Getting a 3D job without going to school?
 

Is it possible? If you have a good portfolio/demo reel will it matter if you went to a college? I tought myself Maya and everything so if my work is good would a company hire me even though i havnt went to college?

as Mike McKinley says, "if you have a kick-butt portfolio and say sorry no degree, they will still give you the job"


so yeah. just be good, and you have nothing to worry about

I have to disagree. I have spoken to Rockstar North and they told me without a degree they would not employ you, regardless of how good your work is.

if that's true they're the only studio in the biz that does that

Yeah, I know plenty of animators that work at pixar that don't have a degree. If you're good at what you do, you get hired.

You don't need a degree to get a job as a 3D person???

You just need to be real good???

WOW! That changes my world considerably...

I knew those bits of paper were worthless!:D

I wouldn't really say worthless ;)

Thanks guys for the input, also another question, how good is the salary of a 3D artist/animator? enough to make a decent living or just enough to get by?

Well, I'll tell you this. It makes a bit of difference when you start out on your paycheck. That's for sure.

Entry level Animator: 40-60K a year. Also Depending on your experience and knowledge.

Lead Animator: 50-70K a year.

Senior Animator: 70-80K a year.

Animation Director: 6 figures!

This is EA ballpark figures. Every Studio has their own breakdown. Remember, if you love your job the money doesn't matter. It will always follow!

it's very relative to where you get work. My first entry level position was under $30k a year. I'm senior now and not making the kind of money you quote there. But I'm not in california or at EA either.

And I *do* have a degree.

Yeah a good portfolio and the right attitude will get you where you want to go.

Keep an open mind too with what you want to earn as well, dont expect megabucks as soon as you get in the door.

I just got a job as a character modeller at a vfx house (though I have 4years exp) I didnt need an interview, they saw my stuff, gave me a test to do over 3 days, I got the job. Ive been here a month and have built and textured 10 hi res characters already!!

Its freakin awsome....


Good luck
Jay

As in a lot of careers, you don't need one, but it definitely helps and prepares you if you have one.

that's good to know - i only have a fine art ma and don't intend to get a 3d degree as i don't really have the money.

congrats on the new job jay! :beer:

Yeah, California has a higher cost of living. It all balances out and comes out the same. Mortgage here is murder!