sir your " you don't need to be famous on social media " is a blessing to extreme anti social people like us ❤

This might help someone that is on the look. But my journey has been quite interesting here on our 3D world. I was always focusing my portfolio on very cartoony/stylized 3d character to get into studios like Pixar, Disney, etc. I was working in Brazil on a studio for almost 3 years, building my folio and a good professional network. And as J said, I started applying to places in general in Europe, in the end I joined LEGO Group, which if you think about it isn´t animation industry anymore, but hey it is a massive company, very good life in Denmark, amazing benefits and I get an insane work-life balance. So yeah, never stop looking and close doors even if they aren´t the ones you started looking initially from day one. Stay patience, if you do this every day and every week, at some point you are going to end up in a nice place guys!

I landed my first job as a 3D artist around 18 months ago so I thought I'd share my journey and offer some advice. The first thing I would say is that your'e never to old to pivot career. I was working in construction until the age of 26 before deciding I wanted to become a 3D artist. This wasn't an easy decision as I knew nothing about 3D and the idea of leaving a good salary job to start again was a scary one. I was lucky enough to have the support of my parents who let me move back in with them whilst I worked full time on a portfolio - something I hated doing but knew I needed to do in order to focus fully on learning 3D and getting a portfolio together as quick as I could. It took me around 18 months to learm Maya, zbrush, and substance painter and get my portfolio to a place where I was ready to start looking for jobs. This was a pretty greuling 18 months, 12 hour days and minimal social life but this is what it took and if you learn to love the process - which I did (although extremely furstrating at times) you will get there. But you need to fully commit and envision yourself one day finally landing that first job - and truly believe that it will happen. However it took me close to a year of constantly applying for jobs afte this, before getting my first interview. I found a list of all the game studios in the UK and I emailed every single one of them. It will be difficult to land a job through the usual job sites like linkedin/indeed as there are thousands of applicants, so I'd advise emailing companies, even if they are not hiring, as well as attending industry events to get face to face with employers. I felt like giving up after a year of applications and was close to pivoting again into a more reliable career, but I stuck at it. You will get there if you truly want it enough. Anyway, hope that helps anyone who is struggling with their first break at the moment.

Im forgetting who I heard this from, but someone once told me to make "art" and not just "game art" for my folio. That really opened my eyes and it lines up perfectly with what J is saying about being true to our interests and all that stuff. Great vid!

this is what i’m actually looking into. I’m studying in college and i’m still improving art because i want to be a character designer for video games. This is perfect for what i want to do

I applied three times to a freelancer studio, they never answered. Then a friend got a job in that studio thanks to another friend who knew the boss, they needed people to make stylized assets, told them about me, got an interview with the boss and he said that my style was exactly what they were looking for, I got hired immediately. I wonder if it's worth it to even spend months or years sending resumes. They don't give a shit, they don't even look at them, it feels like most studios hire people who know people working for them. Don't even send them the whole portfolios, only chose a few pieces that match the kind of stuff they do and join them to the email. If the studio is known for making stylized art, send them stylized characters and assets. If they make realistic military shooters, show them that. Match the style of the studio you're aiming for. And if you want to become a character artist, focus on ANATOMY based on photos and real people. I see a lot of aspiring artists who can't even sculpt a face correctly or have bad proportions.

This is actually the first advice that helped me understand on how to get started in the industry and how to build a good portfolio. Usually I‘m overwhelmed by all the great artwork and the competition out there. Thinking I have to be able to create all kinds of things and work way faster than I am. So makes a lot of sense to focus on the work you want to be hired for and have diversity in your own limits. Being persistent and patient not just with the studios but also with yourself helps a lot!

I was working at Deck Nine Games as a junior animator, but I was laid off on May 19. I am searching for jobs again. I would like to get into film/animation. The most amazing thing I experienced was working at Pixar as an intern in Summer 2019.

What has stuck with me the most is what they told you, "do more of this." I was given that advice on a specific image, and on my previous instagram people would heart that image alot. I do like the explanation of doing production big projects and in between small projects that are not production. That can serve as a reminder to fall back into doing work for yoy, but also showing the original ideas one has as an individual. Also changing one's thinking about thumbnails as marketing, your art as a product, and yourself as a business of one is another big take away for me. Not just having an artistic mind but also a business mind is important to get work. Businesses don't wait to have the perfect product, or be famous to start selling to their target clients.

Even thought I am trying to be a environment artist this video did gave me some insights I should look into and I am very grateful for it J hill, big fan sir 🤩🤩🤩

you dont need a perfect porfolio. shows a perfect porfolio

Hey man, you killed it! When I was in the Air Force for radar systems, our best instructors were the people who still were passionate about the material. I feel that’s why so many people gravitate towards the channel, you give a fun look into this world of character art that is pretty fresh and exciting. We can tell from the amount of care and prep time that goes into each video. Plus your member portfolio critiques are all extremely helpful and don’t pull punches which is what someone needs to get better. Every video like this of yours I feel like I’m getting a paid product for free lol, one of the reasons I’m a channel member because it’s such great content. Keep it up J.

What i gleaned from the first one, is that you make a portfolio with different things. They want to be able to see and pick specific types of art they like and want you to expand on it.

Thanks J, really needed this video right now, it works as a therapy and obviously helpful in all ways. We're so grateful of your videos!

This is the exact video I need at this time, I'm studying 3D, not applying to jobs yet because I don't feel that I'm good enough, but def once I start to apply, I'll do itevery single day as you said. Thank you J, you are an inifite source of inspiration.

Thank you so much for the transparency and the humble advices. I've seen and heard so many times 'make the absolute perfect portfolio with an entire array of full-sized game res characters including wires, uv shots' etc... While it's good on paper, it would take an individual an eternity to get a base level job to start growing from. Overall, this is the best 'how I got hired' video for me!

Thanks so much for this video J! 😛 I'm an aspiring concept artist and have been lucky enough to have done a few art tests recently for 2 big names but didnt quite make it in this time. Its been a bit hard to keep up the passion I've always had while currently going through my own "waiting period" at the moment looking for opportunities etc, your advice gives me a lot of reassurance thankyou so much 😊💯 Also I couldnt agree more with making sure you're having fun and enjoying the journey because in my sprint to become a professional I put aside the things that excite and inspired me to become an artist in the first place and I've had to take time to spark and rekindle that crucial joy and passion once again 😊👍

You are seriously my favorite person to learn from in this industry. Always inspiring, always well thought and well put. Awesome stuff.

it's all cool until you realize that in your country there is not even an art school that specializes in game art and everything related to 3d graphics.

I 100% agree about having fun, when you're enjoying what you're working, this is when the magic happens, having the passion, seeing the hard work evolving and shaping into something nice, even with duty jobs this has to be the way to go. After some rough time looking for a job, I finally start working in a game studio here from my country, and we are working hard to ship our first title, but this going to be HUGE for me. Currently, I'm trading knowledge with this studio, being humble by give and receive, at the end we both grow up. I also agree and think the patience is the key, for some of us this may be sux for the inpatients, but let's take a day at a time.

The big pillars/small bricks analogy is super helpful, thanks!

Thanks so much for this J. No idea how much this helps. Been trying to get into the games industry for years and never hear back. Hearing your advice helps alot in seeing what I could be doing differently and maybe some projects I should have. So thank you so much !

I'm in the same process about getting the first chance at the video game industry... and to be honest is some time so discouraging getting the "unfortunately bla bla bla" I really would like to get some feedback of my portfolio. But your video really helps. "Play the long game".

Thank you so much for this video, really. I was a bit frustrated about my self-progression and without a nice perspective, but you got straight to the point, it sounded as a therapy to me.

Thank you for this video! Handing in my last exam this week, and I’ve been hesitant to start applying for jobs. Definitely gonna work over the summer and try to build the portfolio a bit, and just test out in general what I wanna focus on more within character art and styles.

Thanks for the video dude! Stuff like this helps with my direction and focus when I feel stuck. Keep rocking it 🤙

Solid advice J - Great videos as always, glad you are still making vids! - I agree, versatility has helped me career wise on my portfolio. Experience is always great to see in the portfolios but being able to show how much further you can stretch your artistic ability also helps others visualize your potential and passion! Thanks for sharing your past work, I know it can be gut wrenching, I know it would be for me lol

Amazing and super clear information, thanks for the great contribution to the community as always J!

This is great advice, thank you so much! ❤ Will be implementing a few of these changes asap

Hey J, thank you for that I was needing some of it, have a wonderfull week, love you man!

Thanks for making this video man, really helpful insights! Keep up the great work✨

Hey man appreciate all your words and wisdom, especially about adding fun exciting side work and how to portray it to professional studios. Thanks again!

I'm so happy I found your channel, I really want to make my portfolio better as a character artist, and I cant wait to watch more of your videos and learn from them!

Thanks a lot J, really needed this!

Been in an animation art school, i have an animation based portfolio and worked fulltime in a studio for some time. But in my free time ? i only do character and creature design bcs its more satisfying and fun, kinda was reticent to apply for this as I think it wouldn't fit studios needs, but you got me more confident to present more of the things i really enjoy🙏

You are pure inspiration to me J! Your videos are packed full of golden information and they are all so helpful! Thank you as always!

I'd just like to say a huge thanks. I'm 16 years old and really want to ensure i have a head start on creating a portfolio for my self. I've been scared recently about how my future would be as a game designer and this video really motivated me.

I needed this so much, very informative I really appreciate it :D

Jason thanks! Such videos really inspire and help go through foggy times !

Thank you very much for the tips, I really respect you for helping us with these tips😁

Thanks for your insights! I found this really helpful

I didn't know I needed this. Thanks a lot for this video!

Very useful video! im making im trying to get into the game industry and this helps a lot!

love your journey! it's really relatable to me and i think most of us here. 100% agree on "don't forget to have fun" if and when it feels like a chore, it's always good to take a break. Took me 4years of grinding to finally get into the game and film industry. If i can do it, anyone can.

Thanks for the good info!

Thanks man. This is just the advice I needed today

Having fun and being patient are such a great indirect skill to learn. I am trying to work on that :) Great video thank you.

every video you do give me a boost! Thx!! keep on Man!

Fantastic advice! Especially the last sections. Haha your first portfolio was MUCH more cohesive than mine.

This video hasn't taught ME anything new, but it's contained a lot of information I've been told from various other sources. This is a very valuable video for artists I think, thank you for this.

What a video!!! Thanks for all the tips, J.!

Hey, it's so great to see you posting these videos. Keep it up and Thanks!

2:24 Great information bro, this is why I’m doing my own creative art.

So much courage sir and really helpful for us new comers

I see you got a new light, looks good just a bit more dim and it’s perfect! Keep making great content.

Such a helpfull video, thanks mate i appreciate your effort :)

Awesome video. This is really helpful. I'm kinda struggling to narrow down and focus on one thing. I love character modelling and asset modelling equally, AND I both love photorealism and pixel art equally. I can't decide what ones i'd want to ditch. I've never been able to commit just to one thing - I feel like doing a thing and I do that thing. Idk if i'd be happy forcing myself to do one thing in one style

Great to see what u achieved nowadays ... Love it !!!....I think i am in the "be patien" step at the moment got frustrated so many times due to not getting the first job yet but i am still having fun ....so yea again thx for the vids always pleasure to watch J !!

Hello from Paris! Love your artwork and advices.Inspiring 🙏🏻

Thanks J, this video came at the right time.

Thank you very much this was very helpful

Thank you very much for this video, it really helps a lot!!!

great talk! this was really helpful

awesome advice!! Loved watching this video! Very inspiring, keep it up!

Thank you for sharing! I believe the 3D industry will continue to thrive in various fields, not just in gaming. In fact, sectors such as healthcare, technology, the internet, and marketing are now also showing a growing demand for 3D expertise. However, based on my observations, it seems that entry-level artists may not invest enough time in understanding what companies are looking for, which can result in these industries struggling to find suitable candidates.

Oh man, thank you for the tips and advices, I have been struggling to get a job.

Hey, J, thanks a ton for this video. It's insightful to see your journey throughout the time you've been creating and working in the industry. The particulars of how you mention the smaller projects, in between, are interesting. Wouldn't some entities looking for artists count it as a detriment if there are projects in the portfolio that do not have UVs and texture sheets? I definitely hadn't considered doing a "big project > little project > big project" juggle, but I definitely will take that into account now and plan out some things like that. Thanks a ton for sharing this info with us. Definitely value everything you have to share. 🙏

Thanks for the video J!

Always loved your advice, especially this video. I am also very close of finishing my bachelor of design, but also want to go towards a more 3D Art Direction. It feels kinda overwhelming being at the start with so many talented people out there. Nonetheless We just need to keep going, looking for opportunities and have fun. Again, amazing video, keep it up. Much love from Germany💙

This was rly motivating! Thank u

thanks for the advice mate best I've gotten so far as this is so relatable

Your message truly touched me, thanks for this video :)

Thanks for this video, first of all! Second, I just found out you're the responsible for those amazing Back 4 Blood characters, which I LOVE! This video is a has huge boost for us that were seeking for guidance and get all the relevance we wish. Thanks again, you're really inspiring!

I'm only 32 seconds into the video but I paused to write this... Today I went to Instagram, my goal was searching for some art inspirations... But then I ended up feeling intimidated by how insanely good the arts posted there... Kinda made me down because it seems like I can never be as good as them, let alone compete with them... But heyyy... I'll just keep modeling things that I love... It's still better than scrolling through random people's rant on social media... It's okay if no one likes my arts, as long as I like them.

A lot of motivation dose ,, thanks J.

the flipping part tip was cool and fun.

Thank you, i needed these advice

Thanks for making this video! J Hill

maximal helpfull, thank you!

wish i came across you six month ago when you posted! either way i'm grateful that you did

So much great information here, thanks for sharing. PS: The fact that Ostrogoth is still back there warms my heart!

MAN! I gotta go to work, but I just see your first portafolio and I still thinking that even at the begging you are the master . You inspire me so much! My computer was stoled but I do my skins on the train on nomad. I prefer zbrush to start but it’s what I got.. Best regatta bro I will see it later! 😂😂

as someone who just graduated, this video is extremely useful and motivating.. thanks J!

Thanks for sharing your strategy. I believe having great soft skills and making better art than so called industry pros do is winning strategy 😉.

I just bought my tickets to the Lightbox Expo. I will take these tips to heart Hill. Thank you!

This was really good advice, I’m pretty sure it’s sticking in my head and I, hopefully, won’t forget [: Thanks for such a rich in quality video ❤ big hugs!

6:48 it’s a concept and most veteran artists kinda lose their creativity on concept creation bc the studios make them create the same looking concept. Sorry for the many comments but this is a great video J!

awesome vid!

This is such massive help especially when you did a project not too long ago but you don't feel as confident yet to use certain software skills on the job but you just randomly add it to your portfolio. I feel like that doesn't help, including not having too many projects to show and showing up like a unicorn saying you have all these skills meanwhile you're not as strong in all of them. I think the idea of you saying to add bigger pieces to your portfolio of what type of work you desire on the job and adding smaller pieces really simplifies everything

love this ❤ thank you

Thank u so much for this precious info 😍

This video really helped. Thanx

Great video! Thanks.

Thanks for this video. Puts a lot of things into perspective and helps with some questions about what I should be doing. Would you say its a pretty good primer for other types of 3D art as well? ie. environment, props, rigging/Technical Artists, etc.? Thanks again!

This is why I love JHill, defo one of my favourite artists since I started 3D. Thanks for a great video!

Thanks J!

Fantastic Tips Man. Tnx for share. Big fan here

Thanks J! I'm a self learner and sometimes i get frustrated because of the amount of things to learn and the AI stuff, but the truth is that I really enjoy 3d modeling and sculpting and hopefully one day I'll get a job in the industry and become a great artist as you are! Great video and thanks for the tips! 👍

THIS WAS AWESOMENESS MAN thanks !

Thanks, that was inspiring