Knowledge of 2D and 3D animation, and familiarity with the principles of animation
Systematic and logical work practices
Working knowledge of industry standard software and ongoing professional development
Team player, ability to work independently
Ability to create special effects
Knowledge of anatomy, zoology, layout design, texturing and asset creation
Comfortable taking on constructive criticism and deliver amendments based on feedback
Used to working under pressure and consistently meeting deadlines

Average Salary:

The average wage for a Keyframe Illustrator ranges from £23,276 to £56,009.

Keyframe Illustrator

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:05:09 GMT

Keyframe Illustrator Job Description

Keyframe Illustrators draw designs for key scenes in live-action or animated productions.

They illustrate the midway point between concept art and final shot. These are definitive images from the work that establish its style, thus operating as key artwork.

The work of a Keyframe Illustrator is vital as it sets the tone and look of major set pieces. In the case of film they work with the director to visualize the major or big budget sequences in the film, storyboarding the scenes as a reference for the filmmaking process. In the case of animation they illustrate the scenes that express major plot points and climaxes in the production.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Keyframe Illustrator is to sketch out key scenes in a script. The keyframes establish the look, timings, camera angles and points of view of the sequences, and they can be sequenced as short storyboards. In filmmaking these illustrations operate as a visual guide to how live action will be shot, especially complex scenes that require special effects, chase sequences, tightly choreographed sequences, etc. In animation they will identify how crucial or visually definitive scenes will play out.

The Keyframe Illustrator works closely with the director to illustrate their vision of key scenes. In filmmaking cinematographers, gaffers and editors will use these illustrations from pre production to post production. In animation these illustrations will be a reference for how to animate key scenes as well as influence the rest of the production.

The responsibilities of a Keyframe Illustrator can include:

Liaising with writers, animators and directors regarding the look, style and level of detail required for the keyframe sequences
Reading and interpreting scripts
Breaking down the script with the director to identify key scenes and planning them visually
Sequencing the scenes from a script into illustration or storyboard format
Including special effects in the keyframes
Identifying lighting requirements and articulate circles of tension within each scene
Including key dialogue or scene directions within each frame
Briefing animators on keyframe sequences
Amending scenes during the course of production

Keyframe Illustrator Software and Tools:

The software required by a Keyframe Illustrator:

Keyframe Artists can work with simple pen and paper or with computer software. On animated sequences, they will use 2D and 3D animation software.

Software used by keyframe illustrators may include:

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator
Toon Boom Harmony
Maya
3D Studio Max

Skills Required:

The Keyframe Illustrator works closely with the director to give graphic representation to their vision of the script. They need strong visual storytelling skills to bring the scenes to life and identify important production and narrative elements of the scenes.

A Keyframe Illustrator would require these skills:

Ability to collaborate effectively with concept artists, writers, directors, clients, etc to visualize the scenes
Strong portfolio of original work
Training in animation or film-making
Presentation skills
Fluency in visual storytelling
Knowledge of various styles and genres of film and animation
Talent for sketching
Photography skills can be beneficial
Understanding of the principles of animation
Knowledge of the principles of storytelling, ie: the Hero’s Journey
Able to interpret the ideas of others into detailed drawings
Analytical skills
Strong layout and design skills
Ability to work quickly and react to last-minute changes
Adaptability in working with different directors who will demand varying degrees of complexity from keyframes and storyboards
Equally skilled in hand drawing and computer drawing
Solid knowledge of camera angles and cinematography techniques
Editing skills

Average Salary:

The average wage for a Keyframe Illustrator ranges from £23,276 to £56,009.

Digital Illustrator

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:05:08 GMT

Digital illustrator Job Description

A digital illustrator creates narrative artworks (images that tell a story) using graphics software.

The work of a digital illustrator can include artwork and high-end special effects for film, elements for video games, advertisements, graphic design, book cover art, etc.

Role and Responsibilities

Digital illustrators create original images for either commissioned work or personal projects.

As the term implies, they work using computer software on PCs or graphics tablets. Each artist has their own unique process and each project requires different techniques.

Initial sketches for a piece may start as hand drawings but the finished product is delivered digitally for digital media such as film and television effects, publishing, web design, advertisements, educational resources, video games, etc.

The digital illustrator is briefed on the project and they produce artwork that best communicates the idea, character, visuals, scenario, sequence, icon, etc. The creative process is one that works on developing these illustrations, refining and reworking drafts until the final artwork is signed off.

Most illustrators work as freelancers but some advertising agencies, publishing houses and large companies will have in-house illustrator roles.

The responsibilities of a Digital Illustrator can include:

Working with the producer, publisher, client, etc regarding the brief for the project
Illustrating with the audience in mind, finding the most effective way to communicate a story
Presenting a series of drafts of the illustrations for approval
Employing graphics in bitmap or vector formats as required
Collaborating with team members regarding designs and workflows
Working to a schedule
Keeping project on budget
Ensuring illustrations meet quality color standards
Advising on intricacies of design genre, style, color palette, etc
Delivering to client’s expectation
Supplying final artwork to set specifications

The digital illustration process is similar to other forms of illustrations, with initial rough sketches drawn using a graphics tablet and then refined using bitmap (Adobe Photoshop) and/or vector (Adobe Illustrator) applications.

The main difference between the two types is that bitmap, or painting, software creates photorealistic images and allows for special effects; while vector, or drawing, tools create images through anchor points to construct shapes and clean lines. A finished digital image may contain embedded layers of both types of graphics.

Digital Illustrator Software and Tools:

The software required by a Digital Illustrator:

Digital illustrators use digital tools to create their work. This includes graphics software and hardware such as PCs and graphics tablets. They may scan hand drawn sketches, import images from the natural world and use photographs to create digital art.

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat
Dreamweaver
Microsoft Paint, PowerPoint, Visio
QuarkXPress
HTML
AutodeskSketchBook
Corel Painter
CAD

Skills Required:

Digital illustrators must be equally adept at thinking creatively and remaining tech-savvy.

They are required to respond to constructive criticism and deliver what the client wants on time, within budget and in the correct format.

Their digital skills will constantly be put to the test as each project will require different formats, and digital tools are ever-changing and upgrading.

Digital Illustrator would require these skills:

Training in digital illustration, graphic design, fine art
Talent for visual communication, strong drawing skills
Understanding of variety of digital format delivery items ie JPEG, TIFF, PDF, etc
Experience working with geometric primitive shapes to create complex shapes
Feel for shading and depicting three-dimensional shapes
Familiarity with how pixels (picture elements) work
Ability to create bitmap, vector and raster graphics
Knowledge of normal, UV, bump and specular maps
Familiarity with typography, an eye for incorporating text into graphics
Experience in manipulating pixels, vertices and textures in CGI creation
Fluency in the basics of geometry, optics, physics and perception
Skills in producing graphs, charts, maps, icons, logos, infographics, diagrams, tables, schematics, plots, flowcharts etc
Solid understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition, depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc
Good communication skills, ability to explain concepts and support artistic choices
Skills in technical drawing
Ability to adapt to various visual styles and genres
Passion for the latest trends and techniques in design
Team player, able to work independently
Disciplined in delivering deadlines and keeping within budget

Average Salary:

The average wage for a Digital Illustrator ranges from £32,3276 for a junior position to £56,009 and above for a senior position.

Asset Designer

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:05:04 GMT

Asset Designer Job Description

An Asset Designer (or Asset Artist) creates a vast array of elements that are typically used in video games. This can include objects, props, weapons, vehicles, and natural elements such as trees and rocks. o life.

They design the movable and functional objects that facilitate gameplay. Depending on the role and size of the studio, this area can be both an audio and visual discipline of game development.

An Asset Designer needs to understand the full scope of the game development process from 3D animation to sound design. They bring to life and assist in designing the elements that push the narrative forward through interaction with characters and environments. They maintain libraries of these elements for animators and programmers to use in assembling the game.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Asset Designer is to create concept art of all the visual assets and rough audio files of sound effects for visual games. They base their artwork on the style and look of the game, working with environment and character designers to create a cohesive aesthetic throughout.

Asset Designers will be called upon to design any manner of objects, and each project may require hundreds of individual assets that need to be brought together to create the final product. They will deal with detail and volume that must be organized effectively and logically.

The responsibilities of an Asset Designer can include:

Liaising with designers and developers on the artistic brief of the project
Researching resources and references for the style of the game
Designing concept art for all the visual assets
Rendering a variety of different designs for review
Revising artwork and audio based on feedback and collaboration
Creating rough audio files for sound effects
Compositing visuals with their audio effects
Creating prototypes for testing
Designing with user experience in mind
Pitching and developing ideas
Developing gameplay systems that involve story elements
Maintaining production documentation
Basic sound design duties

Asset Designer Software and Tools:

The software required for a Asset Designer:

Asset Artists will draw inspiration and reference from a plethora of rare, invented and everyday objects.This means their materials and tools will be either invented or sourced from real world samples.All assets must be finished digitally. Asset Artists may work with all or some of the following software:

Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Audition
Audacity
Maya
3D Studio Max
Mudbox
Zbrush
Nuke

Skills Required:

A good knowledge of the history of objects and excellent drawing abilities are valuable skills for an Asset Designer. They must have a passion for drawing everyday objects in intricate detail and an interest in audio design. Because of the pure volume of work to be done by Asset Designers they must be able to work quickly to accommodate the production pipeline schedule.

Environment Designers need to work fast to meet the requirements of the production pipeline, yet their work early in the project is vital.

Character Designers would require may these skills:

Strong illustration, digital painting and conceptual skills
Training in game art
Knowledge of mechanics, historical artefacts, weaponry, botanical elements, furniture, clothing, etc.
Excellent knowledge of video gameplay, game genres and the latest trends
Solid understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc
Ability to execute the vision of the designers and developers
File organization and time management skills
Ability to be a team player and work independently
Desire to learn new technologies and design techniques
Good working knowledge of latest design techniques and technologies
High level communication skills
Knowledge of sound design and mixing
Basic compositing skills
Familiarity with games production pipeline

Average Salary:

The average wage for a Character Designer ranges from £32,732 to £67,647

Environment Designer

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:05:03 GMT

Environment Designer Job Description

An Environment Designer (or Environment Artist) creates the environments, backgrounds and layouts of animated films, TV shows and video games. They are in essence world-builders working off a design brief or script to bring an imaginary universe to life.

A knowledge of topography, architecture, cityscapes, geography and landscape is crucial to the craft of environmental design.

In the video games industry, Environment Designers often correlate with Level Designers, and increasingly specialize in the complex task of creating the backdrop to a story.

They create mood, express style and give context to worlds which characters inhabit. They also function to facilitate the many moving parts of an animation or video game.

The Environment Design element of 3D animation development is becoming ever more sophisticated as players demand more heightened experiences from game play, with some environments expressed as characters in themselves. The Environmental Designer imagines worlds which service the storyline and contribute to the immersive nature of the game.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Environmental Designer is to create the worlds of animated films, TV shows and games. They work from scripts and design briefs to bring the backgrounds, layouts and environments to life from abstract concepts and descriptions.

Their task is to build the interior logic of the world into their designs and visualize all the possibilities of those worlds for the characters to habit.

Expressing narrative through virtual landscapes and gamescapes is also an important part of the role. Environmental Designers are visual storytellers, infusing the backdrop with elements of the story or gameplay.

The responsibilities of a Environment Designer can include:

Liaising with animators, directors and developers regarding the stylistic and story elements of the game or animation
Researching resources and references for the project
Designing environmental concept art or illustrations
Producing a series of diverse interpretations of artwork for review
Revising artwork until signed off
Designing dramatic story moments from the script
Collaborating with animators and/or game artists to create a virtual environment that works with characters and assets
Working within the constraints of budget and technologies
Adhering to the production schedule
Maintaining project documentation
Expressing mood and tone in concept art
Working with storyboard artists to incorporate layouts into scenes and sequences

Environment Designer Software and Tools:

The software required for a Environment Designer:

Environment Designers may do their initial drawings using mixed media such as pen, paper, ink, paint, etc but all final artwork is delivered digitally.

They will also work with various reference materials such as photography, geographical and political maps, architectural drawings, botanical elements, road structure, city planning layouts, etc. Some textures may be scanned from real world sources and others created from scratch.

Environment Designers may need knowledge of a combination of the following software:

Adobe Photoshop (industry standard), Illustrator
Maya
3D Studio Max
Mudbox
Zbrush
Unity 3
Quixel
TVPaint
ToonBoom Harmony
CelAction

Skills Required:

Environment Designers need to have a strong sense of perspective as a virtual world that is not balanced and true to reality will not work, jolt the viewer’s eye, destroy the suspension of disbelief and remove them from the story.

Environment Designers need to work fast to meet the requirements of the production pipeline, yet their work early in the project is vital.

Character Designers would require may these skills:

Training in digital painting, computer graphics, computer animation or art
Caricature and design skills
Mastery of architectural and organic forms
Strong knowledge of geography, architecture and the laws of physics
Ability to imagine expansive worlds that characters and objects can interact and move around in
Stylistic versatility
Good communication skills
Ability to visualize natural terrains, cityscapes, sci-fi worlds, etc in intricate detail
Strong understanding of texturing
Experience in creating photorealistic environments
Solid understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition, depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc
Technical drawing skills
Excellent time management skills, ability to consistently meet deadlines
Team player, skilled at working independently
Maintaining production documentation
Knowledge of the animation and/or game development processes

Average Salary:

The average wage for a Character Designer ranges from £40,006 to £66,9203

Character Designer

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:04:59 GMT

Character Designer Job Description

A Character Designer (or Character Artist) specializes in the conceptualization of characters for films, TV shows and games, often using a brief or script for inspiration. t.

They are adept in interpreting the personality and physical traits of a character description into an expressive illustration. This is done through subtle cues of facial expression, pose, gesture, costume, posture, etc.

A good Character Designer will have a keen eye for detail in human expression and the ability to understand the story of a character. Creating memorable characters is often based on simple shapes and ideas, think of Mickey Mouse’s round ears, how iconic and instantly recognizable they are.

Part of the Character Designer’s role is to imagine the character from different perspectives, showing action, anatomy and unique expressions that define the character and bring it to life. In 3D animation these articulations of character will be used in the modeling process, in 2D animation these will be used as reference points from which to animate, and Storyboard Artists will refer to character design to express the story.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Character Designer is to visualize and develop the look of animated characters for films and games. They work from the script or storyline to turn descriptions into images, to give form to personality and characteristics.

Breathing life into abstract ideas is the primary focus of the Character Designer. They excel at creating images that will animate well and will resonate with players and audiences. Drawing ability is key, and personal style will factor heavily in the execution of concept art.

The responsibilities of a Character Designer can include:

Liaising with scriptwriters, designers and developers on the look of the character/s and what style they are to be drawn in
Researching the look, style and genre of the film or game
Developing various versions of the character looks
Infusing characters with personality using visual cues, unique expressions and distinctive body language
Create characters that are relatable and possess human traits that will engage an audience
Understand the character’s role in the script and draw it accordingly
Collaborate with directors and other concept artists to create a visual consistency with other characters and overall look of the animation or game
Revise artwork according to feedback and teamwork
Create model sheets showing characters drawn from different angles and showing different expressions
Problem-solving with the team regarding design issues
Working with Storyboard Artists on how to incorporate the concept art into scenes and sequences
Adhering to production schedules

Character Designer Software and Tools:

The software required for a Character Designer:

Character Designers may work with physical materials such as pencil, paper, ink, chalk, mixed media, etc to produce their primary sketches, or create completely digital art using computer software. Eventually, all artwork will be presented digitally. The software used will depend on whether the project is in 2D or 3D.

Character Designers may need knowledge of a combination of the following software:

Adobe Photoshop (industry standard), Illustrator
Blender
3D Studio Max
Maya
Mudbox
Zbrush
Substance Designer
Quixel
TVPaint
ToonBoom Harmony
CelAction

Skills Required:

Character Designers must excel in taking direction, visualizing from abstract concepts and communicating their ideas. They produce the initial designs and set the tone for key imagery within a film or game.

Character Designers would require may these skills:

Strong drawing skills, with a specialization in character design
Ability to draw in a variety of styles
Knowledge of anatomy and zoology, costuming, physical settings and history-related references associated with character
Solid awareness of facial expression, pose, posture, gesture and movement
Visual storytelling skills
Solid understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition, depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc
Good communication skills, ability to explain concepts and support artistic choices
Technical drawing skills
Excellent time management skills, ability to consistently meet deadlines
Team player, skilled at working independently
Knowledge of the animation and/or game development process

Average Salary:

The average wage for a Character Designer ranges from £32,732 to £60,373

Roto Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:12:50 GMT

Roto Artist Job Description

Roto Artists trace areas within live-action frames where the CGI will be inserted or interact with live images. They create silhouettes known as roto mattes within the frame to allow the scene to be layered by the compositor. This technique is known as rotoscoping and is manually drawn out frame by frame if the sequence involves camera movement.

It can be repetitive and painstaking work which requires attention to detail and patience.

The Roto Artist prepares material for the compositor using motion-tracking and onion-skinning software.

Role and Responsibilities

Roto Artists cut images and sequences out of live footage that will be re-inserted with special effects. This is a position within a filmmaking team that requires precision and visual effects expertise. Roto Artists also work in video game productions that use live action footage.

The effects that are integrated into the footage must be compatible and realistic, so the Roto Artist must work closely with both the filmmakers and FX artists to allow for a dynamic effect. They must have a good understanding of filming and post production processes.

The responsibilities of a Roto Artist can include:

Liaising with lead artists and filmmakers on the sequences requiring rotoscoping
Interpret and apply artistic concepts as briefed
Maintain consistency of visuals and style throughout the production
Creating mattes tracing the motion of object/s
Shape creation and editing
Shape animation by hand and with trackers
Shape compositing, fill modes and opacity settings
Undertake quality assurance on completed roto work
Work to seamlessly integrate special effects

Roto Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for a FX Technical Director:

Silhouette software
Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, Dreamweaver
Shake
Nuke
Digital fusion

Skills Required:

In the early days of film Roto Artists would manually trace on each frame of film, today computer software and CGI make the work a lot less labor intensive. Many of the innate skills of a Roto Artist remain the same whether working in film, television or gaming.

FX technical directors would require may these skills:

CExcellent affinity with the visual and artistic disciplines
Degree in fine art, drawing, animation or graphic design
Ability to interpret notes and deliver on their instructions
Drawing ability, accurate tracing skills
High level of patience, able to deal with repetitive work
Methodical and thorough work ethic
Drawing and painting skills
Eye for detail, steady hand
Ability to create consistent images according to a set style
Good communication skills

Average Salary:

The Roto Artist role is an entry-level position that can lead to more skilled positions like that of the Compositor.. The average wage for an FX Technical Director is around £35,319.

FX Technical Director

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:12:49 GMT

FX Technical Director Job Description

Visual Effects Technical Directors (FX TD) work on set to ensure that elements such as explosions and action sequences work within the parameters of the visual effects required from the footage. They assist the director in capturing a scene that will work most effectively for the VFX team and then lead the team through the post-production process.

The FX TD will often write the code with which the VFX artists create the effects, problem-solving solutions particular to the production. They work closely with the VFX Supervisor, ensuring seamless rendering of effects for the screen.

Role and Responsibilities

The FX Technical Director works under the supervision of the FX Supervisor to create realistic particle and fluid effects for live-action film and television. They will often work on set to ensure the footage is filmed in the best way for special effects to be inserted during the post production process. These include fire, smoke, moving water, air debris, snow, clouds, steam, etc.

As well as overseeing the completion of the FX sequences, the FX Technical director will create code for customized tools required for the production.

The responsibilities of a FX Technical Director can include:

Liaising with the FX Supervisor, director, cinematographer, gaffer on the best filming conditions for the FX sequences requiring particle and fluid effects
Researching the look of the effects based on the briefing from the filmmakers according to the script
Maintaining a visual consistency throughout all the effects
Advising on set regarding what needs to be captured in-camera for the effects to work
Supervising effects artist team, keeping them on schedule and within budget
Writing code for custom software to deal with complex effects
Maintaining technical documentation
Seamlessly integrating special effects into live action footage
Problem solving during the production and post-production processes
Dealing with computer modeling and geometry issues
Working to deliver the vision of the director
Interpreting FX supervisor’s and director’s notes and communicating them to the team

Compositor Software and Tools:

The software required for a FX Technical Director:

FX Technical Directors work mainly with scripting language and filmmaking equipment. They must understand the special effects being used by the post production and special effects teams. They must also be familiar with the cameras and lighting equipment being used on set. FX Technical Directors may require expert knowledge in the following:

Houdini
Substance Painter
C++
Java
Python
Maya
3D Studio Max
Adobe After Effects
Mel
Vex

Skills Required:

A solid knowledge of filmmaking and post-production is required of the FX Technical Director to be able to integrate special effects into live-action footage. They must understand what needs to be filmed to produce the best special effects and communicate that effectively to the filmmakers for the sequences to work.

FX technical directors would require may these skills:

Career training in visual effects and a strong portfolio or demo reel
Sound familiarity with cinematography and lighting
Solid knowledge of the film making process
Experience with post production for film and television
Understanding of software design, and how to code and integrate custom tools
Strong problem-solving skills
Ability to share the director’s vision for each production
Advanced understanding of physics and how particles move within the natural world
Proficiency with volume modeling, fluid and gas algorithms, and geometry generation
Good math and communication skills
Mentoring skills to guide the team through the effects process
Keen eye for artistic detail, excellent sense of timing and scale
Ability to meet deadlines and budgets
Ability to work under pressure

Average Salary:

The role of FX Technical Director is considered a senior role. The pathway to this position is at least three years working as a FX Artist. The average wage for an FX Technical Director is around £72,855

Compositor

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:12:47 GMT

Compositor Job Description

Compositors ensure that all the visual elements of a film are rendered seamlessly on the screen. They deal with a complex combination of images including green screen/chroma key sequences, special effects, visual effects, mattes and live action coming together to complete a believable whole.

G-The role of the Compositor is a crucial one as they produce the final output of the film or game. A high level of technical knowledge is required to integrate the layers made up of different formats. The Compositor will work throughout the production with various departments to ensure that all visual elements are delivered in compatible formats.

Role and Responsibilities

Compositors play a vital role in the final output of the finished film, television series or computer game. They assemble all the layers of live action footage, animation, and special effects into one at the end of the post production process.

A solid knowledge of CGI elements and how to integrate them is essential to the role of the Compositor. Their work is key to the visual success of the film, television episode or game.

The responsibilities of a Look Compositor can include:

Liaising with the director, producer and post production head to establish the formats and delivery items of all the elements that make up the production
Collating all the materials from the camera, animation and special effects teams, and ensuring they are all compatible
Advising filmmakers on the best lighting, color levels and blacks to maintain a consistency of style and look throughout the shoot
Working closely with lighting technical directors, roto artists and render wranglers to ensure the smooth running of the production pipeline
Taking responsibility for continuity of shots and effects of the entire work
Enhancing lighting effects
Creating convincing shadows within a shot
Adding motion blur to scenes
Integrating rear projection into background images
Working with blue/green screen effects
Ability to do some keying, rotoscoping and creating mattes as required
Conducting quality assurance of visuals and correcting errors before final composition
Ensuring the director’s vision of overall style is delivered

Compositor Software and Tools:

The software required for a Compositor:

Nuke
Adobe Photoshop, After Effects
Shake
Maya
Combustion
Inferno
Flame
Amino
Opus
RenderMan
Blackmagic Fusion

Skills Required:

Compositors require an equal amount of artistic and technical skills. Their role is the crucial final step of the output of the film or game when all the elements are composed to its final render. As this is the final stage of a production Compositors may have to work long hours to meet tight deadlines if the schedule is behind, this can be a challenging role and a variety of technical and time management skills are required.

Sometimes Compositors can work on up to 120 versions of a single scene to integrate all the elements required of a special effect, the ability to multi-task and a high level of attention to detail is required.

Employers may look for the following skills in a Compositor:

Solid knowledge of a broad range of software
Strong artistic skills
Career training in VFX compositing and a strong demo reel
Good communication skills, ability to work with all heads of departments
Problem-solving skills, especially technical issues
Attention to detail
Ability to analyze visual elements and make them consistent throughout
Knowledge of the visual effects pipeline
Proficiency in cinematic lighting, how shadows work in the real world
Good working knowledge of the post-production process, especially the FX department
Understanding of visual storytelling and editing
Ability to work in a team as well as individually with minimal supervision
Ability to work under pressure
Ability to keep resources and teams on schedule and within budget

Average Salary:

The average salary for Game FX artist ranges between £22,6913 and £95,481

FX Artist - Games

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:12:44 GMT

Game FX Artist Job Description

Video game FX (effects) artists work in teams to create effects that enhance the sequences and actions of the animation within the game. This may include explosions, power ups, character and gameplay effects, etc. The two main areas of VFX in video games are gameplay and environmental effects.

Gameplay effects enhance the gaming experience, they include character powers, magics, explosion textures, etc. Environmental effects provide realistic visuals, they follow the laws of physics in replicating real-world phenomena and reactions, these include waterfalls, mist, rain, smoke, etc.

Role and Responsibilities

Video Game FX Artists are in charge of creating the visual effects (FX) required of a game. They usually work within the animation or motion graphics team, specializing in adding particles, animation, weather, smoke, fire, explosions, atmospherics, light/energy etc as required by the project.

The responsibilities of a Look Game FX Artist can include:

Researching real world examples of effects, eg: explosions, floods, etc
Liaising with design and programming teams on scope of effects
Working with game designers to plan schedule
Creating effects templates and animations
3D modeling
Curating the quality of effects
Collaborating on creating prototypes
User interface design
Matching the style and genre of the game
Maintaining workflow documentation throughout project
Correcting glitches as picked up by quality assurance testing
Collaborating on the development of the game
Keeping within budget
Working on post processing
Scripting as required

Game FX Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for Game FX Artist:

Working as an FX Artist requires software skills within a variety of platforms. A basic knowledge of programming software is vital as they need to deal with game programmer teams in articulating their technical needs for each project. A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite is required for scheduling and maintenance of project documentation. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, animation software and special effects tools.

Houdini
Maya
Nuke
Adobe Photoshop, After Effects
3D Studio Max particles/dynamics systems
Substance Painter
Matte Painter
Max Script
Python
HLSL

Skills Required:

FX Artists work in teams, usually within the post-production department. They may be required to work on a range of effects, produce 2D or 3D animation, modeling, etc. The more skills an FX Artist has the more valuable they are to a production

Employers may look for the following skills in a Game FX artist:

Solid knowledge of the principles of animation
Experience with animation software
Proficiency with special effects software
High-level visual skills
Strong attention to detail
Understanding of the fundamentals of art - color theory, lighting, shape, depth of field, composition, movement, etc
A love of playing games and sensitivity to the user experience
Ability to adapt to various art styles and genres
Organizational and analytical ability, problem solving skills
Good time management skills
Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
An understanding of the production process
Good communication skills
Ability to take constructive criticism and adapt to changes

Average Salary:

The average salary for Game FX artist ranges between £22,549 and £77,831

FX Artist - Film

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:12:42 GMT

Film FX Artist Job Description

Film Visual Effects Artists create computer generated images (CGI) to add to live-action footage during the post production process.Types of visual effects include:

Motion capture - recording the movement of an actor which is then overlaid with a 2D or 3D animation, think Andy Sirkis as Golum.
Matte painting - a painted background that is overlaid onto the film to create an environment that didn’t exist on location.
Match moving - the seamless insertion of CGI into tracked live-action footage within correct position, scale, orientation and motion.

These effects could vary in scope from a visual clean-up for an advertisement, to creating matte paintings for a television series, to adding magical flourishes to a Harry Potter installment, to creating an entire alternative universe.

Role and Responsibilities

Whether they are sci-fi, fantasy, or realistic, most films and television series require special effects, so FX Artists are always a part of a post-production team. FX Artists create special effects for all genres, whether they are subtle enhancements such as matte painting backgrounds on historical dramas, or creating alternative universes in CGI-heavy blockbusters.

The role of the FX Artists is to create or augment that which cannot be captured in camera, often assisting on set to ensure the footage will work well with effects to be added in post-production.

The responsibilities of a Look Film FX Artist can include:

Liaise with the director, cinematographer and gaffers regarding how the footage should be shot
Conceptualize and design special effects as identified in the script
Develop storyboards detailing how the effects work within shot
Design mock-ups of where the final images will sit within the scene
Brainstorm with key heads of departments on how the effects will look
Maintain a consistent visual style
Modeling, animating and compositing
Match moving, motion graphics, texturing, lighting, pre viz, rotoscoping, prototyping
Creating texture effects for use with particle systems
Ensure seamless integration of live action and CGI elements
Attend production meetings, report on progress made, and take direction as the project develops
Operate cameras, work with lighting and audio to shoot video as reference for special effects
Respond to changes during the course of production and problem solve on complex effects issues
Work within FX teams and in collaboration with post production teams
Keep on schedule and within budget

Film FX Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for Film FX Artist:

The tool-kit of FX Artist involves software and basic filmmaking equipment. They work with post production, special effects, animation and compositing software. Basic camera skills are required to film elements to be used for effects, FX Artists may shoot with Second or Third Unit crews.

Houdini
Redshift
Adobe Creative Suite - After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro
Maya
JavaScript
Nuke
Matte Painter
Substance Painter
Flame
Smoke
Linux/Unix operating systems
Microsoft Office Suite

Skills Required:

Employers may look for the following skills in a Film FX artist:

High level visual awareness and artistic skills
A strong portfolio or demo reel of original work
A solid knowledge of the filmmaking process, especially post production
Ability to visualize and develop effects as required by the script
Communicating sequences via storyboards
Problem solving ability, analytical mindset
Good communication skills, especially visual and graphic presentations
Team player, self-disciplined when working alone
Adept at following production methodologies
Knowledge of the compositing process
Photographic skills - understanding depth of field, shutter speed, lighting, aperture, composition and framing
Photoshop editing skills
Excellent time management skills, ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
High level attention to detail

Average Salary:

The role of Look Dev Artist is not an entry level one, it requires at least 2-3 years experience in game art design to take on the heavy responsibility of overseeing the entire look of a game.The average salary for Film FX artist ranges between £29,823 and £83,650.

Look Dev Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 11:29:39 GMT

Look Dev Artist Job Description

Look Dev Artists play a crucial part in both pre production and post production processes. They oversee the overall look of the initial artwork and concentrate on developing the aesthetics of the game in pre production. In post production they create the final finishes on the game’s textures.

The Texture Artist will provide the textures chosen for assets then the Look Dev Artist will add shading, special effects, contours, etc. They will also develop the differing conditions of a texture, for example how it will react to elements such as water, light, wind, fire, etc. In terms of character design they may work on skin textures such as goosebumps, heckles, burns, etc.

Establishing visual style is an important responsibility of the Look Dev Artist. They work within genre, geography and mood to help establish the world of the game. They keep these style filters consistent throughout the work to maintain a seamless gamescape.

Role and Responsibilities

As the title suggests the Look Dev Artist focuses on the development of the visual style of the game. Overseeing all elements such as layouts, environments, characters, objects, assets, etc are in line with a uniform look. This involves setting the style, color scheme, genre and execution of the artwork.

The Look Dev Artist puts the finishing touches on textures to keep then in line with the aesthetics of the game. They curate the color scripts of the game, determining the mood of a scene or level. This is done by determining rendering processes and the stylized asset designs.

The responsibilities of a Look Dev Artist can include:

Liaise with designers and developers regarding the design brief and visual style of the game
Research resources and game genre materials for the development of graphics
Create mood boards, color schemes and lighting plans as references for animators and designers
Sketch key scenes, environments, characters and assets within the same style
Produce a variety of variations of designs and concepts for approval
Create prototypes for testing
Oversee the visual development of the design process to maintain a consistent look
Maintain production documentation
Adhere to the production schedule
Finish all textures with special effects, lighting, shading, etc
Handle input/output files
Maintain production documentation
Assist in curation of asset libraries
Establish format procedures and guidelines
Ensure that textures are believable and work well on screen
Test ideas to achieve maximum quality results
Provide rough preliminary composits of renders for review
Apply texture maps, set up scene templates, and define standard render passes

Look Dev Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for Look Dev Artist:

Look Dev Artists may initially sketch out designs and storyboards with pen and paper, however all artwork is finished and presented digitally.

Maya
3D Studio Max
Cinema 4D
Adobe Photoshop
Nuke
Houdini
Keyshot
Katana
Clarisse
Substance Painter
Substance Designer
Quixel
Krita
Affinity Designer
Clip Paint Studio
Renderman
Arnold
vRay

Skills Required:

The Look Dev Artist has to have a keen eye for detail and ability to look at the big picture of a game. They are adept at interpreting visual styles across all environments, backgrounds, characters and assets. Working with a clear vision of the final integrated aesthetic is a vital skill for the Look Dev Artist.

Employers may look for the following skills in a look up artist:

Excellent attention to detail
Team player and ability to work independently
High level drawing and conceptual skills
Experience in storyboarding
Desire to learn new technologies and design techniques
Knowledge of the video game development pipeline
Solid technical knowledge of what the engine and programming limits and capabilities of a project
Strong understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition depth of field, proportion, lighting, spatial awareness, etc
Ability to collaborate with technical and creative departments
Talent for creative experimentation
Highly experienced in texturing and adding effects to textures
Able to produce multiple revisions of artwork as briefed
Comfortable with taking constructive criticism
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work under pressure and consistently meet deadlines
Experience with fur and hair grooming and cloth simulation design
Able to create photorealistic finishes and visual effects
Basic knowledge of 2D and 3D animation, familiar with the principles of animation
Familiarity with texture mapping and finishing

Average Salary:

The role of Look Dev Artist is not an entry level one, it requires at least 2-3 years experience in game art design to take on the heavy responsibility of overseeing the entire look of a game. The average salary for a Look Dev artist ranges between £23,276 and £56,009.

Texture Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:18:21 GMT

Asset Artist Job Description

Texture Artists specialize in creating the textures of 3D animated objects. They require a biological understanding of skin in humans and animals, as well as a knowledge of textiles, geographic elements, architectural finishes, landscapes, etc.

With games now requiring more photo-realistic finishes these days the role of the Texture Artist is increasing in importance. In line with this trend, some of the work of the Texture Artist involves scanning photographs and then applying them to objects and environments created by the 3D Modelers.

Custom textures are created for fantasy environments, objects and creatures but they are always rooted in reality. Covering gaming worlds in a variety of surfaces prevents boredom and enhances gameplay.

Gaming Texture Artists work closely with modelers and shading/lighting technical directors to create the best possible elements for the game universe.

Texture Artists in live action film and 3D animation features create textures for the elements of the productions that require complex texturing. In live action productions this will be more photo-realistic as it must integrate seemlessly with the footage, and sometimes replicate surfaces that exist in real life.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the gaming Texture Artist is to recreate realistic or fantastical textures or surfaces to characters or objects. They specialize in all surface qualities of 3D computer models such as skins, flesh, textiles, armor, fur, hair, scales, metallic finishes, nails, claws, membranes, etc. This requires a broad knowledge of the skeletal framework and rigging that suspends and operates the models as the texturing must work as a layer on top of moving parts.

Textures are created from scratch or from real world references using scans which are imported and fashioned into graphics elements. With gaming graphics becoming ever more sophisticated the Texture Artist must deliver increasingly real and dynamic results.

The role of the Texture Artist in live action and animation is to create textures for 3D modeling throughout the production. Realism is the goal in live action sequences, while animation projects require consistency of visual style.

The responsibilities of a Texture Artist can include:

Liaising with designers and developers regarding the design brief
Liaising with the director, cinematographer, design department on the finishes of the texturing
Researching reference materials for aesthetics and genre of game, film or animation
Working with post production and visual effects teams for seamless integration with footage
Develop and refine textures during the production process
Collaborate with animators and modelers on the best textures for each object and character
Create a diverse and compelling range of textures that will engage the player and enhance gameplay
UV mapping
Maintain a high level of design and photorealism throughout
Curate a consistent look of all the elements of the game

Texture Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for Texture Artist:

Python
C++
Unreal Engine

Skills Required:

Any Texture Artist worth their salt will be constantly on the lookout for textures in the real world to bring into their work. They need to have a keen eye for detail as everything that surrounds them could be a reference point for a surface or character skin.

Employers may look for the following skills in a texture artist:

Training in computer graphics, 3D animation or graphic design
Experience in texturing 3D models, knowledge of modeling rigs
Ability to consistently draw inspiration from real world references
Knowledge of video game genres and latest trends in gaming
Solid understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition depth of field, proportion, lighting, spatial awareness, etc
Knowledge of the video game development pipeline
Strong illustration, digital painting and conceptual skills
File organization and time management skills
Team player and ability to work independently
Desire to learn new technologies and design techniques
Fundamental understanding of anatomy and zoology
Familiarity with geographical and botanical elements, architectural finishes, textile movement, skin and hair behavior, metallic sheens, etc

Average Salary:

The average salary for a texture artist ranges between £34,187 and £69,829.

Asset Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 01:20:15 GMT

Asset Artist Job Description

Asset artists create a broad range of elements within a video game. These include graphics, 3D models, sound effects, music, vehicles, head-up displays (HUDs), icons, etc.

Asset artists will maintain and catalogue a detailed library of all assets required of a game for animators and developers to access during production. Video games utilize a vast array of audio and visual components to engage the player. The more complex gameplay is, the more gamers will be engrossed by the stimuli of the game.

Because of the variety of skills required to create or acquire the volume of elements required for a video game asset artists need to be skilled in both audio and visual design.

Role and Responsibilities

The Asset Artist role is a generalist one requiring knowledge of both visual and audio elements that go into making a game. They can be required to produce all manner of elements so a knowledge of mechanics, historical artefacts, weaponry, botanical elements, furniture, clothing, metallic and organic finishes, etc.

A big part of their role is to maintain and categorise asset libraries. These are a vital part of the production pipeline as there could be hundreds of assets that need to be created for use at any point in the game. When the compositor comes to complete the final render of the game all assets must be properly ordered and formatted for a smooth finish to the game.

The responsibilities of a Asset Artist can include:

Liaising with designers and animators regarding the brief and scope of work
Assisting in the creation of visual and audio assets
Researching references and resources required for the production of assets
Designing and developing from concept art to final product
Creating organic and hard surface models
Cataloguing and curating asset libraries
Some sound design or mixing duties
Integrating visuals with sound
Developing prototypes of assets for testing
Producing high and low poly models, keyframe animation and motion graphics
Adding special effects
Working with motion capture
Texturing 3D rigs
Producing UVW mapping
Collaborating with creative and technical teams
Maintaining production documentation

Asset Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for Asset Artist:

Asset artists will work with 3D animation, compositing and programming software. Knowledge of some of the following platforms may be required:

Maya
ZBrush
Mari
3D Studio Max
Mudbox
Substance Painter
Adobe Photoshop, After Effects
Nuke
Python
C++
Unreal Engine

Skills Required:

A good knowledge of the history of objects and excellent drawing abilities are valuable skills for an asset artist. They must have a passion for rendering everyday objects into 3D models.

Employers may look for the following skills in an asset artist:

Training in computer science, game art or computer graphics
Skills in working systematically and keeping to a schedule
Ability to interpret abstract ideas into stylized or photorealistic assets
Love of video games, knowledge of game genres and trends in gaming
Understanding of multi-pass rendering and 3D scene layout
Knowledge of plate and image based lighting
Solid understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, shade, composition depth of field, proportion, spatial awareness, etc
Strong illustration, digital painting and conceptual skills
File organization and time management skills
Ability to work in a team and independently
Desire to learn new technologies and design techniques

Average Salary:

The average salary for a clean up artist ranges between £32,775 and £60,453.

Environment Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:21:27 GMT

Environment Artist Job Description

3D Environment Artists are 3D Modelers who specialize in creating indoor and outdoor settings for films or video games.

They are responsible for background visuals with which characters and objects will interact, such as buildings, roads, flora, furniture, drapes, etc.

For films or TV shows, environments are often built digitally when it is not possible or practical to film in real life (e.g. outer space, historical recreations, fantasy lands). Actors may be recorded against a green screen and their surroundings replaced by computer-generated environments built by 3D Environment Artists.

In video games, these virtual environments have an additional layer of complexity. They must function and react according to the laws of physics and within the rules of the game universe. So characters must not be able to walk through walls, objects must react to gravity, etc (unless these are unique features of the game universe).

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Environment Artist is to create the backgrounds, layouts and environments within a film or game. They use computer software to design and sculpt the 3D backdrop in which characters, vehicles, weapons, objects, etc operate and interact.

A Video Game Environment Artist works closely with Level Designers and Animators to design within the framework of the action of each sequence or level, and ensure all the assets required for gameplay are present. They must also consider the technical aspects of animation lag, glitches and incomplete objects when working on the resolution and complexity of the environment.

The responsibilities of a Environment Artist can include:

Modeling and texturing elements
Liaising with the Art Director and Lead Artist regarding the layout and style of environments within the film or game
Working from storyboards and concept art to develop environments
Researching references and resources for creation of backdrops
Creating prototypes and mock-ups in the early stages of production

Additional responsibilities specific to video game environments:

Working with the enhancement of the player experience in mind
Collaborating with designers and programmers to implement the features of a game
Mapping out scenery elements and props that help drive the story of the game
Understanding and working within the limits of the game engine so that it doesn’t impede the game experience
Advising on design of landscapes in relation to game levels

Environment Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for 3D Character Artist:

Environmental Artists work exclusively with computer programs. They work with various reference materials such as photography, geographical and political maps, architectural drawings, botanical elements, road structure, city planning layouts, etc. Some of the 3D modeling software use in the industry:

Maya
Zbrush
3D Studio Max
Mudbox
Unity
Unreal Engine

Skills Required:

An Environment Artist must have a keen eye for landscape, cityscapes, town planning and geography as these skills will be used to create virtual worlds within a film or game.

Game artists must also have the technical skills to understand whether a game engine can support low resolution images in distant backgrounds and the limits of high resolution images in the foreground. Employers may look for the following skills in an Environment Artist:

Familiarity with the VFX pipeline or the game development pipeline (depending on chosen field)
Strong knowledge of geography, architecture and the laws of physics
Training and hands-on experience in 3D modeling and sculpting
High-level drawing skills
Familiarity with 3D animation
Skilled in recreating photorealistic landscapes
Solid understanding of visual language - texture, color, dimension, scale, perspective, lighting, shade, composition depth of field, proportion, etc
Good communication skills, ability to work with creative and technical departments
Self-motivated, able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Excellent technical know-how
Receptive to constructive criticism, and delivering changes as directed

Specific to video games:

Ability to imagine expansive worlds that characters and objects can interact and move around in
Passion for playing video games, knowledge of various game genres, up to date with trends in gaming

Average Salary:

The average salary for a clean up artist ranges between £35,068 and £69,922.

3D Character Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 22:30:13 GMT

3D Character Artist Job Description

3D Character Artists create 3D models of characters for films and video games. Models are often based on original concept art.

Their tasks can also include creating storyboards, scenery, as well as adding shading and texture to visuals. The Character Artists work closely with creative and technical teams to drive the visual quality of the game and to maintain a consistent character style. In the competitive gaming market players now expect high standard graphics, it is up to the character artist to deliver on the overall artistic quality of the game.

Character Artists for computer games draw up the visual elements of as briefed by the Art Director and Lead Character Artist. They create illustrations of characters, vehicles, environment, weapons, props, etc from the original concept artist’s sketches.

Character Artists in film create the 3D characters, creatures or objects that are integrated into live-action. Their work primarily takes place during the post-production process, but sketches and concept art will be developed from pre-production stages as part of the film or series’ production design.

Role and Responsibilities

Character Artists transform 2D illustrations into 3D models with a skeletal framework, functioning limbs and finished texture.

The responsibilities of a 3D Character Artist can include:

Liaising with art director and lead character artist on the style, scope and polish of work
Liaising with the director, cinematographer, design department to fit the characters into the live-action sequences
Researching reference materials for aesthetics and genre of game, film or animation
Working with post-production and visual effects teams for seamless integration with footage
Conducting an exhaustive revision process fleshing out concept art to final approved artwork
Creating 3D versions of all artwork, including rigging, working out points of movement of axes, adding skin and texture
Working to production schedules
Maintaining production documents
Curating asset libraries
Taking into account budget constraints
Assisting in problem solving, suggesting best practices and seeking out new software, technologies and resources that will aid effective workflows
Creating prototypes from which final animations will be based
Working with animators to deliver effective models that move and perform believably

3D Character Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for 3D Character Artist:

Character Artists work exclusively with computer software:

Maya
3D Studio Max
Mudbox
Zbrush
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator
Substance Painter
Houdini

Skills Required:

The skills required for a 3D Character Artist include a high level of design ability and a strong understanding of the film or game production pipeline. 3D Character artists require these skills:

Experience in digital sculpting, modeling, UV mapping, texturing
Excellent understanding of shading, lighting, structure, texturing and silhouette
Vision to take simple 2D sketch to fully realized 3D model
Skilled in hard-surface modeling
Understanding of mesh topology and edge loops
High level of artistic skills, strong sense of design
Knowledge of anatomy - proportions, muscle and skeletal structures
Understanding of form, shape language and color
Ability to work from reference materials such as photography or concept art
Good time management skills, ability to meet deadlines
Strong technical skills, knowledge of industry-standard software
Good communication skills, ability to work with multiple departments on all their needs and constraints
Specific to Video Game Character Artists: passion for playing video games, knowledge of various game genres and trends

Average Salary:

The average salary for a clean up artist ranges between £40,042and £70,277.

Clean Up Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 22:10:54 GMT

Clean Up Artist Job Description

Clean up Artists refine sketches that are roughly drawn (roughs) at the concept stage to a polished line drawing. They trace over the key drawings (keys) in solid lines, paying close attention to retain the essence of the original sketch. When working on characters they create a model sheet which demonstrates how to draw a character from many angles. .

Trained illustrators often make good Clean up Artists as accuracy and precision is required. A familiarity with animation is useful as a number of animators with varying styles may work on the same character, and it is up to the Clean up Artist to maintain consistency of character throughout production.

Role and Responsibilities

The Clean up Artist role is an important one in the 2D animation process. They turn rough sketches into articulated line drawings, giving full definition and style to the original concept art.

Clean ups are usually drawn on individual sheets of paper, with the artist rolling the pages back and forth to create a smooth sequence of action. The finished animation is then copied onto cels or transferred to computer for post production polishing.

The responsibilities of a Clean Up Artist can include:

Collaborating with animators and designers to create key images as reference points for the entire animation
Working on briefings from animators regarding the visual language of the project
Creating line drawings out of concept art, remaining true to the style
Defining the image of the character from multiple angles, giving it a three-dimensional iteration
Drawing up key images from defining scenes or sequences
Producing animation charts for animators to work from
Ensuring a consistent visual style is maintained throughout the animation
Articulating character poses, moods, action and motion
Expressing character attitude through visual cues, body language and expression
Animating to the voice track
Making the character work within the layout or background of a scene, observing the laws of physics, scale and perspective
Ensuring the drawings are kept simple
Maintaining timing charts
Arcing the movement of a character through a sequence

Clean Up Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for Clean Up Artist:

Pencils, pens, paper, erasers
Animator’s disk, desktop which allows page to be turned around
Light box for tracing
Toon Boom Harmony software

Skills Required:

The basic skills for 2D animation are required for a Clean Up Artist. They must animate to shape and not lines, their job is to sculpt a character to bring it to life. Employers would require some of these from a clean up artist:

Experience in 2D animation
Excellent drawing and visual skills
Basic knowledge of anatomy, human and animal movement, skeletal framework
Skilled at creating texture, cloth behavior, fur, hair and skin articulation
Adept at interpreting a concept into a clear image
Ability to articulate character mass, movement within space, and reaction to gravity
Mindset of an animator, keeping the entire scene in mind with each drawing
Cinematic eye, understanding of perspective, framing, camera angles, lighting, shading, depth of field and scale
Ability to express character performance
Organizational skills, creating a system to work to
Good communication skills

Average Salary:

The average salary for a clean up artist ranges from £33,094 for entry level to £66,560for senior level.

Layout Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 21:32:37 GMT

Layout Artist Job Description

A layout artist designs the shot frame, camera paths and angles, depth, perspective, scale, and lighting for an animated sequence. They act as the eye of the cinematographer and gaffer in animation, working with directors to translate storyboards into sequences of action.

In an animated environment, the point of view of the audience is replicated by a virtual camera which is imagined by the layout artist. They frame out establishing shots, action, blocking, and character expression through the traditional screen language of close up, mid shot and wide shot to tell the story in the most compelling way.

Role and Responsibilities

The layout artist works in collaboration with the director to establish the camera angle, lighting and point of view of each shot of an animated sequence. They are the stylistic and technical eye of the entire shot, as well as choreographers of character action.

Layout artist teams interpret storyboards and animatics to their final iterations. They determine the position of characters within frame according to the dialogue and action of the script.

The responsibilities of a Layout Artist can include:

Liaising with director regarding the execution of the script
Working from the storyboard to set up layout of animation
Drawing initial line work for backgrounds
Researching the genre, reference shots and style of project
Creating backgrounds that support the narrative of the story
Providing various rough versions of scenes (akin to live-action takes) giving directors and editors options during the editing process
Lighting each key scene
Setting the camera path of a scene
Defining the perspective of the scene
Ensuring continuity between shots
Experimenting with camera angles to arrive at the best shots

Layout Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for Layout Artist:

Layout Artists primarily work with animation and film editing software such as:

Renderman
Avid
Final Cut
Adobe After Effects, Photoshop
Blackmagic Fusion
Maya
3D Studio Max
Nuke
Mental Ray
TVPaint
Blender

Skills Required:

Layout Artists need to know how to translate the storyboard or animatic for the final animation. They must have a sense of scale and ability to realize background, characters and objects that work in proportion with each other to create a believable world.

Often these worlds will have a history, an economic framework and a specific narrative of their own.The Layout Artist needs to express these idiosyncrasies through what is included and communicated visually in the scene.

Advanced visual skills of scale, proportion, point of view, perspective, size, color, form, composition and depth of field
Editing skills
Knowledge of the basics of animation
Skill working with virtual cameras
Basic understanding of anatomy
Training in computer animation, fine art or film direction
Understanding of filmmaking techniques such as cinematography, lighting, acting, blocking, choreography, etc
Skill in expressing light and shade within a drawing
Familiarity with film and animation genres
Experience in photography an advantage
High level artistic or graphic design skills
Advanced knowledge of environments and landscapes
Good communication skills
Awareness of the history of animation and/or filmmaking
Ability to problem solve

Average Salary:

The average salary for a layout artist ranges from £33,094 for entry level to £56,560for senior level.

Storyboard Artist

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 20:33:18 GMT

Storyboard Artist Job Description

A storyboard artist is a visual storyteller who converts scripts from written storyline to their visual expression.

Their work is used as reference points by key departments on a production. They specialize in clear visual interpretation as the storyboard is when the story first begins to come to life.

This is a vital role as it must convey the spirit of the story through gesture, emotion, movement, and logical progression of action.

Role and Responsibilities

The storyboard artist must be able to interpret the vision of the director, as the rest of the crew and production will use the storyboard as a guide for the production process. This is a crucial part of the pre-production process as it is the first time that the script is visualized.

The responsibilities of a Storyboard Artist can include:

Liaising with writers, animators and directors regarding the look, style and level of detail required for the storyboard of each production
Reading and interpreting scripts
Breaking down the script with the director to identify key scenes and plan them visually
Sequencing the scenes from a script into storyboard format using panels of images
Including special effects in the storyboard frames
Identifying lighting requirements and articulating circles of tension within each scene
Including key dialogue or scene directions within each frame
Briefing animators on key scenes within the storyboard
Amending storyboard scenes during the course of production

Storyboard Artist Software and Tools:

The software required for Previs Animators:

Storyboard artists may work with a combination of pen and paper and computer software such as:

Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Toon Boom Harmony

Skills Required:

Storyboard artists work closely with the director to give graphic representation to their vision of the script. They need strong visual storytelling skills to bring a script to life for the first time. A storyboard artist should have the following skills:

Ability to collaborate effectively with concept artists, writers, directors, clients, etc to visualize the story
Training in animation
Presentation skills
Fluency in visual storytelling
Knowledge of various styles and genres
Talent for sketching
Photography skills may be beneficial
Understanding of the principles of animation
Knowledge of the principles of storytelling, ie: the Hero’s Journey
Ability to interpret the ideas of others into detailed drawings
Analytical skills
Strong layout and design skills
Ability to work quickly and react to last-minute changes
Adaptability in working with different directors who will demand varying degrees of complexity from storyboards
Skills in both hand drawing and computer drawing
Solid knowledge of camera angles and cinematography techniques
Editing skills

Average Salary:

The average salary for a storyboard artist ranges from £24,718 for entry level to £40,251 for senior level.

Previsualization (Previs) Animator

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 20:15:12 GMT

Previs Animator Job Description

A Previs Animator (or Previs Artist) creates 3D animatics, which are rough versions of scenes used as a draft of an animation to test the action. Different drafts may be created in this previsualization process.

Animation, compositing and editing skills are all required of a Previs Animator. They are expected to turn around drafts quickly, working from storyboards to assist in the direction of the scene. A previs is used to plan out shots, determine scale, define shot types, work out lighting and camera angles.

A Previs Animator or Artist may work on feature films, short films, advertisements, video games, cartoons, or television series. They work closely with the director and cinematographer to plan out the scenes at a conceptual stage.

Role and Responsibilities

The previsualisation of animation sequences is a tool for the director and designers to plan out the specifics of shots such as point of view, camera angles and composition. They reflect the director’s vision by bringing the storyboard to life, allowing for any important changes to be made. They act as virtual rehearsals of scenes.

The responsibilities of a Previs Animator can include:

Liaising with directors and animators regarding the look and style of the sequences to be previsualized
Researching the sequences and assembling references for the previs sequence
Translating storyboards into animated sequences
Deconstructing and planning out sequences
Depicting staging, blocking, camera motion and character performance
Producing previs quickly and efficiently
Creating previs using media such as photos, illustrations, storyboards, visual references etc
Generating previs for complex special effects sequences
Editing and compositing scenes
Ensuring consistency in style and look
Adhering to pipeline protocols
Testing previs assets and rigs
Working to schedule and curating animation assets
Integrating sound elements to visuals in sequence
Rendering final animations of previs
Working with motion capture references

Previs Animator Software and Tools:

The software required for Previs Animators:

They may be required to use mixed media to create so they must be able to integrate various formats to produce the finished product. They must have a working knowledge of some or all of the following:

Maya
3D Studio Max
Java
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere
Final Cut
Nuke
MotionBuilder

Skills Required:

The work of a Previs Artist will never be seen by film audiences or video game players. Yet their output is vital to the final product. In some cases sequences will be intricately previsualised, matching shot-for-shot in the finalized scene.

The art of previsualisation is only about ten years old and has become a standard stage in the pre-production process. A previs animator should have the following skills:

Basic video editing and compositing skills
Experience with rendering
General animation skills - modeling, rigging, shading, etc
Ability to work to the director’s vision
Ability to turn around work quickly and in response to amendments
Understanding of animation process
Fundamental knowledge of film language and genre
Visual storytelling skills
Solid knowledge of cinematography principles - framing, camera angles, composition, cinematic lighting, perspective
Ability to operate within a team as well as work independently
Problem solving skills
Good communication skills
Comfortable working under pressure and to tight deadlines
Artistic eye for detail, high level visual communication skills

Average Salary:

The average salary for a character rigger ranges from £40,787 for entry level to £80,8358 for senior level.

Creature Animator

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 19:33:06 GMT

Creature Animator Job Description

A Creature Animator is a specialist in creature creation. They animate real life creatures as well as imaginary or fantasy creatures for films, TV shows and video games. They specialize in the movements of animals, reptiles, insects, birds, etc recreating them in a virtual environment.

When developing fantasy characters they may draw on the traits of humans or animals, and may even integrate both to bring these original beings to life.

Role and Responsibilities

Creature Animators create animations of non-human characters. These could be from the natural world such as animals, reptiles, bugs, dinosaurs, etc, or they could be fantasy, myth or alien creatures. While these creatures are not human they may sometimes need to be imbued with human traits, in these cases the Creature Animator must be able to give ‘personality’ to imagined beings while rendering their non-human physical characteristics.

When animating animals, reptiles, etc the Creature Animator must be familiar with their movements, expressions and poses to make them believable and relatable.

The responsibilities of a Creature Animator can include:

Working from brief from the Lead Animator regarding the characters to be animated
Researching styles, genre and specifics of the project
Creating 3D animations from sketches provided by designers
Working from storyboards to create sequences
Developing the look and feel of creature movements
Ensuring creature consistency
Reviewing and maintaining animation standards
Revising sketches and animatics as per feedback from Lead Animators
Animating creature mood, emotion, facial expressions, movement and behavior
Producing animatics of scenes and sequences, providing options of creature movement and behavior
Working to a tight schedule and delivering amendments to deadline
Collaborating on and creating improved workflows and procedures
Integrating creatures into animated scenes and background environments
Animating to dialogue/voice track
Syncing animation to dialogue, sound effects, sound track, foley, etc
Brainstorming with colleagues regarding the best creative solutions for the production
Applying motion capture to animation

Creature Animator Software and Tools:

The software required for Creature Animators:

Creature Animators work exclusively with computer software. Some studios work with their own customized software, so animators must be fast learners. They must have a working knowledge of some or all of the following:

Maya
3D Studio Max
LightWave
Flash Professional
MotionBuilder
Unreal Engine
Substance Designer/Painter

Skills Required:

Creature Animators have a special affinity for giving personality, idiosyncratic movement and a psychology to animated characters. A Character rigger should have the following skills:

Artistic talent, with an affinity for drawing character
Training in the basics of visual language - perspective, point of view, proportion, color, composition, framing, etc
Visual storytelling skills
Creative problem solving skills
Knowledge of acting styles and techniques
Solid understanding of anatomy
Understanding of movement of limbs, the effect of weight, and the behavior of skin, fur, feathers, scales, flesh
Ability to recreate animal and human movements
Ability to work well within a team as well as independently
Ability to take direction and deliver amendments within deadline
Training in animation, character/creature drawing and fine art
Familiarity with rigging, modeling and texturing
Experience with task management and scheduling
Some knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies
Awareness of interactivity and user experience principles
Working knowledge of the laws of physics - gravity, acceleration and the laws of energy

Average Salary:

The average salary for a character rigger ranges from £40,078 for entry level to £80,8470 for senior level.

Character Animator

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 19:33:05 GMT

Character Animator Job Description

A Character Animator is a specialist in character creation. They breathe life into characters, by giving moving images the illusion of thought, emotion and personality. This is created through gesture, facial expression and reaction, with animators sometimes using motion capture to replicate human movement.

Character Animators can work on films, TV shows and video games, and require a strong understanding of acting and directing in order to create believable, empathetic characters.

The gaming industry is employing the use of complex characters to connect with gamers and produce a more heightened experience. As the sophistication and demand for 3D animation increases so does the demand for good Character Animators.

Role and Responsibilities

Character Animators are specialist animators who work solely on character creation and development. Their role is to produce believable, engaging and relatable animations, they breathe personality into images and bring them to life.

There is a special talent required to become a Character Animator. They possess an ability to give ‘humanity’ to an animated character through expression, pose, body language, etc to evoke empathy in the audience/player.

The responsibilities of a Character Animator can include:

Working from a brief from the Lead Animator regarding the characters to be animated
Researching styles, genre and specifics of the project
Creating 3D animations from sketches provided by designers
Working from storyboards to create sequences
Developing look and feel of character movements
Ensuring character consistency
Reviewing and maintaining animation standards
Revising sketches and animatics as per feedback from Lead Animators
Animating character mood, emotion, facial expressions, movement and behavior
Producing animatics of scenes and sequences, providing options of character movement and behavior
Working to a tight schedule and delivering amendments to deadline
Collaborating and creating improved workflows and procedures
Integrating characters into animated scenes and background environments
Animating to dialogue track
Syncing animation to dialogue, sound effects, soundtrack, foley, etc
Brainstorming with colleagues on the best creative solutions for the production
Applying motion capture to animation

Character Animator Software and Tools:

The software required for Character Animators:

Character Animators work exclusively with computer software. Some film and game studios work with their own customized software, so animators must be fast learners.

They may need to have a working knowledge of some or all of the following tools:

Maya
3D Studio Max
LightWave
Flash Professional
MotionBuilder
Unreal Engine
Substance Designer/Painter

Skills Required:

Character Animators have a special affinity for giving personality, idiosyncratic movement and a psychology to animated characters. These can be human, animal, mechanical (Cars), robots, insects etc. A Character rigger should have the following skills:

Artistic talent, with an affinity for drawing character
Trained in the basics of visual language - perspective, point of view, proportion, color, composition, framing, etc
Visual storyteller
Creative problem solving skills
Knowledge of acting styles and techniques
Solid understanding of anatomy
Understanding of movement of limbs, the effect of weight, and the behavior of skin and flesh
Ability to recreate animal and human movements
Adept at working well within a team as well as independently
Able to take direction and deliver amendments within deadline
Training in animation, character drawing and fine art
Familiarity with rigging, modeling and texturing
Experience with task management and scheduling
Some knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies
Awareness of interactivity and user experience principles
Working knowledge of the laws of physics - gravity, acceleration and the laws of energy

Average Salary:

The average salary for a character rigger ranges from £43,428 for entry level to £75,720 for senior level.

Character Rigger

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 19:33:03 GMT

Character Rigger Job Description

A character rigger designs the skeletal frameworks and control rigs of animated characters, defining how they move within a frame of action. They create believable movement that abides by the laws of anatomy, physics and real-world experiences in a virtual environment.Character Riggers can work in film, TV and video games.

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Character Rigger is to express the motion of animated characters, they ensure that all character movements and expressions operate within anatomical reality. Their task is to build a skeleton which will operate a character and bring it to life.

Although fictional, animated characters are often required to move according to the laws of physics and be anatomically correct. The Character Rigger focuses on making characters as life-like as possible.

The responsibilities of a Character Rigger can include:

Liaising with concept artists and animators about the physical attributes and movements of characters
Drawing character sketches showing key movements
Articulating characters within environments, layouts and backgrounds
Creating joints and moving points to rotate and pivot
Designing, testing and maintaining character set ups
Ensuring character movements are fluid, free of glitches and believable
Writing MEL scripts to customize software to specific animation requirements
Working with animators to create user-friendly characters
Establishing logical system of file creation for use within the course of production
Developing tools and plug-ins to optimize animation
Facial target modeling
Following established character setup procedures
Identifying issues and following through with enquiries
Testing rigs and ensuring they hold up in animation

Character Rigger Software and Tools:

The software required for Character Riggers:

Character Riggers will primarily work within a computer environment. They may require knowledge of the following programs:

UNIX operating system
MEL
Maya
Motion Builder
3D Studio Max
XSI
C++
Java
Perl

Skills Required:

Character Riggers work in animation, video games, advertising, film and television, web design and any project that requires specialized design services. A Character rigger should have the following skills:

Solid knowledge of human and animal anatomy
Familiarity with mechanics and movement of active forms
Understanding of movement of limbs, the effect of weight, and the behavior of skin and flesh
Ability to express character and emotion through motion
Training in animation and/or character design
Working knowledge of the laws of physics - Newton’s laws, gravity, acceleration and the laws of energy
Strong skills in rigging tools and scripting languages
Ability to articulate emotion through character facial and physical expression
Ability to create character gait, walk and body language
Good communication skills
Ability to take direction
Adapting to and delivering changes to briefs
Highly organized, ability to work methodically

Average Salary:

The average salary for a character rigger ranges from £43,428 for entry level to £75,720 for senior level.

3D Animator

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 16:20:20 GMT

3D Animator Job Description

A 3D Animator interprets concept art into its three-dimensional realization and creates moving images using digital models via CGI software. They may be asked to create animation and special effects for film, television, video games, advertisements, websites, etc.

The first step in the animation process is storyboarding, that is, visualizing the story Here, each scene is sketched out and the action is mapped over a sequence of panels. This serves as a guide for the production process.

The characters and backgrounds are then modeled in three-dimensional forms using virtual rigs which are then textured to produce an outer layer.

Their movements and trajectories are then inputted into the software as mathematical equations which are then rendered via a graphics processing unit which outputs the final animation.

Role and Responsibilities

Animation is the creation of a virtual world in which everything must be visualized and created from pure imagination. The 3D Animator brings an imagined universe and the characters that inhabit it to life. Everything within frame has scope, weight and meaning. Animators need to be able to visualize new worlds into being.

The responsibilities of 3D Animators can include:

Liaising with animators and concept artists regarding the requirements of the project
Working from concept art to create characters, objects, layouts, backgrounds, etc
Researching visual style, genre and technologies to produce each individual project
Sketching storyboards based on the script
Identifying key scenes and sequences
Transforming storyboards into animated sequences
Recreating real world environments and layouts
Creating illustrations, scanning and photo retouching
Animating characters, creatures, props, vehicles, weapons, objects, etc
Developing animation composites
Calculating and enter algorithms for final renders
Amending artwork as per instruction from designers and developers
Working with programmers on software and design issues
Adapting to software upgrades and stay up to date with new technologies
Managing files, asset libraries and update procedures documentation
Working to a tight schedule
Integrating sound, sync dialogue and add sound effects to visuals
Collaborating with compositors to deliver all assets required for final render
Applying motion capture to animation

3D Animation Software and Tools:

The software required for 3D Animators:

The software used for 3D animation is highly specialized. The more platforms you are trained in, the more valuable you will be to an employer.

Maya
3D Studio Max
Java
Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Flash
MotionBuilder
Mudbox
Premier
Cinema 4D
LightWave

Skills Required:

The role of the 3D Animator requires strong technical knowledge along with a highly creative sensibility. Rendering 3D animation sequences involves complex mathematical calculations, a career in 3D animation necessitates both left and right brain sensibilities. A 3D animator's skills would include:

Strong artistic skills
Ability to visualize 3D iterations of two dimensional sketches and artwork
Good instinct for timing, movement, editing cuts
Training in animation, computer graphics, graphic design or fine art
Experience in 3D modeling
Understanding of acting techniques, cinematography, interactive storytelling and graphic art
Understanding of movement of limbs, the effect of weight, and the behavior of skin and flesh
Talent for visual storytelling
Knowledge of film and animation genres, and ability to create within their styles
Advanced concept of visual language - perspective, point of view, proportion, color, composition, framing, etc
Basic knowledge of anatomy, how humans and animals move
High level knowledge of lighting, shadows and textures
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines
Basic understanding of aesthetics of visual communication
Knowledge of character rigging
Working knowledge of the laws of physics - gravity, acceleration and the laws of energy

Average Salary:

The average salary for a 3D Animator ranges from £33,538 for entry level to £58,130 for senior level.

2D Animator

1xdigi1@gmail.com (Dave Bos) — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 13:42:32 GMT

2D Animator Job Description

A 2D Animator creates movement in a two-dimensional space for film, TV, websites, video games and advertisements using either traditional methods or computer software.

Animations can vary in length from a 5-second brand logo, to a feature film, to a long-running television series.

On longer projects, animators will work in teams working with various roles such as Storyboard Artists, Clean Up Artists, and Character Artists.

Role and Responsibilities

A 2D Animator works through a three-stage process (pre-production, production and post-production) to create a sequence.

During the pre-production stage they write the story, design characters, create a storyboard, choose a design style, and prepare the backgrounds on which the action will occur. The voice-overs are then recorded by actors based on the dialogue in the script.

In the production stage, the animators pull together all the elements to start animating the scenes. This includes initially animating rough sketches and then refining them to line drawings; layering the scenes against the backgrounds; matching the character visuals to the recorded dialogue; and compositing to final render.

At the post-production stage Animators will do a final visual clean up, mix sound effects and music, integrating visual effects, and render all the elements together to create the finished work.

The responsibilities of 2D Animators can include:

Liaising with writers, directors, clients regarding the style, method and execution of the animation to be produced
Developing storyboards based on the script
Preparing presentations of rough sketches for clients
Creating models, drawings and illustrations
Designing frames and characters
Choosing color palettes, style and general look of animation
Establishing artwork for the backgrounds and layouts
Setting up exposure sheets, divided into actions and timing, dialogues and music, animation layers, backgrounds, view perspective
Drawing rough sketches and animate
Illustrating key frames and producing inbetweening
Inking
Coloring
Clean ups
Integrating images, characters, etc into background graphics
Syncing visuals with audio and voiceover tracks
Preparing all animation elements for compositing, including delivering in set formats
Enhancing animation with special effects at post-production stage

2D Animation Software and Tools:

The software required for 2D Animators:

Toon Boom Harmony
Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Freehand, After Effects

Skills Required:

Employers may look for the following skills in 2D Animators:

Training in 2D animation, both cel and computer graphics
Ability to visualize abstract concepts
Experience with storyboarding, clean ups and layout design
Drawing ability, artistic mindset
Visual storytelling
Ability to draw in a variety of styles and genres
Strong interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills
Knowledge of current techniques and trends in animation
Ability to work under pressure and deliver on deadline
Good communication skills
Familiarity with a range of animation software and techniques
Problem solving skills
Ability to work to a schedule and plan workflows to meet deadline

Average Salary:

The average salary for a 2D Animator ranges between £42,608 and £73,851 with an average being £59,748 a year.