A Technical Artist makes sure that a game’s artists have all the right software tools for their work and helps smooth the journey from design into code.
The work you do as a Technical Artist is a crucial, behind-the-scenes role. You’re an expert link between artists and programmers, translating the artistic vision into the way the game plays.
If you’re an artist with a head for code, or a programmer with a solid understanding of art production, this could be the role for you.
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Many Character Artists have a degree, which provides professional development and a recognised qualification to employers. However, there are many available pathways and all people working in games claim a unique career journey. Above all, you will need to demonstrate passion and skills in your chosen field. For this job role, you should be someone who has a passion for art and loves to approach technical problem-solving creatively.
As a professional, you bridge the gap between art, design and code, helping artists bring to life game art by using a range of tools that may include Blender and Maya, as well as game design programs (engines) like Unity and Unreal. We recommend using our tool picker to help you choose the right ones for your current level and purpose.
Working in the games industry is highly competitive and you’ll need to make sure your portfolio (a collection of your best work) stands out to employers and course leaders.
As a Technical Animator, you will need to showcase your teamwork and leadership skills, as well as your technical proficiency. For more ideas, see our top tips page on building your portfolio.
Whatever role you are working in, it is essential that you understand the game making process. You can head to our build a game section for first steps; join a regular game jam to build up your skills & network; or start modding others games to gain experience.
Where are you in your games journey?
...It's important to master communication - explaining art to programmers and programming to art.Kristrun Fridriksdottir - Technical Artist, Sports InteractiveRead the full story
The role of the Art Director is focused on maintaining the overall game aesthetics and ensuring the creative process runs efficiently.
More about this roleVisual Special Effects (VFX) means anything in a game that moves that isn’t a character or an object. That’s eye-catching motion such as flowing water, weather, magical effects and explosions.
More about this role
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