Description

Video games are now more popular than ever before, partly because of the increase in the use of cell phones in the last decade, as well as new games for mobile phones are launched nearly every day. Video game designers are in charge of planning and creating these games with vast programming expertise and constructing virtual worlds where players are challenged yet still enjoy themselves. They need to be able to convey coherent stories, produce stunning images, and present it in ways that keep gamers returning for more.

The design element of gaming is complicated for video game artists. They need to be able to draw paintings that are conceptual art create architectural drawings, design icons that are vector-based and bitmap-based, and much more. They typically collaborate in teams to create their ideas in a collaborative manner and it is crucial that everyone in the team communicates effectively to ensure that projects run smoothly. They also collaborate with writers to ensure that the game's visual and artwork is consistent with the script and they need to be able to make words come alive by combining programming and art.

Video game designers typically develop their talents in the technical or art college that covers everything from color theory to designing user interfaces. They then can make a portfolio of their work to be used by prospective employers in the near future. They often find jobs based on the quality and variety of their portfolios. certain positions require a bachelor's degree, while other positions require qualifications.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Video Game Artist with 0-3 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Creating concept art and character designs, bringing ideas to life through sketches and digital illustrations. Translating ideas into visual representations through concept art and character designs.
  • Developing 2D and 3D assets, including models, textures, and animations for in-game environments and characters. Generating visually appealing 2D and 3D assets, such as models and textures, to enhance the gaming experience.
  • Collaborating with the game development team, including designers and programmers, to implement and refine the visual aspects of the game. Working closely with designers and programmers to integrate and refine the visual elements of the game.
  • Iterating and revising artwork based on feedback from the team, ensuring the final product aligns with the game's vision and objectives.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Video Game Artist job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D modeling tools to create visually appealing and immersive game assets.
  • Strong artistic skills with a deep understanding of color theory, composition, and visual storytelling to create compelling and engaging game environments, characters, and animations.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, effectively communicate ideas, and take feedback to iterate on designs and meet project requirements.
  • Knowledge of current trends and techniques in game art, including understanding of different art styles and the ability to adapt and create art assets that align with the overall game aesthetics.

Essential Skills For Video Game Artist

1

Animation

2

Game Engine

3

Unreal Engine

4

Game Designing

5

3D Game Development

Skills That Affect Video Game Artist Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Adobe Illustrator

1%

Adobe Photoshop

5%

Career Prospects

For a Video Game Artist job role with 0-3 years of work experience in the United Kingdom, here are following alternative roles to consider:

  • 3D Modeler: A position involving the creation and manipulation of 3D character models, environments, and assets for video game production.
  • Concept Artist: A role focused on creating visual concepts and sketches to define the artistic direction and style of video game characters, environments, and objects.
  • Texture Artist: A position specializing in applying textures and surface details to 3D models, bringing them to life with color, patterns, and realistic materials.
  • UI/UX Designer: A role dedicated to designing the user interface and user experience elements of video games, creating intuitive and visually pleasing menus, controls, and interactive elements.

How to Learn

The job role of a Video Game Artist in the United Kingdom is expected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the demand for video games has soared, leading to an increased need for skilled artists in the industry. With advancements in technology and the popularity of gaming, this trend is projected to continue. The future looks promising for aspiring video game artists, as numerous employment opportunities are expected to open up in the coming years. These projections are based on data from various sources, including the analysis of market trends and the growing global gaming industry.