For beginner artists entering the world of CG
Houdini Procedural Scene - ZeTiiCannotStop
Starting your first job in the CG industry can be overwhelming for beginner artists. You'll be a part of exciting projects in film, TV, and video games, but there are many things to learn and adjust to. This checklist provides tips and advice for landing your dream job in the CG industry, so you can feel confident and prepared.
01. Onboarding process
Starting a fresh job in the CG industry can be overwhelming, but most studios have an onboarding process and training to help you get up to speed. You may have a dedicated trainer, a lead, a "mentor", or a "buddy" from your team to answer any questions you may have. Use this opportunity to get to know your team and make the most out of your onboarding experience.
02. Pipeline, tools and workflow
Keep in mind that different studios use different software and pipelines, and some even have their proprietary tools. Take your time to get familiar with the software, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you need help.
Many studios use Linux, and it's fun to learn it!
Additionally, make sure you understand the company's software scene scale and rendering workflow. Keep in mind that frame rates can vary depending on whether you are working on film, TV, or video games.
03. Time management: learn to prioritize tasks
In the fast-paced world of CG, we're often faced with tight deadlines. It's important to check the job priority with the production team and make plans accordingly. Creating a memo or a to-do list can help you stay on track.
04. Communication: don't be afraid to ask questions and flag issues
As a junior artist, you may encounter technical and workflow-related questions and issues that are common in the industry. Don't worry if you face such challenges, asking for help from your team members, leads, and supervisors is perfectly fine. Trying to figure things out on your own for days is not efficient, and it's important to keep others in the loop. Speaking up and flagging any issues you encounter shows that you are proactive and committed to delivering high-quality work.
When you are not sure, don't hesitate to ask specific questions about references, expectations, and deadlines to ensure that you're doing well. Clear communication with your team is key to achieving success in any project.
Getting feedback on your work can be incredibly beneficial. It allows you to identify areas where you can improve and grow as an artist. So don't be afraid to share your work with your team and seek their input. Remember, feedback is not a criticism but an opportunity for growth and improvement.
05. Take initiative: be proactive and contribute.
To become a valuable team member, don't depend on others to guide your work. Instead, take the initiative to seek out opportunities to contribute. If you find yourself with free time, don't wait for the next task to come to you - ask for more work or ways to help. You can also spend time reading company wikis and developing new skills to improve yourself.
06. Dailies: presenting process
When it comes to dailies, asking about the process and expectations is always a good idea. Here are some things to consider.
Should you present rough work-in-progress (WIP) versions or more polished ones?
Is there a preferred format for presenting your work, such as screenshots, playblasts, or rendered versions?
Can you apply colour correction to your renders for a better presentation, and if so, how much is allowed?
Is there a departmental dailies process, or do all departments present their work together?
Should you show your work to leads or supervisors first before submitting it to the playlist?
Is there a preferred way to present your work, such as explaining it yourself or having your supervisors do it for you?
07. Render farm usage
Before submitting jobs, optimize them for faster processing.
For non-final renders, you may want to consider lower resolutions and sampling quality to speed up processing.
Always check with the team before changing the job priority.
Respect company policies and avoid wasting resources (e.g., don't assign jobs that only need 16GB of memory to machines with 120GB of RAM).
If a job is urgent, flag it and request higher priority.
08. Overtime: log the hours
When junior artists work longer hours to complete tasks without logging them and getting approval from production, it's known as ghost hours. Although it's understandable to want to make a good impression, it's not a good practice.
Here's why:
It can harm the show schedule and crew planning: If you work 10 hours per day without informing others, production and management may assume that the current schedule and resources are enough, which can create issues for the project.
It's unhealthy for you: Imagine if production asked you to work a few extra hours to push things through, but you've already been working longer than expected. You might not have the energy or time to do so.
It's not fair to work without getting paid for your overtime, and it's also not legal.
Therefore, it's crucial to avoid working ghost hours and record all hours accurately.
09. Company learning resources
To enhance your skills as an artist, take advantage of the learning resources available through your company, such as internal documents, project wikis, presentations, and talks. These resources can be more valuable than some online tutorials. Additionally, use external learning materials or guest speakers that your studio may provide to develop your skills further.
10. Stay connected, especially when working from home
When starting a new job as a junior artist and working from home, it's beneficial to stay connected with your team members. It's normal to feel a bit isolated, so take advantage of virtual channels and feel free to reach out for help or ask questions. Developing connections with your colleagues can boost your engagement and motivation in your work.
11. Take breaks
Maintaining your physical and mental health is key to success in CG. To keep yourself feeling your best, make sure to take breaks and step away from the computer, especially when working from home. And when it comes to crunch time, don't hesitate to reach out for support and report any issues. By prioritizing your well-being, you'll be able to tackle any challenge that comes your way
12. Read the contract and be aware of company policies
Many artists overlook the details of their employment contract before signing it, which may seem unusual but is quite common. It's crucial to read the contract before signing it and to be aware of the company's policies.
Different employment types, such as freelance, contract, and permanent/staff, can significantly impact benefits, job changes, tax payments, and visa/immigration status. Moreover, keep in mind that some companies may have longer probationary periods than others.
In-depth reading: 4 VFX Contract Types Explained: Contract, Freelance and More (2min)
13. NDA and social media
Sharing project details, whether on social media or in private, can have severe consequences for artists and their companies due to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). There are many stories of artists losing their jobs or facing lawsuits due to leaks. In fact, I have personally met artists who were sued by their companies for this reason.
Remember that NDAs cover past projects too, so it's crucial never to share current or past project details or internal information, even if it seems harmless.
As a junior artist, it's natural to want to share your experiences working on exciting projects with your friends and followers on social media. However, it's important to be mindful of what you post. Revealing internal information or technical setups could raise concerns among studios and potentially harm your career.
If you got invited to share your work experience in an interview, presentation, or talk, it's an opportunity to showcase your skills and expertise. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, consider confirming with your studio beforehand for approval. Every studio has its unique policies and guidelines, and some even have a dedicated PR person or team. Depending on the topic and content, certain studios may be particularly strict in their guidelines, make sure to double-check with your studio to avoid any potential breaches of NDA guidelines.