Unlocking Technical Art Roles: A Comprehensive Guide

As part of our Get into Games series, we offer students a glimpse into the games industry and provide advice on how to break in. You can also find a selection of the best Academy guides for job-seekers here. The games industry is home to a multitude of roles, but some are more straightforward than others. Artists and programmers are relatively easy to understand, but technical artists occupy a unique space, bridging the gap between art and programming to create the tools that bring art to life in video games. During an EGX 2023 talk, the technical art team at Radical Forge, including Calvin Simpson, Anthony Marmont, and Piotr Sidorowicz, joined CEO Bruce Slater and Liquid Crimson's head of comms, Lauran Carter, to demystify technical artistry and offer guidance on how to forge a career in this field. According to CEO Slater, who started out as a technical artist, there are two primary types of technical art: front-end, which encompasses visual effects and shaders, and back-end, which involves tool tech and pipeline management. Interestingly, Slater noted that within these two categories, there are numerous sub-sectors, resulting in diverse roles even within the same company. Sidorowicz, who began as a 3D artist, now works as a front-end technical artist, and credits their experience with modeling as a valuable foundation for their current role. The panel emphasized that passion and enjoyment are essential for success in the games industry, and that skills can always be learned. CEO Slater highlighted the importance of passion, stating that everyone on the panel has a genuine passion for their work, which is evident in their exceptional skills. The panel also stressed the value of learning from every experience, even if it's not a perfect fit. As Carter noted, every job, regardless of enjoyment, is an opportunity to learn and grow. Senior tools engineer Marmont discovered their passion for technical artistry through tool-making in the indie space, and credits this experience with landing their current role. For those looking to break into the industry, the panel recommended focusing on developing a solid portfolio and demonstrating a genuine passion for game design. A strong portfolio should showcase only the best work, and demonstrate the creative process behind each piece. Slater emphasized the importance of showcasing not just the final product, but also the journey and problem-solving that went into creating it. When it comes to hiring, Radical Forge prioritizes finding the right fit for the team, and includes team members in the hiring process to ensure a smooth transition. As Simpson noted, learning to code can provide a significant advantage, with Python and Blueprints being valuable skills to acquire. However, for those who prefer a different path, VFX and lighting are also viable options. Carter reflected on their 15-year career in the industry, which has included working at three studios that have since shut down. Despite these experiences, Carter remains enthusiastic about the industry and values the diversity of thought and creativity that it fosters. The games industry is known for its ups and downs, but Carter emphasized that there are always people willing to help and support those affected by layoffs. With persistence, passion, and a willingness to learn, it's possible to build a successful career in technical art and thrive in the games industry.