For those who work in a team, a humble request for advice.

[Roodogg]

Hi everybody...

 

I wanted to put this in the jobs forum but it seems to be down...

 

Just after some advice on what I could produce next in order to get the best chance of landing a job in a studio as a 3D artist. My goal is to work within a team, and to get in the credits for some BIG STUFF. It seems like a surreal dream at the moment, rather than a realistic goal!

 

Specifically, what I am after is a critique on what I already have, and what I should be doing differently, or more of. I have been working in hospitality for the last ten years and obviously with antisocial hours, find it very difficult to have the time to a) get inspiration and b) complete a stunning portfolio! This is not an excuse, rather a declaration of my concern about using what little time I have to create viable works to show a prospective employer. Note, I am not interested, particularly, in working freelance. I really wish to work within a team so I can learn and also share my own skills, and work on large projects.

 

I consider my modelling skills to be pretty darn good, I think I am actually developing a style too. I completed a 3D content-creation course in 2008 and I've just bought a beastly new machine. (So I want to get the most out of it!).

 

I have a small number of images on my profile, and a few more at the following link.

http://s1110.photobucket.com/albums/h442/roodogg84/?albumview=slideshow

 

So, as I said, a general critique on what I have and what, as employers, you would expect an individual to present you with in an application.

 

I would even appreciate feedback essentially saying that my work is sub-standard and the industry is already saturated with young talent. Fair enough, I'd say, (though I'd be a little miffed).

 

Thankyou very much for reading and I look forward to hearing what you think.

[Arnold Sher]

Hi Peter,

 

Firstly, do not be so hard on yourself as your work is very decent!! If you were based locally we would definitely have a look at you as i think what you really need is some guidance in developing an artistic flair rather than producing a technically sound 3d as you seemed not to have any problems doing that. What i would suggest is having a look at some books on photography and asking yourself questions such as "why does this image appeal to me and this one does not?". Anyway, what i am trying to say "Luck favors the brave!!!" I think you have a great potential and just do not let anyone tell you that you are not cut out for this! Good luck and keep us updated!!

[Ernest Burden III]

Your work is actually quite good. There are many common mistakes people make that I see you already doing right. With the interiors you have several images with coherent themes that are well played in the image.

 

But on the big screen room--that art has to change. The TV image provides the direction out of the room, which is normally not good, but it says 'get led into this other world' which IS the point of the space. But then there's that painting which competes with another perspective grid leading out. Replace it with an abstract, modernist low-contrast piece and you're good.

 

Maybe you need another architectural exterior or two, but I would say you are ready to apply to studios if that's what you want to do. Or go for freelance commissions. One can always improve but that's no reason to wait to reach for your goals.

[Roodogg]

Arnold.

 

Thanks very much for your help and encouragement! Your images are cool. Yes, I have concentrated on the technical side of things for a while and am fairly happy with my ability to produce models. I need to concentrate on the artistic side of things a little more and demonstrate this in a portfolio. The thing I am struggling with at the moment is inspiration. I find working solo quite difficult and quite simply do not know what to create images of! Funnily enough, I was always very good at sketching at school, but never knew what I wanted to sketch!

 

I have recently purchased some books, mainly on architecture and architectural photography... The only thing I can do is produce some more images and hopefully impress them upon someone who has a job opening!

 

Next time I'm in South Africa, I'll drop in for a brew!

 

Thanks again.

[Roodogg]

Ernest. I totally agree about the big-screen room... I always knew there was something wrong with it (aside from the chunky books) and you have nailed it!

 

I do need some exteriors. I think I'm going to pitch for some freelance work again. Build my portfolio further as I want to get a similar style going throughout.

 

Thanks for the input.

[heni30]

Hi Peter,

 

Here are some examples of what we are talking about:

 

The solitary woman is kind of errie -being alone and especially being in the foreground. You can use entourage to bounce the center of interest around. Looking at magazines and seeing what architectural photographers do is a valuable resource.

[heni30]

As far as working on something big goes there are architectural models out there that are free or that you can buy. A highrise - a mid height complex. You can change materials - use your own lighting - create whatever entourage - make it your own. Ernest Burden mentioned that he uses freelance modelers. You're getting paid for your artistic vision; for how unique and impactful and image you can create. So you can skip the busy work and get to the aesthetic part of the process.

 

This is a free one. This is rendered right out of the box with no lights 5 minutes after I unzipped the file. Send me a PM if you would like the zip file.

 

 

Here is another example:

 

In this one, most everything is white and then there is this dark gray diamond in the foreground this called so much visual attention to itself that it disrupts the continuity of the image which otherwise works well.

 

The image with the child gets disrupted also by the his awkwardness (facial expression a little strange, arm stiffly vertical, legs seem out of balance). Also the blankets on the couch are place awkwardly. Everything in a rendering should be checked for fluidity and continuity and it's something that you pick up with experience. One danger of being on a team is that you might get stuck doing what your strength is - something that you're already good at and you might not be able to practice doing things that will strengthen your weaknesses - like say, people or entourage. You'll be seeing it around you but the only way you pick it up is by doing it.

 

 

Edited July 22, 2012 by heni30

[Roodogg]

Amazing George. This is exactly what I was after in terms of feedback!

 

I have recently purchased a few books on architectural photography and have already learned a lot! ... With people, I have very limited resources and so shall try to make them suit images better. I think my technical ability to texture and light is good enough for now. My focus should be on creating a 'flow' as you say, in my images, and to work on some larger and exterior scenes!

 

Again, thanks a lot.