Ideal Job Roadmap

You may have noticed if you have read any of my previous blog posts that the works of the company Valve are featured a lot. There is a reason for this, Valve have been a huge part of my gaming life every since I had access to a PC. I enjoy playing their games and have enjoyed using their modding tools, and most of all I admire their overall attitude to the gaming industry.

It only seems fitting that my ideal job role would be at valve, I had a look at their current vacancies and just my luck they had one that fit my current goals, I am aiming to be either a character artist or an environment artist, not entirely sure which one I prefer at the moment but I have another two years of development and learning to decide that.

Lets have a look at the posting.

As far as job descriptions go this one is actually fairly simple, mainly listing technical skills but throwing a few soft ones in there as well such as being able to collaborate with other artists.

The idea of this post is to create a road map showing where I am now, and what I will have to do to get to my dream job. To put it in the simplest form possible this is how I plan to progress to that goal.

Graduate (2 years) > Other jobs (5 years) > Dream Job

Now to break it down a bit more, most of the key skills listed as requirements and duties are taught on this course, how convenient ! Life drawing teaches a good understanding of human anatomy, hard surface modeling is taught in game production as well as the obvious skills of being able to actually model and design a character. Critical studies also helps with “Conceptual thinking” and other soft skills listed there.

What I am trying to say is that the way the course is designed, it gives me the opportunity to develop nearly all the skills listed on the job application, however it is my duty to do so to a sufficient level. So that is why graduating is the first step on my road map.

This is a extremely sought after role and just graduating just won't cut it! The listing is asks for 5 years experience, so that is the next step. Having used my time at university to develop skills and a portfolio I would look for more entry level jobs in a similar role to gain that industry experience that is always needed. All the while developing the wider set of skills hinted at on the “getting your hands dirty” line. This basically means that they want someone versatile who can do more than just whats on the tin. Personal projects that test the boundaries of your knowledge are the perfect way to get ahead in this.

This is a simple yet lengthy plan totalling 7 years. Obviously this particular position will not wait that long and who even knows where the games industry will be at that point. However this dream does give me a sense of direction, and the immediate goal is to concentrate on my studies and go above and beyond what is asked of me for this course.