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Posts

Job Postings!

June 21, 2018 by Steve Garcia Leave a Comment

From time to time, I’ll post up some job openings I know of from around the world. Usually with a focus on the art side.
So feel free to check back from time to time to see what’s out there. Hopefully, there will be something out there on the list that is just the right gig for you.
Be warned…if you GET it, dinner is on you!! 😀
Good luck!!
_____________

*PowerHouse Animation: Austin Texas:
Storyboard Artist-

Looking for a storyboard artist for a project similar to their “Castlevania” show. (I think it probably IS for their “Castlevania” project.)
-“Professional experience in Adobe Flash, Photoshop and/or Storyboad Pro is required”
Check their website for more details and to submit portfolio and apply.
http://www.powerhouseanimation.com/career-portal/?gh_jid=724245

_____________
*Digital Extremes: London, Ontario, Canada

Concept Artist-

Storyboarding experience would be a plus.
Check their website for more details and to submit portfolio and apply for gig.
https://www.digitalextremes.com/careers/postings/art/concept-artist

_____________

*Digital Extremes:London, Ontario, Canada
Weapons Artist-

Weapons artist needed for the creation of hi and low poly models, textures, and materials for use as
real-time game assets.
Check their website for more details and to submit portfolio and apply for gig.
https://www.digitalextremes.com/careers/postings/art/weapons-artist

_____________

*SuckerPunch Productions: Bellevue, Washington
3d Environment Artist-

Create props, architecture, and terrain models, textures, and materials.
Check their website for more details and to submit portfolio and apply for gig.
https://jobs.suckerpunch.com/index.php?m=portal&a=details&jobOrderID=10967371

_____________

*Deep Silver Volition: Champaign, Illinois, United States
UI Artist-

To apply, send your resume, cover letter, and samples to jobs@dsvolition.com with “UI Artist” in the subject line.
Check their website for more details and requirements.
https://www.dsvolition.com/careers/ui-artist/

_____________

*Castle Hill Gaming: Charlottesville, Virginia
Artist: for casino type gaming-

Check page for more details and requirements, as well as applying for gig.
https://boards.greenhouse.io/castlehillgaming/jobs/1212157?gh_src=ae31ce6f1

_____________

*Cryptic Studios: Los Gatos, California
Character Artist- (for magic the gathering project.)

Art test may be required.
Check their website for more details and to submit portfolio/apply.
https://www.crypticstudios.com/position?id=204

_____________

Good luck people!

VIVA!!!

Filed Under: Archives

“Art School…..necessary?”

June 20, 2018 by Steve Garcia Leave a Comment

Art School. Necessary?
Well..it depends on what it is your looking for I suppose.

Full disclosure, I’ve been to two of them. Awesome, incredible schools:

1) “Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design” (RMCAD): 1987-1989
2) “California Institute of the Arts”(CALARTS): 1990-1993

I studied different things at each school. At RMCAD, I studied ‘fine art’, because it allowed me more figure drawing and painting classes. Which the commercial art classes strangely enough..didn’t.
At CALARTS, I studied animation.

I’ll have a different posts on my times at both of these schools at another time. This post is about schools in general.

Back in those (not so distant) years, schools were the thing. They had to be. There was nothing else really.
So, you go and you get your training. You’re piece of paper stating that you didn’t sleep your way through. And you fly from the safe, comfy confines of school and right into the job world (ideally).

The downsides to schools are pretty obvious:
*They can and usually are VERY expensive. Even if you are fortunate enough to get scholarships and grants (such as I somehow managed to do), you are going to be digging deep…

*The costs don’t just stop there…as the methods for acquiring ‘financial aid’ has changed so much since I was going to both of my schools…so ‘aid’ may be very limited or come with even more strings attached to it.

*Housing: (ka-ching!!) Apartments vs Dorm is essentially ‘expensive vs expensive’.

*Food: Even if you were going to survive on ramen and mayonnaise sandwiches as I did (Totally serious)…the costs do add up.

*Re-location costs: Yeah….the hits keep on coming.

Another thing about on-site schools is the ability to be distracted.
The party’s, the party’s…and oh….did I mention the party’s? On campus as well as off.
So many way’s to get sidelined.  So many ways to take your eye off of the main goal. And remember…YOU are the one paying for it.
So if your head isn’t on straight, you’re gonna find yourself with one big stack of debt. All for the most expensive ‘party’ ever. With nothing to show for it. Or worse…nothing your Parents can show for it.
I’ve seen it happen. Tons of times.

So, due to all this, the idea of learning online becomes a more and more ideal option for many.

Nowadays…do you need a school to learn? No. Not entirely anyway.
There are so many online outlets to learn from today.

In the case of Animation (The same thing is true for concept art, illustration etc. But for now let’s just look at animation.), If you want a more structured sort of learning experience, there ARE those online options such as:

  • *”Animation Mentor”
  • *”ianimate.net”
  • *”animschool”

To name just a few. And all of them have some fantastic people that will give you that ‘in class’ attention and guidance. Within a group setting (via webcam).
And at the end of it all, you get an official certificate saying  you completed the course . “Yay! This kid is awesome” sort of thing.

Which is a good thing to have and show in a resume, and to future employers.

Now…these places aren’t cheap. Not one bit. With costs upward of :  2500.00 per course (pending on what courses you want to take. In “animationmentors” case, there are 13. (Price example below)
Add to those costs that you will have to invest in acquiring the software (Maya) as well as a strong enough computer to handle that program.
Trust me…you don’t want a weak one. The lag times will frustrate you to no end!

 

But you will learn the material. And you will get the mentorship that you need. No doubt about it.

Other very valuable options:

*Pro Tutorial DVD’s: There are also tons of pro’s out there who are marketing their own dvd tutorials from digi-painting, to traditional animation AND digi-animation, to concept illustration, design etc etc!

*“Pluralsite.com” (formerly “Digital Tutorials”):  Is another online option. Which offers online video tutorials ranging from photoshop, Flash, Maya to a ton of other software courses.
This is a much more limited training experience, with no real ‘one on one’ mentoring.
But with about 280 Maya animation courses . It will give you a coverage on the fundamental basics from some very good people!
As a result of it being more limited in training…the cost is much lower than many of those more structured online options such as those listed above.
(costs: about 30.00$ billed monthly or 200.00$ annually. AND… They also offer a ‘free 10 day trial’ of their site to test the waters. And that’s pretty doggon nice, right?)
Full disclosure: While at Electronic Arts, the studio paid for a company membership for it’s artstaff. Just in case we wanted to get more training in any given area we might be interested in.
What I liked about this site, was that it had training in TONS of other things besides MAYA, that were relevant to what I was doing.
Photoshop. Flash. Illustrator. Game development. Concept Design.
And I really dug that.

So! Even though ALL of these online resources are a bit expensive…it’s still cheaper long term than the tuition, re-locating and living in apts/dorms etc,  that you would have if you were going through the on-site school rout.

The Free! (For now)..

Youtube alone offers an incredible amount of information, from drawing and painting tutorials, to animation and modeling.
It’s pretty extraordinary how much youtube alone offers, on a wide range of things and topics across the board!
And best of all.. it’s free! (for now)

The teaching is hit or miss, but if you don’t like one persons teaching ability or get nothing from it…you can just click on the next vid from the next youtuber. Many of these people are pro’s’ working in the industry in some capacity. Some are just uber talented people that are very open to sharing what they know…with you! 🙂
Best of all…..It’s FREE!

On-Site Schools and Art Colleges

So with all these options, what is the point of even considering on-site schools? And *would* I encourage people to go that rout?
Well…again. It depends.
Yes you can get the same information from online. You just can. Just being honest about it.
But….and this is a big booty but: The one thing that a school does have to offer that online resources do not..is:

“The human element”

There is a huge plus to ‘being there’. To just flat out ‘being there’.
Being out and away from home. Out of your comfort zone.
To having those people, your fellow students along side you. To learning not just from your instructors who are right next to ya…but your peers.
And it is very different than online.
Now, I can hear some out there saying: “Well…I’d get that in forums or in the online classes”.
No. Not really. It’s very different.
The ‘life experience’ as it were, was almost as important in some ways (and MORE important in other ways), than even the artistic lessons that were taught when I was in school.
And not just from the teachers, but by and from the students as well.
The insight from the people around you. The very easy sharing of info and of life…
The struggles as well as the successes.
It’s what helps make you a better person in some ways and in turn….make you a better artist.
It’s invaluable. Priceless.

Bottom line on all of these options:
There is a wealth of information out there. Tons of options for you. A smorgasbord of choices.
No matter what you chose…the learning is ultimately up to you.
The responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders.
As it does for all of us.
And if you don’t learn, then you really have to look inward and ask yourself why?
There really is no excuse now. Only a lack of discipline.
And that isn’t something that any school (on-site or online) can ever teach you.

So, do your research.
Make the decision that is right for you. And get on out there and get learning!
Your future is waiting!

VIVA!

Filed Under: Archives

“Self Doubt and comparing yourself to others”

June 2, 2018 by Steve Garcia Leave a Comment

Have you ever sat down…toiled over a piece of art for hours and hours (…and HOURS), feeling great about what you’re doing?

You’re in that zone.

Where every line is just flowing. Every thought and idea just shooting through your fingers right onto the page.
And VIOLA!
You’ve created at long last something that you’re actually PLEASED with!
You then get a deviant art email link from a pal saying “dude! Check it!!” And you click that link, and boom…..
What hits you in the face is a gorgeous piece of art that sends your artistic heart soaring.
You’re amazed.
You’re INSPIRED!

And then like a needle that scratches across an album…..you look back to your own piece.
You know…that piece that you felt so great about not more than 5 minutes ago?
And every flaw, every knick, EVERY small issue, is now magnified. 100%

So, what do you do?

You shelve it. Toss it in a drawer. Maybe even toss it entirely.
Never to be seen. All because of what?

Self doubt and insecurity.

Got news for you guys..and this isn’t exactly a news flash either.
You’re not alone.
Nope. We all have it. All of us.

It’s a battle we all fight on a daily (sometimes minute by minute) basis!
Whether you’re a young new artist trying to break into the creative fields or a hardened artistic veteran who’s worked in the industries for years.

And that’s normal. How you deal with it is another thing altogether.

One of the first things any artist who’s wanting to eventually work in an artistic industry needs to do, is realize that there are always…ALWAYS going to be people that are better than them.
Technically and creatively.
Now, I know that many out there are sayin’ “yeah…ok. Duh”.
But no. There is a school of thought on this.

Yeah. You’ve sat down…and you’ve probably had that discussion with yourself. Over and over and over.
But the problem is..You may not have had that discussion in a fair and reasonable way. And therefore not in a positive way.
So…your insecurities grow.

You sit and you look at that incredible art and it underlines in your mind everything that you’re *not*
Ok…I get that. But what it should also do, is inspire you to push forward in bettering your skills.
Improving on them.
But not to BE them. Because quite honestly…There’s a good chance you won’t.
And ya know what? That’s ok!

The art world HAS one of him/or one of her…what it doesn’t have, is one of YOU.
It’s already hearing their voice…but what it needs to hear is your voice and what you have to say.

There is strength in that, my friends.

And once you’ve realized that…you’ve gone a long way at clearing one of the biggest obstacles in your way…..YOU.

And with that…you now have the room you need…to BE you, and do the work YOU need to do.

Yes….
There ARE tons of AWESOME artists out there. And that may be what’s tripping you up some. But you’d be amazed at how many very very mediocre artists are out there as well. People that YOU…are far better than!
Working in the very industries YOU want to be in.

And why is that?

The answer is simply this:
While YOU are throwing your art away in a drawer, discouraged and not putting it out there.
Afraid to start.
Others ARE putting it out there. ….and making themselves visible.
Doing what THEY can to make their presence known.
Moving forward.
Sure…maybe slowly. But where does that leave that big swath of good unknown artists who are too afraid to take that first step? To move beyond their comfort zones.
Or discouraged when they see absolutely mindblowing art?
Well….it leaves them left behind. Where they will always be. Until they get over that mental (and emotional) speed bump.
Leaving a lot of art gigs open for the pickings by many many people that while not as good….are at least willing to get out there…willing to try.

Which leads me to this final part. The GOOD NEWS:

There’s Room For Us All!

Yup. There’s room for us ALL. There is.
Now that doesn’t mean that I’m saying everyone is going to find their ‘dream job’ of working at Marvel or Disney or whatever.
I AM saying that there is an audience for just about everything. You just have to find yours!
And you don’t do that by shelving your work, or crawling back into your shell, or being discouraged by other peoples work.
You do that…by getting on out there. Learning from others. Learning from your successes and learning (especially) from your failures.

Yeah…its a crowded field out there. But as crowded as it is…..people are hungry for a unique view.

A different voice on the subject matter.

They want to hear…from you.
And yeah….some are gonna hate your view. Straight up hate it.
But some…are gonna dig it.
And those are the people you gotta build upon.

So get over that self doubt speed bump!. Grab your pen, pencil, wacom (whatever)….and go do your stuff!

Your audience is waiting.

VIVA!

-SG-

Filed Under: Archives

“The Digital Age and the absence of touch”

May 21, 2018 by Steve Garcia Leave a Comment

This is a subject that whenever I speak about with fellow artistic types, it never fails to spark a debate. People get defensive and even angry. And I can understand why.
First, let me say that this is just my opinion…and only my opinion. And should be treated as such.

Okay? Here we goooooo!

I think that the artistic “digital” age has been nothing short of miraculous.
Giving artists all kinds of tools to create, manipulate, and experiment with in ways we could have only dreamt about not so long ago.
Making it much, MUCH easier to make corrections, alter on a whim, and send off for print.
Becoming the standard for just about every publisher and studio in pretty much every industry.

On the other hand, I also think that in a weird way, that it’s also limited us. Some far worse than others.

First: The terminology.
One of the terms I hear from many of today’s art folks is: “I’m a digital artist”.
And whenever I hear that it sort of grates on me like a thousand tiny nails on a very dusty chalk board.
Not, “I’m an artist”…but “I’m a *digital* artist”.

I know, I know….It’s just a term. But, WHY the term.
Does someone who works in oils say they’re an oils artist?
Does someone that works in pencil say that their a pencil artist?
Well, maybe they do…I’ve just never heard them say it.
I guess one of the reasons it bothers me so much is that too often people when they hear ‘digital’ will think that the damn computer does everything for that person. That *it* itself is the *artist*. That it’s just a matter of poking at the right buttons and presto!!
You have ‘art’.
I remember when I was animating in 94’, that everyone and their mother thought that all animation was done by computers. Even way back then. I would politely (through gritted teeth) correct them by saying it was hand drawn..(And I had the nervous and emotional breakdowns to prove it!)
So yeah…the term ‘digital artist’ does and probably will forever bother me.

Second: The weaknesses and limits of the digital age.
Yes, no doubt there are some extraordinary art pieces out there. Valid and important works.
But…and this is a big ‘but’….It, in a sense….is worthless.
I know…that’s a huge gauntlet thrown. And I don’t mean any disrespect to the many artists out there that do digital work…(Heck…I’m ONE of them.) But,….it’s the truth.
When I say ‘worthless’ I mean it beyond the point for which it was intended.
Beyond the prints.
Beyond the printing for publication.
Beyond the work itself…

It’s digital….
There IS no ‘there’ …there!
It doesn’t exist beyond it’s intended use.
To go to *print* in some fashion. And that’s it. And that’s kind of tragic in a way.

The argument from many of my pals is usually this:
“The computer is a tool. Every bit of thought process and technique that goes into something in a traditional medium also applies to the digital medium.”
Yes. Absolutely true.
And also largely irrelevant to what my point is.

Example:
Norman Rockwell and Frank Frazetta worked in oils. There’s been tons of prints made from their works. But there is also the original to marvel at.
Or even collect. Something that’s handed down through the ages.

Example#2:
The amazing animators from the 40’s…their animation keys EXIST.
They’re real. And when you sit there and see them….it’s dazzling. Even breathtaking.
Inspirational. And yeah….historic.
There is none of that in the digital age of art. It just doesn’t exist.
And it’s kinda sorta heartbreaking.

Sign of the times? Perhaps.
But as someone who worked in traditional mediums in both illustration as well as in animation and now works a great deal in digital mediums for work, I can tell you that just because this is the standard…it doesn’t have to be the end all ‘standard’ for you, the artist.

Solution:
And it’s an obvious one. Although, one that can quickly become forgotten or put off.

Push yourself as an artist, to create as much as you can…traditionally.
Sketch, Draw, Paint, mold (clay) studies or finished pieces as much as you can on your own time.
Create something tangible. Something touchable. Something…real.

I myself have tried to work on sketches and drawings and even some light traditional animation, Just to keep some things rooted in reality. Keeping some of the ‘value’.
No, not because I believe any of these things to be worth a plumb nickel at any point…but mainly so that my kid will have some original work to look at and say ‘my Dad did that’. And if there be anything other than sentimental value….bonus!

Many artists that I know just don’t seem to think it’s a big deal. And they’re fine with that.
And that’s certainly their prerogative.
But I for one, when I look upon the  original comic book art hanging in my studio from
John Byrne, Bernie Wrightson, Kerry Gammil, J. Scott Campbell, Bill Sienkiewicz, and drawings from Disney animator Glen Keane (amongst others)….I for one am thankful that these artists work and continue to work in traditional mediums. Because I would much rather have these originals…than only a digital print of them.

And I hope, that someday waaaay in the future…that someone looks on their walls at a “Hogarth Hughes” (“Iron Giant”) key original drawing that I did for the film…..leans back in their chair…..and smiles.

VIVA!

-SG-

Filed Under: Archives

FIRST POST: WELCOME!

May 16, 2018 by Steve Garcia Leave a Comment

So here we are! First post!
What to write about. What to write about?!
First off, a hearty hello to all who are even remotely interested in whatever ramblings I’ll have on this page.

This blog area will primarily be about all the different industries I’ve had the pleasure of working in for the past 28 years. The appreciation of those art-forms as well as
my history and experiences in them: The good, the bad, and yeah…at times, the ugly. (And sometimes very ugly.)
I will be very honest and candid in these posts, and as open as I can possibly be.
I’m also open to any questions that you, the reader might have.
Whether they be from a ‘fans’ point of view or from a fellow creator just wanting to have a back and forth on any given subject.
I would also like it to serve as a source of encouragement to fellow artists. Both the new, as well as the experienced pro’s.
We are, after all…in this crazy creative world together.

That doesn’t mean that you have to be an ‘artist’ to participate. If you love any of these fields: Comics, Illustration, Games, Animation for Films and TV…you may find this area a fun and interesting spot to visit.
…or at least that’s my hope! HAH!

The Jury is still out on whether I’ll post any tutorials. The internet is already chock full of those. Not sure if one more would be all that beneficial to anyone. But…we’ll see later on down the line.

Lastly!
Apologies up front on a few things:
I, like many other creative peoples, shoot from the hip. We are indeed prone to (ahem) ramble on a bit at times (Just ask my wife!). And yeah…I’ll say it. Our spelling can be a bit…let’s just say ‘off’, now and then. 😀
So! Please forgive me for when those times come up. (Oh and boy howdy they will indeed come up! )

With that! I’ll again say Welcome, and I’m truly glad you are here!
Hope you enjoy the experience. And feel free to leave a comment, question, suggestion or slab of lasagna. ALL, will be responded to and deeply appreciated (Especially the lasagna.)  😉

VIVA!!

-SG-

Filed Under: Archives

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