As a former SCAD graduate, I had expected my transition into the professional realm to be smooth, much like a draft. While my animation skills were not extremely high, I figured I would be drafted as a solid 3rd or 4th pick. However, it was only when I entered my senior year that I realized character animation was not my passion. So, I decided to go down the generalist route instead.
After graduation, I struggled to find a job and hopped from one to another until a close friend, who was also an alum, recommended me for a contracted 3D artist position at an engineering company. Those early years as a contracted artist gave me the time I needed to refine my skills and develop my passion for lighting. When I finally became a full-fledged developer for the same engineering company, I realized that I needed to learn and grow more to become the artist I dreamt of being.
It has taken me almost a decade of hard work, but I am now on the verge of a promotion and feel confident that I could take on a junior artist position at another studio. Looking back at where I was after SCAD, I know I was not ready to work at a studio. But now, I have gained the necessary knowledge and skills to get a new job or promotion at my current company.
As a former SCAD graduate, I had expected my transition into the professional realm to be smooth, much like a draft. While my animation skills were not extremely high, I figured I would be drafted as a solid 3rd or 4th pick. However, it was only when I entered my senior year that I realized character animation was not my passion. So, I decided to go down the generalist route instead.
After graduation, I struggled to find a job and hopped from one to another until a close friend, who was also an alum, recommended me for a contracted 3D artist position at an engineering company. Those early years as a contracted artist gave me the time I needed to refine my skills and develop my passion for lighting. When I finally became a full-fledged developer for the same engineering company, I realized that I needed to learn and grow more to become the artist I dreamt of being.
It has taken me almost a decade of hard work, but I am now on the verge of a promotion and feel confident that I could take on a junior artist position at another studio. Looking back at where I was after SCAD, I know I was not ready to work at a studio. But now, I have gained the necessary knowledge and skills to get a new job or promotion at my current company.
Absolutely! The honest truth is 3D is complex. It often takes artists longer than a standard college degree to elevate your skills to that pro level.