"Do you think there would ever be a possibility of obtaining a job on artistic skill alone?  Is there even a section for people like me who only design charactors and plot lines etc, but don't want to go to school forever just so they will even LOOK at my work.  Also, do you know of any companies now that aren't so degree-biased?"

Submitted by: Andy Bliss

Answered by: Don Hazeltine (art director, Sierra On-Line)

"Yes, it is certainly possible to get a job on artistic skills alone in the computer game industry, but a lot will depend on the Art Director's assessment of those skills, and your willingness to learn basic computer skills. You have a far better chance of finding a position if you have some familiarity with computers. No matter how the art in a game is originally created, it all winds up in the digital world of the computer, and some knowledge of programs like Photoshop or Fractal Painter is a tremendous asset to the artist, and makes the artist a greater asset to the company. As with any job, the more you know, the more valuable you are as an employee. Also, the more understanding you have about the way games are created, the more freedom you'll have creatively, because you'll understand the powers (and the limitations) of the technology going in.

"A good Art Director will look at your skill level first. He or she probably won't care whether you have an art degree. I myself don't have one. What I presented at my job interview was a sheet of slides of my paintings and my sketchbook. The sketchbook was my most valuable asset, because it showed the Art Director I could visualize an idea, work it through and develop it. He could see that I had basic visual communication skills. From this he knew he could give me his concept and I could then develop it further. My computer knowledge was very limited, but most companies will give you the chance to learn as you go, and most computer paint programs are actually fairly easy to get into. Then the computer becomes another one of your art tools, and therefore, another of your assets. And now you're more valuable to the company, and they'll pay you more money.

"Also very important is your attitude regarding your work, yourself and others. If you feel your work is so personal to you that you don't want anyone to change it, then you should keep that as your personal work. The work you do at the game company will almost always be changed in some way, or it may be rejected entirely. It's important to remember that it's not a personal matter. The Producer, Game Designer, and the Art Director are all there to determine what's best for the game, and if something you've done doesn't fit, they'll direct you to change it in some way or take another approach. If you don't agree with them, you can always state your case, but remember that the final decision is always based on the needs of the game, not the needs of any particular person. This is always the attitude of real professional artists. It may be hard to let go of what you think is a cool idea, but you'll always have more ideas, and some will be perfect for the game, and those ideas will be used.

"You may have the opportunity to design characters or help out with plot lines. The Art Director may ask you to come up with some characters, or he may have a rough idea of his own he'll expect you to develop. The plot line is usually the responsibility of the Game Designer, but on many teams the whole team will add ideas in what are called brainstorming sessions. And there, too, some ideas will be rejected or changed. The important thing is to contribute your thoughts and then let them go. The game comes first!

"It is important to know this: the people who own the company don't really understand art or artists, and more importantly, you shouldn't expect them to. What they see is how well you can work with others on the team and how well you know and perform your job in relation to what they're paying you. They hear about you from the Art Director and the Producer. If you have a professional attitude, treat others fairly, and learn everything you can about making great game art, then you'll have a lot of fun, make a nice living, and eventually you'll see the game you worked on on a store shelf somewhere. Part of you will be in that game.

"Good luck!"

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