That’s quite the download! But it’s how you’ll get ahead of the others, and by having this knowledge ahead of time, you will be much better prepared and in a stronger position to achieve what you want.
Your early years really set you up to leap up the ladder, but before you leap, walk. Let’s see what lessons you remember. If you missed something, that’s ok, just go back and re-read what you need.
2.1 Gear up
• Understand what’s in store as a Junior Artist.
• Did you read Amber’s account of her time as a Junior? It’s interesting stuff!
• It’s a marathon, not a sprint, so learn who’s who, and what’s what.
• Contracts might bore the pants off you, but they are important to understand. Avoid the IP trap.
• Get to know your Human Resources department, you might need them one day.
2.2 Onwards and upwards
• Aim to pass your probation the first time, it’s important to your progression.
• Take the time to settle in when you first start, read up and do your homework.
• Knowing the company structure helps understand how the company works.
• Art teams can be set up differently depending on the game, company, and time frame.
• Tasks come from the top, but it’s not a simple journey.
• From start to finish, from concept to gold, we spread shipping games over six stages.
• By the time you ship your first asset, it will have been through many iterations and reviews.
• Weekly life is a heady mix of making art, reviews, team meetings, and maybe even some fun.
2.3 Keep calm and carry on
• Health is important, consider it from the outset, not after or during the hard times.
• Be mindful of your surroundings, how and where you sit affects your performance.
• Keep on top of stress; work out the cause and how to reduce it.
• Identify areas that cause you hardship at work; spend time to really find a way forward.
• Be professional, no one wants to see you in HR’s office for a stupid mistake.
• Have fun at company socials, avoid stunts or words that could be career limiting.
2.4 Show me the goodies
• Who doesn’t like a perk?
• You can make more money from bonus incentives; shares are always a good option.
• Get that pension rolling, set yourself up for the future.
• Having protection is the smart move, make the most of company insurance schemes.
That’s your introduction to life as a Junior Artist!
You should now have a good understanding of the foundations of the company which you’re helping to support. You also know what’s expected of you, your daily life, and things to look out for that could be problems if you take your eye off the prize.
An artist normally has this junior role from one to two years, depending on the project. In the process you’ll build your skills both in artwork and confidence and learn the ropes, but at the back of your mind, you know, there’s a bigger slope to climb. Thoughts of stepping up start bubbling up, and you’ll soon ask yourself how to get onto the next rung of the career ladder.
How do I become a Mid-level Artist?
I’m glad you asked, because we are about to move on, to look at how you cross over, the obstacles in your way and when you cross, what you’ll find waiting.