Character Artist
This role is about creating characters for use in games. Sometimes a character artist will be asked to create their own characters but more often they will be provided with concept art. The artist will then model the character using a modelling package such as Maya or 3D Studio Max. Once the basic mesh is complete they will create a texture map, usually in Adobe Photoshop which can then be applied to the model. As with environment models often additional layers are included on top of the texture map adding detail and lighting effects.
Once modelled the character has to be rigged for animation. This involves tying the character mesh to an underlying skeleton which the animator can then animate. Some developers have a specialised role for rigging but this is fairly rare. Often the animator will do the rigging and the character artist may make changes later if there are any problems such as tears appearing when the character animates.
Character models generally have several levels of detail (known as lods) which dictate the model drawn at different distances within the game. This reduces the processing power required to draw the onscreen action so it is an essential task.
Getting a Character Artist Job
You will require a portfolio which shows your ability to model and texture a number of different characters. Try to ensure you cover different styles or choose characters appropriate for the developer you are applying to. For example there is no point in sending a portfolio full of cartoon characters to a company producing realistic first-person shooters.
As with environment modelling the aim is not to produce the most amazing looking model you can without any thought about how expensive it will be to render but rather to produce stunning looking characters within a budget. If you want information on typical budgets for in game characters check the latest games and modification communities based on them as they will typically give a rough guide.
An important aspect of character modelling is texturing and if you can learn how to make high quality seamless textures and include additional technical details like bump maps this will improve your chances. It is also worth learning how to produce various levels of detail for your characters.
Although not essential if you have the ability to rig character models for animation this is liable to improve your chances of gaining employment.
If you don´t have any industry experience it is worth doing some work for a modification team. If you can show you understand the process from the creation of an asset all the way through to implementation within a game engine you will drastically improve your chances of getting work.
It is important to have a website which you can point potential employers at to show off your work. Never include any half-finished or sub-standard work in your portfolio or website, it is better to have a small range of finished high quality examples than a large range of low quality or unfinished examples. This may seem obvious but many people make this mistake and your better quality examples may be discounted if you include any work that is below par.
Useful Links for Character Artists
Concept Art - website for artists, learn more about creating great art, post example work, search for jobs and interact with the wider community.
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