CHARACTER ARTIST
Missions, activities, skills, training
CHARACTER Artist - Job Description
What is a Character Artist?
A Character Artist creates and models 3D characters based on a 2D model, adhering to the aesthetic and narrative requirements of a project.
Through their work on textures and details, they enhance the immersive experience for players and viewers.
Role and Responsibilities of a Character Artist in the video game and 3D animation industry
- Understanding and adhering to the artistic and narrative direction of the project
- Translating artistic concepts into visually compelling photo-realistic or stylized characters
- Sculpting/modeling, texturing 3D characters
- Optimizing models and textures to ensure optimal performance
- Adapting to different artistic styles (cartoon, realistic, etc.) or video game styles and optimization systems
- Participating in artistic reviews and proposing creative ideas and solutions
- Making requested adjustments
- Keeping up-to-date with technological and artistic advancements
Skills
The necessary skills to be a Character Artist in the video game and 3D animation industry include:
- Knowledge of anatomy, movement, proportions, muscles, and skeletal structure
- Ability to work with visual references such as photographs or conceptual drawings
- Strong skills in low-poly and high-poly modeling and texturing
- Experience in digital sculpting
- Excellent understanding of shading, lighting, structure, texturing, and silhouette
- Solid understanding of UV mapping and texture mapping
- Understanding of rigging and skinning
- Model optimization skills to ensure optimal real-time performance (in video game productions)
Required qualities
In addition to technical skills, certain qualities are also necessary to excel in the profession:
- Passion for video games and animation
- Creativity and artistic sense
- Analysis and research skills
- Excellent observation skills and attention to detail
- Respect for deadlines and time management
- Adaptability
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to receive feedback on work
- Willingness to stay informed about new trends, emerging techniques, and technological advancements in the field of Character Art
Software Used by Character Artists
Character Artists use a combination of specialized software to create and bring their characters to life.
The use of software may vary depending on studios, the preferences of the Character Artist, and the project.
- 3D modeling software: Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Blender
- 3D sculpting software: ZBrush, Mudbox
- Texturing and mapping software: Substance Painter, Mari, Photoshop
- Rigging and animation software: Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Blender
- Material and shader creation software: Substance Designer, ShaderFX
- Real-time visualization software: Unreal Engine, Unity
- Retopology software: TopoGun, 3D-Coat
- Rendering software: Arnold, V-Ray, KeyShot
How to Become a Character Artist?
To become a Character Artist in the video game and 3D animation industry, here are the general steps to follow:
- Nurture your artistic talent by practicing drawing, painting, and sculpture. Take an interest in the basics of human anatomy, composition, and color.
- Confirm your career choice by, for example, attending a summer workshop on Character Design.
- Enroll in a specialized program in Video Game and 3D Animation. Acquire the necessary skills and develop your soft skills.
- Enhance your employability by completing several internships during your education and gaining professional experience.
- Participate in collaborative cross-curricular projects to gain practical production experience and knowledge of the industry.
- Keep your portfolio up to date.
- Stay up to date with technological and artistic advancements.
- Expand your network and create professional opportunities for yourself.
What is the best school for becoming a Character Artist?
ISART has over 20 years of expertise in the fields of 3D animation, FX, and video games:
- Europe’s top video game school (source: 2023 GAMEducation)
- Ranked among the world’s best schools: Top 2 The Rookies, Top 2 Figaro.fr, Top 3 Étudiant.fr
- 92% graduate employment rate
- 21 years of experience
- 2,200 alumni across 3 continents: America, Asia, Europe
An expert pedagogical team
The teaching team consists of experienced industry professionals with recognized pedagogical qualities.
They use their expertise to help students develop their potential.
Students receive regular support to ensure their academic progress and personal and professional development.
Professional training
ISART offers high-quality education tailored to the pace of apprenticeship.
Classes alternate between theoretical instruction at the school and practical work in production studios.
The school maintains close relationships with the film, animation, and video game industries. This results in internship and apprenticeship opportunities and meetings with industry professionals.
Today, more than 500 partners trust ISART’s students.
Cutting-edge equipment
With its facilities (green screen room/modeling workshop/game lab) and equipment (cameras, software, rendering farm, dev kit switch & PS5, VR kit) available to students, ISART Digital provides a conducive learning environment for practice and experimentation.
What post-high school diploma programs are available to become a Character Artist?
ISART offers two programs that prepare students for the Character Artist profession:
3D/FX Cinema Program on the Paris and Montreal campuses
This program focuses on:
- The challenges of cinematic productions
- Developing creativity, critical thinking, and artistic culture
- The stages of creating a 3D film (script, visual development, storyboard, animation, lighting, materials and textures, etc.)
- Visual effects in real images
- The challenges of organizing a shoot
- Game Art Program on the Paris, Nice, and Montreal campuses
Game Art Program on the Paris, Nice et Montreal campuses
This program focuses on:
- The challenges of video game production in terms of artistry and aesthetics
- Developing creativity, critical thinking, and artistic culture
- Mastering the visual development stages of a video game (developing a graphic charter, character and environmental design, modeling, integration, lighting, shaders, etc.)
- Teamwork to understand the issues faced by other professions in the video game industry
- Developing project management, management, and communication skills
What degree?
ISART awards a master”s degree “Expert in Digital Design, 3D Animation, and Special Effects,” subject to the results obtained.
Outlook
Career progression
After years of professional experience, a Character Artist can progress to positions such as:
- Lead Character Artist
- Technical Artist
- Concept Artist
- Cinematics Artist
Which companies are hiring Character Artists?
Several companies are hiring Character Artists:
- Video game studios
- Animation studios
- Post-production studios
- Advertising agencies
- Virtual or augmented reality experience creation studios
Employment opportunities
Employment opportunities for Character Artists exist both in France and abroad. Here is an overview of opportunities in each domain:
France :
In France, the video game and 3D animation industry is growing, thus offering opportunities for Character Artists. France is home to world-renowned studios such as Ubisoft, Dontnod, Quantic Dream, Ankama, Illumination Mac Guff, Buf, Superprod, Fortiche Production, and others.
There are also opportunities in advertising agencies and post-production studios to work on advertising projects, cinematics, and special effects.
Abroad :
Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan are renowned for their video game and/or 3D animation industry. Major hubs include Los Angeles, Vancouver, London, and Tokyo.
Other related careers you might be interested in
The 3D Modeler creates and sculpts digital three-dimensional models, creatures, objects, characters, and/or environments for the video game and 3D/FX animation sectors in particular.
