10 Tips on Applying for a Concept Artist Job

Finding a job is hard, but finding a career that you want to do for the rest of your life is harder. If you’ve been drawing for all your life, taking art classes, practicing 24/7, your family and friends all think your art is amazing, and you decide you want to apply for a concept artist job in movies, TV, Toys, or video games, what do you do? 

If you haven't noticed, we post a lot of art here on GeekTyrant, and a lot is concept art from films and video games. If you are looking to get a job doing this kind of work, I've put together a list of ten tips that might help you along the way.

1. Make a list of the top five studios or companies that you want to work for. Many artists have that one studio they’ve dreamed of working at since they discovered their love of art. Research those studios and find out everything about them. Look up artists who used to work there and artists who still do. Because you’re wet behind the ears, landing your dream job might take awhile so be patience as you work through the system. Don’t apply to those studios just yet, keep your list. You just made a set of goals for yourself. 

2. Now make another list, but this time around be more realistic. Don’t be picky, look for companies that produce similar products, but maybe aren't as big as the ones in your top five. These might be less known to the public, but again, research them and find out who is hiring. These kinds of companies will help you build your resume for when it's time to go back to your apply at your top five studio list. Keep your options open!

3. Have your portfolio reviewed. Before you apply for a job you’ll want to have someone review your portfolio. If you’re still a student you can have a teacher review it, but avoid asking family members or friends. They may only tell you what you want to hear. Asking for constructive criticism early on will give you more time to make the changes you need. 

4. Set up a portfolio website for yourself. Every company you apply for is going to look at your website. It will need to meet industry standards to be taken seriously. Your website should send the message that you’re a young professional looking for work. Besides your portfolio, your website should also include your resume and contact info. 

5. Create a proper resume. Before applying for jobs, you will have to create a professional resume listing your credentials, educational background, and work history. Make it as professional as possible. 

6. Attend industry events. There are usually representatives from these studios or companies. You can find these reps at the booths for the companies they represent. If you’re lucky, they may be willing to take a look at your portfolio and answer your questions right there. 

7. Promote yourself. Besides posting stuff on your website and social media, post your work on professional art sites like DeviantArt or ArtStation. Submit your work to art contests, both online and in print. Even if you don’t win, you may get a portfolio piece from it. 

8. Connect with professionals. Ask them questions like, “What else does my portfolio need to be attractive to your company?” Developing a rapport with team members before you apply for a job will improve your chances of being hired. 

9. Stay ahead of industry news and events. Start taking an interest in key games and movie industry news. Visit them every day, skim articles, highlight things that stand out to you. Become informed. 

10. Get organized. Keep track of all your job hunting efforts. Document which studios you are interested in and with whom you have spoken. Compile all your job hunting efforts into a single list. Once you start sending your artwork out, keep track of who you sent it to and which art piece you sent them. 

After going through all these steps, you should have a better understanding of what you should do and how to keep organized while you try to find a job as a concept artist. You’ll be more confident. Hopefully, you’ll be someone's inspiration. 

If you're a professional artist and have any other tips that might help aspiring artist out, please list them in the comment section below.

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