Research - Industry Roles

Below are 5 role titles that I might consider applying for in the industry. All of these take engine knowledge as an added bonus if not a requirement, as well as usually 1-3 years experience in the industry. They also usually require the ability to work in a team with most positions being in a studio environment and as part of a pipeline. I would probably apply for junior roles in these areas if possible to build up my experience.

Concept artist
2D/3d concept, can be one or the other or both depending on the studio. Use 2D programs like PS or 3D sculptors like Zbrush. Can cover character design, creature design, vehicles, weapons, etc. Requires strong rendering skills and design sense, and the ability to work cooperatively with other departments such as 3D modellers and game designers/coders.

Though this is a very competitive area, I think I'm proficient in areas like character, creature and prop design, although I need to improve in skill areas such as mechanical objects like guns and vehicles for a wider skill base.

Matte Painter
Making believable, photorealistic (or in project style) backgrounds for cinematics and game areas outside of traversable world, such as sky boxes or distant scenery. Requires exceptional rendering skills and knowledge of lighting, colour, perspective, etc.

While not incredibly experienced in backgrounds, I am familiar with other aspects of digital painting that I feel could be reapplied to the area.

Illustrator
Polished production art for box art, in-game paintings, etc. Can also include storyboarding or other responsibilities depending on the studio. Can overlap with concept artists or graphic designers & is very varied by studio. Positions like this are also usually only found in larger studios, whereas in smaller studios it would probably be filled by the concept artist.

I have a background in illustrative work which I think would serve me well here, although my graphic design experience is limited. 

3D artist
Modelling/texturing/optimising 3D assets for in-game use. Could be characters (need knowledge of topography), environments, props, etc. Need to know at least one 3D modelling programme (probably Maya/3DSMax) and at least one digital sculpting programme (Zbrush etc).

Probably hard surface/environment as those are areas of experience, I haven't attempted much character art but I think I could pick it up if given the chance.

Animator
Need 3D animation experience but possibly 2D also, depending on the project. Will probably need drawing skills regardless for storyboarding/keyframing cinematics or in-game animations. Role would very much depend on the project and studio; whether they use motion capture, are working in 2D or 3D, etc.

Would probably only apply for this in an indie context due to limited experience in animation.


Portfolios

http://barontieri.com/

Portfolio of Thierry Doizon, contains a great mix of painterly and realistic styles as well as a mix of character and environment work; overall really diverse and well-rounded on top of being fantastic work. The site itself also has a nice layout that is easy to use.

https://daverapoza.carbonmade.com

Portfolio of Dave Rapoza, again a great mix of stylized and realistic works this time with a strong focus on character. The level of rendering in his pieces is amazing and there’s a strong sense of colour across all pieces.

http://www.facosta.com/

Portfolio of Fernando Costa, incredible environment work with a really good sense of atmosphere as well as really strong character design work. I like the inclusion of the 3D bases for his environment paintings, and the inclusion of rough sketch work.