Just a brief introduction of my background : a recent Ivy League masters of architecture graduate working in a large architectural firm in the US. I am honestly thinking about shifting my career path and am interesting in working as an concept/visual development artist. My masters program very much focused on digital stuff so I won't feel very uncomfortable to work with a new software/ I also have skills in illustration.
The question is, is doing this whole transition worth it? (though my answer is 80% a solid yes because I don't really enjoy my job, and I also have a expectation that film/gaming industries have better paid opportunities - correct me if I am wrong)
I am not sure about how long I need to prepare for this change and I hope if someone could advice if you have gone through the process. Don't really know how to start or make a brand new portfolio. In addition, I can't afford a 2nd masters degree so going back to school is not my option. Please advice. Advices of transferring to other roles also very welcome.
SneakyPete
Jul 1, 22 10:12 pm
"film/gaming industries have better paid opportunities"
You are wrong.
BibPorym
Jul 1, 22 10:45 pm
Please elaborate on your opinion though. Every industry has its own pay range and there are Tier 1 jobs as well as low paid ones. It doesn't sound comparative to the architecture industry if your point is not about a specific role. Details please.
SneakyPete
Jul 1, 22 11:06 pm
From what I understand you'll be competing with many people who have very specific skills as opposed to your generalist set. That in both gaming and film. The hours are brutal. The pay is probably comparable.
prochi4
Jul 2, 22 12:29 am
“Probably”. As if hours in architecture are not brutal
SneakyPete
Jul 2, 22 2:39 am
They can be. But I have found that setting boundaries is possible. My relatives in the film industry and my friends in the gaming industry have not found it to be so.
SneakyPete
Jul 2, 22 2:39 am
I'm not claiming to be right or some sort of expert. I only have the people I know as examples.
BibPorym
Jul 2, 22 7:07 pm
So in terms of hours... I do crazy OT from time to time, but I wouldn't complain too much abt it as long as I get paid reasonably. Sadly it is post-COVID at the moment ... (you get what I mean) It is just a critical moment for me to decide on my future career.
Richard Balkins
Apr 25, 24 12:52 am
SneakyPete, that isn't always true. There are opportunities (albeit limited) in the video game industry to make more money than any architect ever made. Most jobs are probably going to start out at similar levels as in the architecture field. However, progression in pay may be quicker to better pay and reach even a higher peak salaries and lifetime earnings is realistic. However, it isn't always going to be a greener pasture so I'll agree on that point.
However, it is highly competitive. It is often very intense work. So no slouches. It's going to be a lot of work.
l3wis
Jul 2, 22 2:54 pm
Take a look at the Gnomon School
SneakyPete
Jul 2, 22 3:40 pm
122 grand is a lot for someone who's already got a degree.
BibPorym
Jul 2, 22 6:57 pm
Thanks for your reply. As SneakyPete said, I cannot afford it. Also 122 grand for a certificate not a degree... oh...
BibPorym
Jul 2, 22 6:55 pm
Just realized how shitty my spelling can be when I type aggressively lol... Thanks for your responses. Hope someone with greater insight into the gaming/film industry can talk a bit. I know schools like SCI-Arc , UCLA & Penn had some film/game production related courses in their MArch program. Would love to hear from people who have enrolled into those courses to talk about what career path they took afterwards :)
zonker
Jul 2, 22 7:00 pm
I used to be in Video games for 11 years, then switched to architecture - yes the hours are long. The technology evolves much quicker than in architecture - hours are long 60-80+ during milestone week - there is actually better job security in games, we rode out recessions as if they weren't there. 122k? games does pay more - after I switched from Rockstar Games to SOM, I took a 50% paycut - that being said, to work as a conceptual designer in games, you have to be very very good or you will be doing production. how good are you with sketchup, photoshop, hand drawing and ideation? If you think you pack the right gear, go for it.
BibPorym
Jul 2, 22 7:17 pm
Huge thanks! I don't want to say which firm I am working for but I totally got what your are saying lmao... I haven't use sketchup since 2018 but I have 10+ years of experience in photoshop. 5+ years in Rhino, 2+years in Zbrush. I think the question for me rn is how to prepare for the transition. Portfolios? Extra software to look for? A personal gaming animation project? etc etc
Richard Balkins
Apr 25, 24 12:47 am
In the video game development industry. Remember, video game development goes from concept to completed product and in cases, on-going maintenance of the project (bug fixes, patches, DLCs, etc.). Game Development involves multiple "trades" to put it into some relative terms. It isn't just designing the game play. It's not just programming (coding) the game. It is not just going graphics, 3d modeling, and animation, world level designs, etc.. It is not just doing music and sound effects. It is all of those things. I've done all of those roles in some or fashion even in solo game development where you do all and I do mean all of it, entirely.
The work on a video game and software application, tools, etc. development is probably a multitude more work to put a game or app together than maybe the role of an architect. It is like being developer, architect, engineer, and construction contractor & the trades all rolled into one continue project from initial dream and concept of the project to its completion. In independent solo game development, you may have to be every role and do it all entirely on your own. That's hard. It is easier, however, to work for an established company in a specific role. More focused and not responsible for literally and absolutely everything.
This is why most video game development studios (even the independent smaller studios are at least 5 individuals so the division of labor can occur and reduce the weight load of the project in order to get it all done. Sometimes, it's something like 5-10 in starting out because less than that, you really have to be epic and legendary to have the all the skills to put it all together so it is easier to form a team of people with complimentary skills to one another that combined has the skills to put all the parts to a game together.
Putting an app or tool together may require less types of skills than a video game. For example, an app will likely have no need for music and might not need much in need for sound and if there is, just some public domain or open license stuff could be suitable. So it is mostly graphics and code. Video games is very inherently multimedia in nature. You also need storytelling in many types of games but even the classic arcade games benefits from some basic storytelling to set the atmosphere and 'backdrop' of the game and objective of the game.
If you are getting into the game industry, it is a serious amount of work. In fact, Zonker made a good point and argument on his part from his experience at Rockstar Games. What he said is true. I would second his comments about game engines. Learn them. He named a couple but here are some others as well to learn and understand: Godot, UPBGE & Armory3d (Blender with game engines... but Blender is also a good tool for animation and 3d modeling), Unity, and some others. Just look up to top 10 to 20 or so game engines including those that are open source like Godot. They differ in ways from each other but also share a lot of common principles.
When I started, we didn't "game engines" per se. We made our own stuff from scratch and built our libraries of subroutines and all... mostly in machine language. Luckily, we don't have to go through that kind of hell today to make these "AAA" titles we see today.
zonker
Jul 2, 22 8:38 pm
Normally, they want to see links to games you've work on - I would just show them your architecture portfolio and be able to explain how what you did in architecture applies to video game environment design. That's what I did, then I did the inverse to get my first architecture job. - The fact you have Zbrush experience will help.
Thank you! These are all helpful. Hope I can keep you updated as I proceed :)
zonker
Jul 3, 22 12:27 am
Sure, anytime - and increasingly in architecture, we are using game engines such as Enscape and Unreal Engine for real-time renderings and walk throughs, animations - Best
simranaggarwal
Jul 21, 23 12:31 am
Hello, I am an architect and done my masters in construction management. But due to less experience, around 1.5 yr job and 1 yr job I am unable to get into PMC. Moreover the shear amount of hatred, taken for granted in this construction industry breaks me completely. I even approached architect firm owner for partnership which they denied but agreed to help me set up. I am constantly applying for games job with my architect portfolio and getting not even a single human reply. I know all the softwares 3d, graphic, technical and can learn new ones easily, sketching and concepts also. I am getting a job at 3d parametric facade modelling company. What should I do to get into gaming? And yes is it worth it?
danishvattadiyiljacob
Apr 22, 24 8:10 pm
Hello. I am looking to shift the same way as well. Have you shifted into gaming yet? Would you mind updating me your progress? In my short research I found that the best way is to show up at meetups and connect with people in the industry. You also need to learn the required software and have a portfolio of games created by you. I am not sure whether an architectural portfolio can help you break into the industry. I know someone who, after practicing as an architect for 3 years, began doodling in her free time, and is now working as a concept artist in an indie game studio, with no formal education in gaming but, with just a portfolio of her drawings, is earning much more than she did as an architect. So there is hope. Cheers!
Immigrant Developer
Apr 24, 24 8:12 pm
@simranaggarwal Why don't you get your GC License and then partner up with an architect and do design-build? Being a construction project manager adds no value to an experienced architect unless it's a huge project that the architect or GC can't oversee subs, vendors, project tracking, etc. Perhaps an apprenticeship or pay cut could be worth it in the long run for a construction management/manager.
Richard Balkins
Apr 26, 24 9:57 am
The questions that may arise in partnering with a GC like in a design-build firm is the matters of insurance. The insurance industry likes to keep architectural services as separate entities from that of construction. In essence, the clauses for a typical professional liability insurance for architecture would not cover construction and they usually will not cover a single business entity that does both. They want them separate businesses.
Sometimes you need what is a Construction Contractor's professional liability insurance package or you separate and organize the businesses into separate business entities even if one business is an owner in the owner but separate the operations. Of course detailed discussions with the insurance carrier/agent/etc. to iron out the details and whether that be acceptable or not for coverage. It's a tricky matter to address.
This would be a serious matter that needs to be addressed before getting into a design-build relationship/partnership. There are ways to do this in contractual relationships without integrating or merging the businesses.
vividkreations
Apr 26, 24 5:25 am
Transitioning to a concept/visual development artist role is a viable option given your skills in digital work and illustration. Start by building a strong portfolio showcasing your relevant projects and abilities. Network with professionals in the film/gaming industries and consider seeking mentorship to navigate the transition effectively. Explore online resources and workshops to enhance your skills and stay updated on industry trends.
Just a brief introduction of my background : a recent Ivy League masters of architecture graduate working in a large architectural firm in the US. I am honestly thinking about shifting my career path and am interesting in working as an concept/visual development artist. My masters program very much focused on digital stuff so I won't feel very uncomfortable to work with a new software/ I also have skills in illustration.
The question is, is doing this whole transition worth it? (though my answer is 80% a solid yes because I don't really enjoy my job, and I also have a expectation that film/gaming industries have better paid opportunities - correct me if I am wrong)
I am not sure about how long I need to prepare for this change and I hope if someone could advice if you have gone through the process. Don't really know how to start or make a brand new portfolio. In addition, I can't afford a 2nd masters degree so going back to school is not my option. Please advice. Advices of transferring to other roles also very welcome.
"film/gaming industries have better paid opportunities"
You are wrong.
Please elaborate on your opinion though. Every industry has its own pay range and there are Tier 1 jobs as well as low paid ones. It doesn't sound comparative to the architecture industry if your point is not about a specific role. Details please.
From what I understand you'll be competing with many people who have very specific skills as opposed to your generalist set. That in both gaming and film. The hours are brutal. The pay is probably comparable.
“Probably”. As if hours in architecture are not brutal
They can be. But I have found that setting boundaries is possible. My relatives in the film industry and my friends in the gaming industry have not found it to be so.
I'm not claiming to be right or some sort of expert. I only have the people I know as examples.
So in terms of hours... I do crazy OT from time to time, but I wouldn't complain too much abt it as long as I get paid reasonably. Sadly it is post-COVID at the moment ... (you get what I mean) It is just a critical moment for me to decide on my future career.
SneakyPete, that isn't always true. There are opportunities (albeit limited) in the video game industry to make more money than any architect ever made. Most jobs are probably going to start out at similar levels as in the architecture field. However, progression in pay may be quicker to better pay and reach even a higher peak salaries and lifetime earnings is realistic. However, it isn't always going to be a greener pasture so I'll agree on that point.
However, it is highly competitive. It is often very intense work. So no slouches. It's going to be a lot of work.
Take a look at the Gnomon School
122 grand is a lot for someone who's already got a degree.
Thanks for your reply. As SneakyPete said, I cannot afford it. Also 122 grand for a certificate not a degree... oh...
Just realized how shitty my spelling can be when I type aggressively lol... Thanks for your responses. Hope someone with greater insight into the gaming/film industry can talk a bit. I know schools like SCI-Arc , UCLA & Penn had some film/game production related courses in their MArch program. Would love to hear from people who have enrolled into those courses to talk about what career path they took afterwards :)
I used to be in Video games for 11 years, then switched to architecture - yes the hours are long. The technology evolves much quicker than in architecture - hours are long 60-80+ during milestone week - there is actually better job security in games, we rode out recessions as if they weren't there. 122k? games does pay more - after I switched from Rockstar Games to SOM, I took a 50% paycut - that being said, to work as a conceptual designer in games, you have to be very very good or you will be doing production. how good are you with sketchup, photoshop, hand drawing and ideation? If you think you pack the right gear, go for it.
Huge thanks! I don't want to say which firm I am working for but I totally got what your are saying lmao... I haven't use sketchup since 2018 but I have 10+ years of experience in photoshop. 5+ years in Rhino, 2+years in Zbrush. I think the question for me rn is how to prepare for the transition. Portfolios? Extra software to look for? A personal gaming animation project? etc etc
In the video game development industry. Remember, video game development goes from concept to completed product and in cases, on-going maintenance of the project (bug fixes, patches, DLCs, etc.). Game Development involves multiple "trades" to put it into some relative terms. It isn't just designing the game play. It's not just programming (coding) the game. It is not just going graphics, 3d modeling, and animation, world level designs, etc.. It is not just doing music and sound effects. It is all of those things. I've done all of those roles in some or fashion even in solo game development where you do all and I do mean all of it, entirely.
The work on a video game and software application, tools, etc. development is probably a multitude more work to put a game or app together than maybe the role of an architect. It is like being developer, architect, engineer, and construction contractor & the trades all rolled into one continue project from initial dream and concept of the project to its completion. In independent solo game development, you may have to be every role and do it all entirely on your own. That's hard. It is easier, however, to work for an established company in a specific role. More focused and not responsible for literally and absolutely everything.
This is why most video game development studios (even the independent smaller studios are at least 5 individuals so the division of labor can occur and reduce the weight load of the project in order to get it all done. Sometimes, it's something like 5-10 in starting out because less than that, you really have to be epic and legendary to have the all the skills to put it all together so it is easier to form a team of people with complimentary skills to one another that combined has the skills to put all the parts to a game together.
Putting an app or tool together may require less types of skills than a video game. For example, an app will likely have no need for music and might not need much in need for sound and if there is, just some public domain or open license stuff could be suitable. So it is mostly graphics and code. Video games is very inherently multimedia in nature. You also need storytelling in many types of games but even the classic arcade games benefits from some basic storytelling to set the atmosphere and 'backdrop' of the game and objective of the game.
If you are getting into the game industry, it is a serious amount of work. In fact, Zonker made a good point and argument on his part from his experience at Rockstar Games. What he said is true. I would second his comments about game engines. Learn them. He named a couple but here are some others as well to learn and understand: Godot, UPBGE & Armory3d (Blender with game engines... but Blender is also a good tool for animation and 3d modeling), Unity, and some others. Just look up to top 10 to 20 or so game engines including those that are open source like Godot. They differ in ways from each other but also share a lot of common principles.
When I started, we didn't "game engines" per se. We made our own stuff from scratch and built our libraries of subroutines and all... mostly in machine language. Luckily, we don't have to go through that kind of hell today to make these "AAA" titles we see today.
Normally, they want to see links to games you've work on - I would just show them your architecture portfolio and be able to explain how what you did in architecture applies to video game environment design. That's what I did, then I did the inverse to get my first architecture job. - The fact you have Zbrush experience will help.
https://www.rockstargames.com/...
Thank you! These are all helpful. Hope I can keep you updated as I proceed :)
Sure, anytime - and increasingly in architecture, we are using game engines such as Enscape and Unreal Engine for real-time renderings and walk throughs, animations - Best
Hello, I am an architect and done my masters in construction management. But due to less experience, around 1.5 yr job and 1 yr job I am unable to get into PMC. Moreover the shear amount of hatred, taken for granted in this construction industry breaks me completely. I even approached architect firm owner for partnership which they denied but agreed to help me set up. I am constantly applying for games job with my architect portfolio and getting not even a single human reply. I know all the softwares 3d, graphic, technical and can learn new ones easily, sketching and concepts also. I am getting a job at 3d parametric facade modelling company. What should I do to get into gaming? And yes is it worth it?
Hello. I am looking to shift the same way as well. Have you shifted into gaming yet? Would you mind updating me your progress? In my short research I found that the best way is to show up at meetups and connect with people in the industry. You also need to learn the required software and have a portfolio of games created by you. I am not sure whether an architectural portfolio can help you break into the industry. I know someone who, after practicing as an architect for 3 years, began doodling in her free time, and is now working as a concept artist in an indie game studio, with no formal education in gaming but, with just a portfolio of her drawings, is earning much more than she did as an architect. So there is hope. Cheers!
@simranaggarwal Why don't you get your GC License and then partner up with an architect and do design-build? Being a construction project manager adds no value to an experienced architect unless it's a huge project that the architect or GC can't oversee subs, vendors, project tracking, etc. Perhaps an apprenticeship or pay cut could be worth it in the long run for a construction management/manager.
The questions that may arise in partnering with a GC like in a design-build firm is the matters of insurance. The insurance industry likes to keep architectural services as separate entities from that of construction. In essence, the clauses for a typical professional liability insurance for architecture would not cover construction and they usually will not cover a single business entity that does both. They want them separate businesses.
Sometimes you need what is a Construction Contractor's professional liability insurance package or you separate and organize the businesses into separate business entities even if one business is an owner in the owner but separate the operations. Of course detailed discussions with the insurance carrier/agent/etc. to iron out the details and whether that be acceptable or not for coverage. It's a tricky matter to address.
This would be a serious matter that needs to be addressed before getting into a design-build relationship/partnership. There are ways to do this in contractual relationships without integrating or merging the businesses.
Transitioning to a concept/visual development artist role is a viable option given your skills in digital work and illustration. Start by building a strong portfolio showcasing your relevant projects and abilities. Network with professionals in the film/gaming industries and consider seeking mentorship to navigate the transition effectively. Explore online resources and workshops to enhance your skills and stay updated on industry trends.