CG Spectrum is an online animation, visual effects, game design, and 3D visualization school, whose mission is to inspire and prepare industry-ready film, game, and visualization artists. Their online courses are some of the best in the industry for beginners and experienced creatives alike. Check out their website to see all of their offerings.
The below article originally appeared on CG Spectrum’s blog.
Want to get a job in game design? Here are the top 5 tips from industry veteran Simon Warwick, who’s been working in the games industry for more than a decade.
1. Get the latest skills
Learning never stops, and there are always new tools and techniques to pick up. Fast track your way into becoming a valuable employee who is always in demand by staying up to date with game industry news, playing games (woohoo!), taking courses, and growing your skills. Find a game design school where the mentors are active in the industry themselves. That will ensure you’re learning the most up-to-date techniques used by actual studios.
Action Points:
- Follow game industry media and news: Check out Gamasutra.com
- Subscribe to developer newsletters: Sign up for MCV updates
- Play and analyze games from various genres and platform styles: Visit twitch.tv
- Learn new skills from industry professionals: Check out CG Spectrum’s Game Design Course
2. Make things and finish them
There’s nothing holding you back from creating whatever content you want if you’re given enough time. Keep in mind a finished, polished product is considered valuable and rare, so start small and be realistic about the scope of the idea you’re trying to achieve. Use your time wisely by exploring and creating using all the tools available out there.
Action Points:
- Apply for indie projects with royalty payments: Visit Unity’s “Collaboration” forum
- Create your own game design or pitch an idea to friends: Apply for Unreal’s development grants
3. Hunger for personal growth and learning
Get used to always being just outside your comfort zone, where you aren’t quite sure how you’ll be able to accomplish your goal. Practice getting your work critiqued so you can listen and learn from people’s reactions and interpretations. Make an effort to critique other people’s work too, not only will it help them but it also sharpens your skills to identify and describe useful feedback. Also try to keep your ear to the ground for the next new software or industry shifts and don’t be afraid to abandon old ways of thinking.
Action Points:
- Research the latest industry trends: Visit cgchannel.com
- Keep up to date with software forums: Visit Autodesk’s forums
4. Only show your best work
Retiring work from your showreel should be a common practice. It’s better to keep things as concentrated as possible with “wow” factor and let the rest be explained during the interview. Don’t be afraid to add your own personality and interpretation into your showreel. All rules are made to be broken and if there’s something you want to say that’s unique then say it.
Action Points:
- Browse for game design jobs to see what’s in demand: Look for a job at Creativeheads.net
- Apply to game studios that are expanding and hiring
5. Don’t be a jerk
Being able to work well with others is one of the most underrated skills within the games industry yet it takes a lifetime to master. One bad apple in a team can destroy a department’s morale and bring a project to its knees. Take every opportunity you can to meet and greet people at conventions or social situations, even if the conversation goes terribly, it brings perspective, knowledge and experience. Make sure to listen and ask questions when socializing and remember to stay humble and polite. Being the person people enjoy spending time with can get you the recommendation you need without asking for it.
Action Points:
- Attend game development conferences: Plan a trip to the GDC, attend at your local PAX Convention
- Research local social events where developers meet up
