My future job??

Killguru

Im a secondary student at the moment. I was wondering about jobs in the line of art.

Computer game designer, architect (presuming this recessions over before i start), concept design for movies/games, graphic design ... or just artist!

Im wondering about salary and qualifications. I know they all need 3rd level.

Could anyone who is in these jobs give me some insight on the pay and how you got there?

Nody

Good luck, you're going to need it.

Oakbark

While Nody's post is harsh, it's very true that the areas you wish to get involved in are either recession-victims (architecture) or very niche (computer games artist).

While I'm no expert on art, I'm assuming from your aspirations that you would like to work in any job that allows you to be visually creative.

Off the top of my head, maybe an area like marketing or advertising or web design would be of interest to you. The areas are less niche than the ones you had in mind (not saying you shouldn't follow your dream jobs, but maybe to start off you need to be more realistic).

Good luck, and don't worry, at least the brunt of the recession will be over by the time you come out the other side of college!

experiMental

Killguru wrote: »

Computer game designer, architect (presuming this recessions over before i start), concept design for movies/games, graphic design ... or just artist!

Im wondering about salary and qualifications. I know they all need 3rd level.

Since you've mentioned computer game designer and concept design for movies and games, I'd advice you to do your research on those areas and consider them. As far as these areas are concerned, Ireland seems to be a good spot for outsourcing these activities from USA or Britain. Visit www.cgtalk.com for inspiration and see what kind of software and techniques are graphic artists using. Graphic artists are sourced from all over the world for these activities.

However, I'd advice you to get some sort of part time work in the near future or the longer term. The thing is, there is never a guarantee that you will get a full-time paid job in your chosen area, and you will have to support your activities financially. To get into these areas, firstly you will have to submit your work to galleries, get good reviews and positive feedbacks, then pitch your creations to various businesses and game development companies. Only then will your full time career will take off.

What I would advice you to do is to get some sort of entrepeneurship/business training course while you are in secondary school which is geared for your age group, you will gain a lot from it. You will learn how to pitch better and generate ideas about your work. Try to ask your school career guidance teacher about these courses, or any art/design competitions that might be available. If you're not into competitions, try to improve your skill on your own.

As far as game design goes, my mate dropped out of college, applied to a small games studio as a tester, then got work in a larger studio, and after several years of testing, he's gradually becoming a designer. His way worked pretty well.

/////
On another note, Architecture is a totally different ball game. It is not about visual creativity nowadays. It is about developing sustainable communities (i.e knowledge of human psychology, community work might help), structural engineering, project management, law and thinking differently about things. The later bit is crucial if you're going to be successful. If you like figuring out how to design buildings that can fold into flat sheets, then you'll be flying Architecture is a very sientific and methodical area, no matter how much you're told that its an artform.

/// btw, I study product design in DIT, and I know about these areas as I've tried to enter them before, but couldn't be bothered

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

To take this off in another direcrtion (general art as opposed to games) you're probably looking at self employment or fine artist.

With self employment, you can go down a number of different routes depending on what interests you: portraits, murals, fashion/costume, illustration...

What you WILL need, no matter what route you take, is a good portfolio. Sketches and concept designs as well as finished pieces. Also, be prepared to sell yourself.

Hope that helps,

P.

Nolanger

Art teacher for the Leaving Cert.

nyarlothothep

Computer animation is apparently a booming industry, just not in Ireland. You need to be good to break into it, you may have an advantage already if you have a natural talent for art as some grads don't have this. More than likely you will have to start at the bottom and put up with a few years of struggle before you get your career rolling, but its worth it if you're into it.