Getting a 3D job without going to school?

Introduction to Maya - Modeling Fundamentals Vol 1

This course will look at the fundamentals of modeling in Maya with an emphasis on creating good topology. We'll look at what makes a good model in Maya and why objects are modeled in the way they are.

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# 1 27-11-2007 , 03:40 PM

Registered User
Join Date: May 2007

Location: California

Posts: 115

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?

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# 2 27-11-2007 , 03:41 PM

Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2005

Location: Boston, MA

Posts: 2,314

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

Environment Artist @ Plastic Piranha
www.joopson.com

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# 3 27-11-2007 , 04:06 PM

Senior Software Developer
Join Date: Jan 2005

Location: Livingston, Scotland

Posts: 1,701

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.

Chris (formerly R@nSiD)
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When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will truely know peace - Jimmy Hendrix

Winner SM VFX Challenge 1

3rd Place SM SteamPunk Challenge (May 2007)

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# 4 27-11-2007 , 04:07 PM

The Maya Mountain
Join Date: Aug 2002

Location: Seattle, WA

Posts: 8,245

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

-Mike
The Maya Toolbelt

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# 5 27-11-2007 , 04:30 PM

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Join Date: Oct 2007

Location: San Francisco

Posts: 131

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.

EA Games

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# 6 27-11-2007 , 10:01 PM

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Join Date: Aug 2006

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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! user added image

C. P. U. Its not a big processor... Its a series of pipes!

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# 7 27-11-2007 , 11:02 PM

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Join Date: Feb 2007

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I wouldn't really say worthless user added image

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# 8 27-11-2007 , 11:30 PM

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Join Date: May 2007

Location: California

Posts: 115

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?

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# 9 27-11-2007 , 11:30 PM

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Join Date: Oct 2007

Location: San Francisco

Posts: 131

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

EA Games

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# 10 27-11-2007 , 11:35 PM

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Join Date: Oct 2007

Location: San Francisco

Posts: 131

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!

EA Games

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# 11 27-11-2007 , 11:46 PM

The Maya Mountain
Join Date: Aug 2002

Location: Seattle, WA

Posts: 8,245

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.

-Mike
The Maya Toolbelt

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# 12 28-11-2007 , 12:04 AM

Lead Modeler - Framestore
Join Date: Feb 2003

Location: UK

Posts: 6,287

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

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# 13 28-11-2007 , 03:07 AM

Jr.Who

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

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# 14 28-11-2007 , 09:23 AM

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Join Date: Dec 2005

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Posts: 3,708

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! user added image