As an indie game dev I find these types of videos interesting to watch. :) The things I appreciate most from an artist when I'm seeking a commission: 1: Good examples of the work you can do. The more variety, the better. Pixel art? Cheap sketches? Full color? Portraits? Expressions? Animation? This all helps me find what I'm looking for. 2: Communication. If I commission you for something and the next time you contact me you're sending me the fully colored finished image, then you're setting yourself up for failure. Especially if this is my first commission from you! Can you make corrections/changes to that finished drawing? If the answer is no, then you're not including your clients enough in the creative process. Confirm the sketch first. Then as you add more details you should confirm at each step of your drawing. This may take more time but you'll build a better relationship with the client. 3A: Set prices. I don't want to pay you by the hour if I don't know what you're doing with that time. Freelance is very different from working with a game studio, especially in this regard. If you feel like you undercharged then you can always mention that going forward. If you're nice about it (and I like you) then I will retroactively pay you the difference. Just remember to be nice though. If you say, "Hey man, this was a lot of work. I really feel like you should pay me what my time is worth so could you send another $200 my way?" then it won't go over well. 3B: Loose ownership. As an indie game maker I'm not that interested in full ownership. I expect the same. Keep in mind that I have a low budget and I'm not making even minimum wage from my indie game. You can post the art in your galleries and in exchange I also get to use the art in-game, as reference for other artists, etc.. If you have a statement that indicates something like: "If you use the art in game then I need to know because the price will be higher" then there's a high chance that I will pass you up for another artist with less restrictions. 4: Reasonable prices. As I said before, I have a very low budget. If you're charging anything over $100, then it's very likely I can't afford your work. I highly recommend offering lower price points such as $20 for B&W sketches. This will make you much more appealing to clients, who might even want to upgrade to the $100 pieces if they like the sketch. I do realize you may have many possible clients that come wanting to give $100 or even $200 but you could be blocking out potential indie dev clients that could bring you much more than that in the future. Something to think about! Also, if you're charging $100 to $500 or even more, and aren't getting any clients, then you need to consider a faster means of getting your work done. It doesn't matter how epic your art is, if you're not getting any clients then you might as well be drawing stick figures and charging $1 per drawing. Actually, that guy drawing stick figures? Even if he gets one client, he's still making more money than you! So always consider the best way to streamline your art, such that you're maximizing your potential profit and connections.
Just wanted to add that I agree with you about artists adding to their portfolio. When I see an artist that's not doing anything at all then it just makes them look lazy. If you're not getting commissions then you should at least be adding more to your portfolio. Even if it's just sketches, then you should let potential clients see that you're making an effort to improve. You don't know who might be keeping an eye on your work because they see potential. :)
I just realized that I watch all your videos, looking for any reason I can find to dislike you just because it's easier than actually doing the work involved in getting better at my art... jealousy is almost as ugly as my sketches lmao
Such an honest comment. I feel that way about some other artists too. But I try to focus on the joy that I get from painting, and what I can learn from those other artists when they are doing well or doing something that I do not yet know how to do.
@@TrentKaniuga Exactly! I'm finding that Art is more of a self-worth game than anything. All the things I would try to find fault with in you are just projections of my own insecurities. Thanks for your work, I am learning tons.
You're probably already really far in your life with your type of mindset, but if not... You're definitely going places, and they're all gonna be good (as possible that is lol). People like you are hard to find in life, so God bless you.
Trent, we love you for what you are. There is no need to grow thick skin bro. Just bring your best authentic self and I bet decent people will be on your side. I also find important to agree on non functional work up front, such as number of hours documenting, exchanging information, ideation etc. I learned from you so much, I really appreciate you sharing your candor, wisdom, skills, knowledge, heart and mind!
being a freelancer seems like more work than working in a studio. you are your own PR, accountant, lawyer, manager, etc. working in a studio is prob good for newbies/mid level artists because you can learn so much from your superiors and coworkers
God I just graduated college as an Animation and concept artist and have a bunch of freelance gigs in game art and every single point you made hit home. The lack of feedback then sudden art direction changes, the ego thing, the un stability but also the freedom. I know I don’t want to do this right away, at 20, and want to gain experience in studios. It is so draining but I do see the appeal.
For the record, the client is NOT always right. Most clients have no clue of what can or cannot be done. Yet, your job as the primary front facing contractor is that you mitigate their nonsense and make the client “feel” that how you steer them is all there idea. That how you direct them is there choice. And the better you are at it, the more you can control the scenario. Art may work differently in some cases, but contract work is contract work. Real contract work gives as much freedom as it can give anxieties. It’s a lifestyle. That’s my biggest take away from being a contractor. The beautiful twisted fantasy.
I believe doing both as you did, is the best. Start with freelancing to build up some basic experience and confidence, move on to a studio to work on big titles and develop a more professional attitude, and then having the experience from both worlds do whatever you want and feel more comfortable with.
Or the other way around ;) Start at studios where you have a more stable job, can build up your skill and have fun with coworkers. Then as you get older and have a better portfolio/experience, stay at home and use your time however you want.
Personally I lean more in house or at the very least stable contract. To be honest, I've mostly been turned off by freelance as a whole by some of the stupid stuff people try to pull. I've had people try to "give me an art test" that ended up them demanding something like 20 images before even considering to offer me a job. Or the typical art test don't get the job then find my work being the used for their game with someone else's name on it. Or the typical people just not wanting to pay me for my work. Honestly I really should just redo my portfolio and go for inhouse again. Save myself a headache at least.
Man, I'm really sorry to hear that Jon. Don't give up on it entirely. I worked with so many bad clients before I found good ones. And when you find a good client, it changes everything. Youre talented. And you're hard working. And you're passionate. Man, you've got the formula. Now it's okay to draw some lines in the sand before you even do any work for a client. I would never do a test that took more than 2 hours. If a potential client says "we want 2 days worth of work on this test", I'd say no. And I'd be grateful. Because their "test" shows me that they will only abuse my time further, even once we have a contract. Set your standards, and do whatever you can to make the most kick ass quality artwork you can, then better clients will come along.
Trent Kaniuga honestly I’m not shut the door on it forever. I’m just more want to be part of a team with comrades at the moment rather than dealing with the headache of crap clients.
Though I do think you should do a video for those of us like me who are skilled enough for better clients on ways of finding better clients and pitching ourselves. Yknow without being all creepy. =P
@@JonLauArt You know an office job has its own issues and working closely with a lot of people you can't choose is equally stressful. Definitely try it though.
Making art of characters you dont care about for nit pickey people with bad ideas sounds worse than my normies job. I'm sticking to normie job until I finish my own projects and push those. Also "did you just assume my gender?!" By the watercooler sounds terrifying and is a real possibility in LA
JSG1138 making characters you don’t care about for someone you don’t care about might just be the best way to train the contractor mentality and your versatility as an artist. Don’t take it as a set back, look at it like a challenge
That was a really interesting and useful little talk. I've just recently lost my studio job and slowly making my way along the freelance road and looking forward to seeing were that road takes me, both good and bad.
Are you just doing your thing or are you actually registered as a one person "company". I'm asking because so many people on the internet are calling themselves freelancer and it always makes the impression you just can do it yourself and take money for your work, but actually you have to be registered at your local townhall and stuff, paying ongoing fees and and and. I thought I just could do it myself, earn some small money while looking for a job but I've never been so wrong
Trent, my understanding the way you present this channel is by providing cut to the chase conversation and insight, based on your experience. And maybe, just a bit maybe (my opinion of course) some of those elaboration might be taken as a bit harsh and disheartening to aspiring ones. But. Man. Hearing how some of your former clients were treating you.. to keep energetic and positive after those (stripping your rights to your work, trying to bill you for asking to put YOUR work to your portfolio) are amazingly tough. Hope the next gen understand how rough and tough the business side of anything when they're dipping their feet when they're due. Good stuff.
been there, its the politics that pissed me off. like when i first got in and the boss already noticed my work within the first weeks and used it in the upcoming project. i noticed the vibes in my department became just fucking gloomy. you can sense the negativity. silent, dead.then the my revisions became so many. After that i just focused on our business. fucking corporate life
@@eyusuki9631 Hej, I don't work in gamedesign but rather used to work in webdesign. So I don't really have practical experience to answer your question. I do know that my aunt who works at developer Deck 13 as Senior Character Artist stresses the importance of using Artstation as a best pieces portfolio if you wanna be seen in the industry.
Hey Trent, thank you for your video I'm curious if you can recommend art house studios that are worth applying for for beginner/intermediate illustrators or concept artists or how you would recommend going about getting work. Thanks love your stuff
Hi Trent! I am currently in this position where I can either continue freelancing or work full-time in-house. Thanks so much for posting this video, it helps cements my decision of continuing being a freelancer. I just find the flexibility of being a freelancer too convenient for my current lifestyle. I do have some questions for you: 1. How do you deal with the feeling of loneliness when you are freelancing? I am missing the social aspect or game dev moment that you mentioned earlier in the video. I've been asking my friends around and most of them do not have a mobile setup to be able to work at a co-working space. 2. What kind of system do you setup to manage all the different artists in your art house? I have one project where I am currently managing and art directing other people, and it gets messy tracking client feedback and such. Is there anyway I can ask you more about setting up an art house? I have sooo many questions about this. 3. How do you negotiate with a client about work deadline when you have multiple freelance going on at the same time? How do you balance the schedule with all the different projects? When in one day, I can only give 1 project a few hours, it kind of feels like I am not giving it all. 4. Can you also talk more about hourly rate vs day rate, and how do you charge a client fairly for the amount you work for? So far I've only been charging/asked for flat rates and sometimes it feels like I overwork or underwork compared to the agreed rate.
Thanks, Trent. Learnt a lot of life experiences from all the video. Im a electrical engineer in my 30th (im a good engineer), working in a huge globle company. I always wondered what is it like being a freelance artist or indie game dev. After listening to this, IT DOES NOT SOUNDS FUN!
To me, either employed in a studio or freelance. They are the SAME. You're working on other people's stuff. Both offer a different lifestyle that suits your personality and needs. But mercenary nonetheless. Imagine if your're a singer and you're only singing covers? How far can that singer goes? As an artist, you can have your own songs, own album and music tour. That require unique style and unique touch. Like James Jean, Kim Jung Gi, Jim Lee, Akira Toriyama. Its a career worth pursue. That time people will look for you to do your thing not their thing.
I'm a beginner artist and there is so much competition I feel like working for free, at least to start my career. There aren't many job opportunities compared to the insane amount of artists who want to start their career.
Is IT possible to Work from Home or even as a Minijob (don't know If this is possible ) as concept Artist ? What counts to concept ?also furniture or the dish in the Kirchen ?or the 3d fire candle ?
Well I’ve heard back... that’s something as per this video. I feel better now. Frankly though regarding concept art vs illustration I prefer freelance illustration. Specifically book covers, key art etc
the thing is that i do not live in America , i'm from Southamerica . so working for a studio there is going to be impossible unless they accept people to work online from other countries . i might try to work for local studios in my country but they are already full of animators and artists. they are not as big as the ones from USA , so my only option left is going full freelance. either way, each path you take is gonna be difficult. nothing is easy in this life.
Thanks Trent -awesome artwork and very handy inciteful comments . I think the freedom of contract work would suit me better, but I’m still developing even as the sands of time run out :)
As always very informative Trent. I’m old now and have much to learn but I still hope to one day be employable for my art. Your video was very helpful.
As someone who spent some time doing freelance graphic art I struggled with figuring out how to value my time and what to charge project to project, especially when I'd be contracted to do something I knew wouldn't be difficult or overly time consuming but couldn't just be "given away" for next to nothing. So I'm just wondering how YOU value your work and how you decide what a reasonable price is for any given project?
I know what you mean. I want to fetch a good price, but I want it to be fair to the client. It's a tricky business, especially if you want to be an honest, hard working artist. But that's certainly something that you develop over time. When I started out, I severely undervalued my rate. Now I don't mind doing some jobs for less, as long as the client signs a longer deal, or treats us very well! There are too many factors to give you a direct answer. But it's a great conversation for another video. My short answer advice is - Charge what you think is fair. Find a price per hour or day rate that makes you not resent the client, and continue to do good work. Figure out what your greatest value is, and ask for what you need in order to create that value for the client.
I've been doing freelance sci-fi illustrations & book cover designs for a few years, and I'm now looking at transitioning into a games company to get some industry experience, so this vid was really useful & on-target, cheers!
If I’m doing a book cover I mock it all up digitally first with reference photos etc so they know exactly what they are getting. Once it’s approved it’s approved that way I’m not doing double work
Now I don't know if I would prefer to work at a studio anymore, the whole art house thing did change my mind a lot but I don't think I'd be mentally stable enough to do freelance work :/
If you get paid, they own it. They can modify it, or erase your signature. If you have a contract, you can make sure that it doesn't allow certain usages of your work. But they'd have to agree to it.
Depends on what they are using it for, and whether or not they want to advertise for you. But if you were paid for the piece, then unless your contract says otherwise it is theirs to play with.
What would you say to people who believe that freelancing is the only way to make it as an artist, because working in-house is unreliable as well? This is very useful for a conversation I was having with a friend the other day, thanks!
There is some truth to that. "Security" in the games industry is a very uncommon thing. Most developers change jobs every 2-3 years according to a study I'd just read. But freelancing Is not something everyone can do. Some artists thrive in social environments where others can give them direct or even harsh feedback. Some people need that pressure of possibly losing their job in order to grow. It really depends on the individual. Certainly working at a studio is less stressful, even if the feeling of security IS an illusion.
Trent, it sounds like you had a pleasant, if not plateauing, career in the AAA business. Do you find it wiser to stick to a safer day job, build a solid portfolio and then go for a position at a big studio - or work to the bone to keep your junior position and climb the ladder?
It depends on what you want. If you want to get promoted, it's easier to change studios to get promoted. Most studios do not promote from within unless you have a boss that fast tracks you.
Great video as always, thanks for the tips and insight on freelancing I've been dealing with this issue of not knowing if I'm ready or not and your advice just opened my eyes. Plus that Salsa Caliente intro, Big fan.
Man I can't get enough of your knowledge. Great video. Freelancing isn't for everyone and it can be nerve wracking just to deal with contracts. But, it isn't the end of the world. It's all about confidence.
...well, after art school and art faculty I've been made into employee... I think like an employee and work like one; and I really enjoy that. So for me the best option is to be 'round people and in office, working as a part of the team, it really brings more joy to my work no matter what we do.
"the client is always right" ?? the client ISNT always right. thats the problem. they have to be educated and understand that its our job and we're the ones who know if things will work or not.
@@TrentKaniuga working great. People need to be guided. You wont tell an Engineer how to make his calculations or tell a Painter how to apply his techniques.
Love the drawing but not the composition. I would remove the dragon at the back, cose the main character doesnt pop up as it should. So many elements. Good job though
Nope, I want the freedom! I'm pretty confident I can handle health insurance , retirement, business accounts ect on my own. But I do have one question, sorry if it sounds dumb, how do I know how much money to put aside for taxes? Does it depend on how much I make the prior year or something?
I worked with an indie game both freelance and in the studio. I loved the experience and enjoyed it, but it wasn't worth it for my finance living in SF.
Dude, SF is the most expensive city in the country. I'd recommend moving to a more affordable area if that's the case. So easy to get trapped by the cost of living.
@@TrentKaniuga True. That was 6 years ago and I'm grateful now I work with a company tech that is more stable and provides a good salary. While I'm working I like to listen to videos like this to keep me informed. I just discovered your channel and started binging on your videos actually. XD. Despite that, I have my personal projects to keep my passion alive.
So as someone who's still in college and growing out my portfolio for art & animation, my plan was to start out with applying to all the game studios and taking any job even if it's a really small studio, while doing freelance on the side if i'm able to just so i can get more experience for the big studios later, am i thinking right here? It feels like freelance is almost impossible as a main job if you're not on a legendary level
If you're looking for stability, you might be safer working a normal job and doing contract work on the side. But you may be able to live frugally and keep your rates low enough to have a lot more consistent work coming in. It depends on your cost of living.
I'm three years late on this, but what you said about being blunt resonated with me. When I was in the military I used to get told all the time to use tact. To me, tact is just code for "politically correct". When I'm around CHILDREN I'll use tact, and even then I won't lie to kids. But as a grown ass man/woman, you should be able to hear the truth straight out. I expect the same in return- no bullshit. Just tell me I'm fucking up, how I'm fucking up, and what I can do to fix it. Sure my tone might rub some people the wrong way, and I can admit that I still have work to do in that area, but I don't don't tell people what I'm thinking or how I feel just to be a jerk. I learned the hard way that being fake is why so many people are running around depressed, stressed, and anxious. Nope, I ain't playing that game. You only got one life to live so you might as well be honest while living it. I do not live to please other people's feelings, but I will help them through whatever battle they might be facing, and that will only be done if they aren't being fragile crybabies about everything. I've told people straight out, "I'm not playing this game." I've gotten trouble numerous times while in the military for saying that and being honest/blunt when something wrong.
Hey Trent whats up man, ive been watching your vids for awhile and your content it´s so straitght forward and I like that, Ive been working on the advert industry for about 8 years and I want to make a transition from advert to the game industry, it's challenging but I have time FINALLY!! to power through concept art and be able to do communicate in a different way which is awesome....Thanks for your content it's been really helpful...Saludos from Colombia.
What steps should I take, as someone who needs to change careers, to get a job as a UI artist? I’ve been unknowingly creating designs for weapons, icons, and the like for most of my life, but I have nothing to show for it professionally.
Maybe I'm just slow, or I missed something ,but I'm really struggling with the actual differences between everything here. Being a freelancer ,being a contractor ,being on a contract, being in house , and all that. I got lost.. I'm almost certain some of these are literally the same thing with different names, but I couldn't figure out which ones worked from home and which ones go to an office and everything. If anyone see's this could they maybe help me out a little? Thanks
I want to work at a studio because I love working with people. I love the water cooler talk. I feed off the energy of everyone around me so when there is no one around, I feel isolated and lethargic. Weird considering I'm an introvert. Unfortunately I have a neurological condition that makes me unemployable for an in studio job. I need the freedom of a flexible schedule because sometimes the pain becomes too much and I need to lie down for 3 hours. I can't do that with a 9-5 studio job. Thank you for your insights.
I would like to the freelance artists, I don't follow corporate very well. Being my boss put in the work as much or as little as I want sounds awesome.
*I very appreciate you sharing all this with us.* I find your channel very valuable. So many videos, so little time. I can't both draw and listen though, ugh. But I'd listen about your working experience more if you wanna share. I love the game of Hearthstone for the randomness and luck (not the paywall though, lol). I love the characters in stories that are conscientiously willing to put their destinies to the god of random just for the sake of it. That is fun and that is.... very lively. I want to be like that. But I am so scared myself when thinking about the next day, month or a year. How am I going to make it? Will I still have my family support so I could live comfortably and do my own thing and grow? Or will I be forced to go and find a regular job I will hate - that will slow the production of art I'm making, reduce my art skill progres to a minimum, and also damage my health quite noticeably? I will live, I probably won't have money for doctors and medicine, but I'll live. Miserably. I'm afraid of that because I'm extremely unexperienced in life, many things I have I didn't have to fight for, I'm super priviledged and had family support all my life. Sometimes we make it through when we don't expect ourselves to, or when we don't know *how* we'll make it. I experience this in art. I just start and do, and somehow I make it. I love that. But in real life I can't just save my progress and come back and have as many tries as it takes. So I am scared.
I am trying to be an artist myself and I haven't acquire the right skills to be one yet (or at least an employed one). I always dreamed about working freelance but I feel as though working in an office environment might suit me better. I do have one question though, for newbies who are just starting out with basically no experience wouldn't clients be more welcoming to people who they know they don't have to pay more because the artist isn't going to stick around that long to do that task? I remember a few years ago I was doing background removing for a church and they told me they are willing to pay more per hour (two dollars more) just because they don't have to put on the employee list.
I relate to this whole video but I do graphic design for a living. I'd eventually like to go freelance, though most days I don't mind my current position. Lots of great people there but politics are real. Both sides definitely have their negative and positives. Awesome video as usual. Really like the art you worked on too.
I watched some of your videos and it made me realize that I am not cut out to work in an art related job. So i better go out and look for a "normie" job haha. Thank you for the advice !
I recently worked on an upcoming small game as a graphic designer, (I won't mention names, I respect my clients) and yeah I wanted to connect with my "boss" from time to time nothing too big just being friendly with him, but I knew that he was stressed out because of the slow development maybe and as you said they are working around the clock, they don't have much time to chit chat even though you just want to say something supportive and to help them relax because you see how much stress they build in themselves. Still I consider my self as one that some what understand clients since I'm a freelancer graphic designer for around 6 years now, but your video shows me that I still have some ruff edges to polish, to be honest I really started to like this career path and I know that I will have to make a lot of correct moves and a lot of planning and meet a lot of powerful people to get in a position that I can live a quality life like yours. I have to admit that working on this game project or what ever game project in the past really fires me up for an adventure and I work with joy even when its hard. :)
Love your channel, you've helped me to learn a lot about the industry standard, and other things analogous to that. I've understood, through you, a lot more than I think I ever could through school. The only thing, so far, that I've found to be useful about school, is honestly just the regime it keeps you to. You know you've already spent a lot of money, so you're basically self forced to continue attending and learning. I've personally opted out of schooling, for now anyways, and am teaching myself. Though, I really need to sit down and properly study the fundamentals, more than just the time I've wasted working on illustrations that lack that back bone it would have if I actually knew them the way I should. All of that aside though, I'm sure you've kept a catalog of art throughout your life. (Maybe not childhood drawings, but the very beginnings of your life in the art industry.) I was wondering if you would be willing to do a video on that, where you were in the beginning, what you did to improve (Aside from the obvious hardwork and time you've put into your craft). Maybe even show some of the art that you normally wouldn't share, things that are embarrassing and don't represent the level of skill you have and had, even at the time. It would be really interesting, to me anyway, to see exactly what an artist of your level does in his "free time" what you do to learn, train, self train, observe, grow, whatever you wanna call it. And what you did at the start of your career. (First year or so.) Aside from the fundamentals, which are mostly learned in the same way by everyone.
I would like to have the experience of working in house, sometimes i feel the need of a director or someone to help me move in some direction cause I am very creative but is really hard for me to focus in one project and understand where i am going with it. I feel very lost most of the time. so I think after i work in house for some years it will be great to be a freelancer and focus a bit more in my personal projects.
Hi there! I've got a question I would like to start with Trent' Gumroad tutorials and I was wondering which set is the best to get first. I want to focus on architecture and perspective. Anyone? Cheers!
Right now as someone who lives in a country that as a freelancer i would have to give away more than half of what i make, i have to admit that my only option is to get a job in a studio, otherwise i have to avoid paying any taxes.
Love the cute illustration and the points you made in the video. I think I gravitate more towards being responsible over everything in my day to day activities, although I have zero experience in any art related job.
I find no greater joy than being my own boss and hope to make freelancing full-time come true before my uni loan runs out for the Master's in Art I'm going for. I've worked in a few corporations (not as an artist) and the politics has hurt me very badly and changed who I was by a big degree. I don't know what I'll do with myself if I can't end up breaking free from all of that. I hope all those who are pursuing what they want in life make it, especially if you've felt this pain.
love your channel. entertaining/ easy to listen to (unlike so many other art RUclipsrs Imo) and its help me consider my future more seriously as animation student that otherwise had no clue what he wanted to do.
Ugh, I tried to catch and note everything u were saying) Great video, thank you very much) As for me, I cannot say everything at the moment as long as I have never have this experience - whether is freelance or Game Studio-job; I have never have a job at all, so I will see in the future what will suit me and so on
Trent I love your videos. You keep it very real. I’m 36 and making a career move into art from 10 years in design. Still got a ways to go but your videos keep me grounded and moving forward.
As an indie game dev I find these types of videos interesting to watch. :)
The things I appreciate most from an artist when I'm seeking a commission:
1: Good examples of the work you can do. The more variety, the better. Pixel art? Cheap sketches? Full color? Portraits? Expressions? Animation? This all helps me find what I'm looking for.
2: Communication. If I commission you for something and the next time you contact me you're sending me the fully colored finished image, then you're setting yourself up for failure. Especially if this is my first commission from you! Can you make corrections/changes to that finished drawing? If the answer is no, then you're not including your clients enough in the creative process. Confirm the sketch first. Then as you add more details you should confirm at each step of your drawing. This may take more time but you'll build a better relationship with the client.
3A: Set prices. I don't want to pay you by the hour if I don't know what you're doing with that time. Freelance is very different from working with a game studio, especially in this regard. If you feel like you undercharged then you can always mention that going forward. If you're nice about it (and I like you) then I will retroactively pay you the difference. Just remember to be nice though. If you say, "Hey man, this was a lot of work. I really feel like you should pay me what my time is worth so could you send another $200 my way?" then it won't go over well.
3B: Loose ownership. As an indie game maker I'm not that interested in full ownership. I expect the same. Keep in mind that I have a low budget and I'm not making even minimum wage from my indie game. You can post the art in your galleries and in exchange I also get to use the art in-game, as reference for other artists, etc.. If you have a statement that indicates something like: "If you use the art in game then I need to know because the price will be higher" then there's a high chance that I will pass you up for another artist with less restrictions.
4: Reasonable prices. As I said before, I have a very low budget. If you're charging anything over $100, then it's very likely I can't afford your work. I highly recommend offering lower price points such as $20 for B&W sketches. This will make you much more appealing to clients, who might even want to upgrade to the $100 pieces if they like the sketch. I do realize you may have many possible clients that come wanting to give $100 or even $200 but you could be blocking out potential indie dev clients that could bring you much more than that in the future. Something to think about! Also, if you're charging $100 to $500 or even more, and aren't getting any clients, then you need to consider a faster means of getting your work done. It doesn't matter how epic your art is, if you're not getting any clients then you might as well be drawing stick figures and charging $1 per drawing. Actually, that guy drawing stick figures? Even if he gets one client, he's still making more money than you! So always consider the best way to streamline your art, such that you're maximizing your potential profit and connections.
Just wanted to add that I agree with you about artists adding to their portfolio. When I see an artist that's not doing anything at all then it just makes them look lazy. If you're not getting commissions then you should at least be adding more to your portfolio. Even if it's just sketches, then you should let potential clients see that you're making an effort to improve. You don't know who might be keeping an eye on your work because they see potential. :)
REALLY great comment. I wish I could post this at the top for everyone to read.
@@TrentKaniuga you can pin comments???
@@TrentKaniuga You can pin the comment.🙂 It will really help so many people if came back and did this!
Some of the freelance stuff you talked about is borderline insanity. Clients from Hell episode maybe?
It's a long hard road. I'll only tell the funny stories:)
So I need to get a wife first to make sure I have a stable job, huh? *This is gonna be fun*
I just realized that I watch all your videos, looking for any reason I can find to dislike you just because it's easier than actually doing the work involved in getting better at my art... jealousy is almost as ugly as my sketches lmao
Such an honest comment. I feel that way about some other artists too. But I try to focus on the joy that I get from painting, and what I can learn from those other artists when they are doing well or doing something that I do not yet know how to do.
@@TrentKaniuga Exactly! I'm finding that Art is more of a self-worth game than anything. All the things I would try to find fault with in you are just projections of my own insecurities. Thanks for your work, I am learning tons.
Safe to say I can respect that. Honesty like that isn't very common
You're probably already really far in your life with your type of mindset, but if not... You're definitely going places, and they're all gonna be good (as possible that is lol). People like you are hard to find in life, so God bless you.
@@yeahgirl11 That might be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me lol
"I'd get fired for that one." LOL This one makes my day.
Trent, we love you for what you are. There is no need to grow thick skin bro. Just bring your best authentic self and I bet decent people will be on your side. I also find important to agree on non functional work up front, such as number of hours documenting, exchanging information, ideation etc. I learned from you so much, I really appreciate you sharing your candor, wisdom, skills, knowledge, heart and mind!
Thanks Rafael. Good tips for other contract artists in your comment here. Thanks for the supportive comment.
being a freelancer seems like more work than working in a studio. you are your own PR, accountant, lawyer, manager, etc. working in a studio is prob good for newbies/mid level artists because you can learn so much from your superiors and coworkers
God I just graduated college as an Animation and concept artist and have a bunch of freelance gigs in game art and every single point you made hit home. The lack of feedback then sudden art direction changes, the ego thing, the un stability but also the freedom. I know I don’t want to do this right away, at 20, and want to gain experience in studios. It is so draining but I do see the appeal.
i love your content so much thank you for doing this!
I think working for a company would be a great way to learn the system to eventually become a contractor.
For the record, the client is NOT always right. Most clients have no clue of what can or cannot be done. Yet, your job as the primary front facing contractor is that you mitigate their nonsense and make the client “feel” that how you steer them is all there idea. That how you direct them is there choice. And the better you are at it, the more you can control the scenario.
Art may work differently in some cases, but contract work is contract work. Real contract work gives as much freedom as it can give anxieties. It’s a lifestyle. That’s my biggest take away from being a contractor.
The beautiful twisted fantasy.
I believe doing both as you did, is the best. Start with freelancing to build up some basic experience and confidence, move on to a studio to work on big titles and develop a more professional attitude, and then having the experience from both worlds do whatever you want and feel more comfortable with.
Or the other way around ;) Start at studios where you have a more stable job, can build up your skill and have fun with coworkers. Then as you get older and have a better portfolio/experience, stay at home and use your time however you want.
The customer is always right... for the right price 😂.
Personally I lean more in house or at the very least stable contract.
To be honest, I've mostly been turned off by freelance as a whole by some of the stupid stuff people try to pull.
I've had people try to "give me an art test" that ended up them demanding something like 20 images before even considering to offer me a job.
Or the typical art test don't get the job then find my work being the used for their game with someone else's name on it.
Or the typical people just not wanting to pay me for my work.
Honestly I really should just redo my portfolio and go for inhouse again. Save myself a headache at least.
Man, I'm really sorry to hear that Jon. Don't give up on it entirely. I worked with so many bad clients before I found good ones. And when you find a good client, it changes everything. Youre talented. And you're hard working. And you're passionate. Man, you've got the formula. Now it's okay to draw some lines in the sand before you even do any work for a client. I would never do a test that took more than 2 hours. If a potential client says "we want 2 days worth of work on this test", I'd say no. And I'd be grateful. Because their "test" shows me that they will only abuse my time further, even once we have a contract. Set your standards, and do whatever you can to make the most kick ass quality artwork you can, then better clients will come along.
Trent Kaniuga honestly I’m not shut the door on it forever. I’m just more want to be part of a team with comrades at the moment rather than dealing with the headache of crap clients.
Though I do think you should do a video for those of us like me who are skilled enough for better clients on ways of finding better clients and pitching ourselves. Yknow without being all creepy. =P
@@JonLauArt You know an office job has its own issues and working closely with a lot of people you can't choose is equally stressful. Definitely try it though.
Making art of characters you dont care about for nit pickey people with bad ideas sounds worse than my normies job.
I'm sticking to normie job until I finish my own projects and push those.
Also "did you just assume my gender?!" By the watercooler sounds terrifying and is a real possibility in LA
JSG1138 making characters you don’t care about for someone you don’t care about might just be the best way to train the contractor mentality and your versatility as an artist. Don’t take it as a set back, look at it like a challenge
That was a really interesting and useful little talk. I've just recently lost my studio job and slowly making my way along the freelance road and looking forward to seeing were that road takes me, both good and bad.
Are you just doing your thing or are you actually registered as a one person "company".
I'm asking because so many people on the internet are calling themselves freelancer and it always makes the impression you just can do it yourself and take money for your work, but actually you have to be registered at your local townhall and stuff, paying ongoing fees and and and.
I thought I just could do it myself, earn some small money while looking for a job but I've never been so wrong
Trent, my understanding the way you present this channel is by providing cut to the chase conversation and insight, based on your experience. And maybe, just a bit maybe (my opinion of course) some of those elaboration might be taken as a bit harsh and disheartening to aspiring ones. But.
Man. Hearing how some of your former clients were treating you.. to keep energetic and positive after those (stripping your rights to your work, trying to bill you for asking to put YOUR work to your portfolio) are amazingly tough. Hope the next gen understand how rough and tough the business side of anything when they're dipping their feet when they're due.
Good stuff.
been there, its the politics that pissed me off. like when i first got in and the boss already noticed my work within the first weeks and used it in the upcoming project. i noticed the vibes in my department became just fucking gloomy. you can sense the negativity. silent, dead.then the my revisions became so many. After that i just focused on our business. fucking corporate life
I'll forever fondly remember the client who wanted me to call Apple and make them make Flash work on her iPad.
Hey So exactly how do I start freelances? Do I just submit my portfolio to a game company?
@@eyusuki9631 Hej, I don't work in gamedesign but rather used to work in webdesign. So I don't really have practical experience to answer your question. I do know that my aunt who works at developer Deck 13 as Senior Character Artist stresses the importance of using Artstation as a best pieces portfolio if you wanna be seen in the industry.
i would love to have a "safe"job at a studio honestly :)
Thanks a lot for these videos, been loving your videos and watching them daily.
Wait, you mean I can be an Artist AND pay my rent!? lol
@@isaaccardin no just boomer artists might have a chance at that, fuckin liars and traitors
Hey Trent, thank you for your video I'm curious if you can recommend art house studios that are worth applying for for beginner/intermediate illustrators or concept artists or how you would recommend going about getting work. Thanks love your stuff
Hi Trent! I am currently in this position where I can either continue freelancing or work full-time in-house. Thanks so much for posting this video, it helps cements my decision of continuing being a freelancer. I just find the flexibility of being a freelancer too convenient for my current lifestyle.
I do have some questions for you:
1. How do you deal with the feeling of loneliness when you are freelancing? I am missing the social aspect or game dev moment that you mentioned earlier in the video. I've been asking my friends around and most of them do not have a mobile setup to be able to work at a co-working space.
2. What kind of system do you setup to manage all the different artists in your art house? I have one project where I am currently managing and art directing other people, and it gets messy tracking client feedback and such. Is there anyway I can ask you more about setting up an art house? I have sooo many questions about this.
3. How do you negotiate with a client about work deadline when you have multiple freelance going on at the same time? How do you balance the schedule with all the different projects? When in one day, I can only give 1 project a few hours, it kind of feels like I am not giving it all.
4. Can you also talk more about hourly rate vs day rate, and how do you charge a client fairly for the amount you work for? So far I've only been charging/asked for flat rates and sometimes it feels like I overwork or underwork compared to the agreed rate.
Thanks, Trent. Learnt a lot of life experiences from all the video. Im a electrical engineer in my 30th (im a good engineer), working in a huge globle company. I always wondered what is it like being a freelance artist or indie game dev. After listening to this, IT DOES NOT SOUNDS FUN!
To me, either employed in a studio or freelance. They are the SAME. You're working on other people's stuff. Both offer a different lifestyle that suits your personality and needs. But mercenary nonetheless. Imagine if your're a singer and you're only singing covers? How far can that singer goes? As an artist, you can have your own songs, own album and music tour. That require unique style and unique touch. Like James Jean, Kim Jung Gi, Jim Lee, Akira Toriyama. Its a career worth pursue. That time people will look for you to do your thing not their thing.
Thanks a lot for your great advice/content it really is helpful
I'm a beginner artist and there is so much competition I feel like working for free, at least to start my career. There aren't many job opportunities compared to the insane amount of artists who want to start their career.
Is IT possible to Work from Home or even as a Minijob (don't know If this is possible ) as concept Artist ? What counts to concept ?also furniture or the dish in the Kirchen ?or the 3d fire candle ?
3:02 sounds like heaven to me lol
definitely an independent contractor. freedom is like oxygen to me.
Well I’ve heard back... that’s something as per this video. I feel better now. Frankly though regarding concept art vs illustration I prefer freelance illustration. Specifically book covers, key art etc
the thing is that i do not live in America , i'm from Southamerica . so working for a studio there is going to be impossible unless they accept people to work online from other countries . i might try to work for local studios in my country but they are already full of animators and artists. they are not as big as the ones from USA , so my only option left is going full freelance. either way, each path you take is gonna be difficult. nothing is easy in this life.
I love watching you erase things you've drawn. Its good.
Thanks Trent -awesome artwork and very handy inciteful comments . I think the freedom of contract work would suit me better, but I’m still developing even as the sands of time run out :)
As always very informative Trent. I’m old now and have much to learn but I still hope to one day be employable for my art. Your video was very helpful.
I live in a country where there's no game companies, and I don't have an art degree, so freelance its my only option :c
As someone who spent some time doing freelance graphic art I struggled with figuring out how to value my time and what to charge project to project, especially when I'd be contracted to do something I knew wouldn't be difficult or overly time consuming but couldn't just be "given away" for next to nothing. So I'm just wondering how YOU value your work and how you decide what a reasonable price is for any given project?
I know what you mean. I want to fetch a good price, but I want it to be fair to the client. It's a tricky business, especially if you want to be an honest, hard working artist. But that's certainly something that you develop over time. When I started out, I severely undervalued my rate. Now I don't mind doing some jobs for less, as long as the client signs a longer deal, or treats us very well! There are too many factors to give you a direct answer. But it's a great conversation for another video. My short answer advice is - Charge what you think is fair. Find a price per hour or day rate that makes you not resent the client, and continue to do good work. Figure out what your greatest value is, and ask for what you need in order to create that value for the client.
you sound like the warden from superjail.
I would like to know, where can i find those "small" studios to apply, i would love to work for a small studio as long i can learn some stuff!
I've been doing freelance sci-fi illustrations & book cover designs for a few years, and I'm now looking at transitioning into a games company to get some industry experience, so this vid was really useful & on-target, cheers!
That was extremely helpful sir. Thank you
i’m 35 and i’m a freelancer but sometimes i miss those days in studio
If I’m doing a book cover I mock it all up digitally first with reference photos etc so they know exactly what they are getting. Once it’s approved it’s approved that way I’m not doing double work
Now I don't know if I would prefer to work at a studio anymore, the whole art house thing did change my mind a lot but I don't think I'd be mentally stable enough to do freelance work :/
I think contract job is more flexible and more .. goal-specific job.
True!
What difference between employee and client?
Client is freelance?
Sorry I'm not very familiar with English so that confused me
Your client is the person buying the artwork from you.
Question about clients! Is it legal for them to take off your watermark if they commissioned it? Or is it just considered bad practice?
If you get paid, they own it. They can modify it, or erase your signature. If you have a contract, you can make sure that it doesn't allow certain usages of your work. But they'd have to agree to it.
Depends on what they are using it for, and whether or not they want to advertise for you. But if you were paid for the piece, then unless your contract says otherwise it is theirs to play with.
Thanks for the info guys!
This video comes at just the right time, thanks :)
What would you say to people who believe that freelancing is the only way to make it as an artist, because working in-house is unreliable as well? This is very useful for a conversation I was having with a friend the other day, thanks!
There is some truth to that. "Security" in the games industry is a very uncommon thing. Most developers change jobs every 2-3 years according to a study I'd just read. But freelancing Is not something everyone can do. Some artists thrive in social environments where others can give them direct or even harsh feedback. Some people need that pressure of possibly losing their job in order to grow. It really depends on the individual. Certainly working at a studio is less stressful, even if the feeling of security IS an illusion.
@@TrentKaniuga Awesome answer, thank you!
You seem to have the same personality as me. Maybe I should stick with contract work. Lol
Trent, it sounds like you had a pleasant, if not plateauing, career in the AAA business. Do you find it wiser to stick to a safer day job, build a solid portfolio and then go for a position at a big studio - or work to the bone to keep your junior position and climb the ladder?
It depends on what you want. If you want to get promoted, it's easier to change studios to get promoted. Most studios do not promote from within unless you have a boss that fast tracks you.
Great video as always, thanks for the tips and insight on freelancing I've been dealing with this issue of not knowing if I'm ready or not and your advice just opened my eyes. Plus that Salsa Caliente intro, Big fan.
Every one of these videos is packed with priceless information. A must for anyone interested in this or similar industries.
Man I can't get enough of your knowledge. Great video. Freelancing isn't for everyone and it can be nerve wracking just to deal with contracts. But, it isn't the end of the world. It's all about confidence.
the like to dislike ratio is amazing!!
currently i do a graphic design job and freelance on my art
...well, after art school and art faculty I've been made into employee... I think like an employee and work like one; and I really enjoy that. So for me the best option is to be 'round people and in office, working as a part of the team, it really brings more joy to my work no matter what we do.
thank you man, you help soo much with all of your video chats
I would see myself as a contractor although dream of likewise being able to share experience doing both
Very helpful!
"the client is always right" ??
the client ISNT always right. thats the problem. they have to be educated and understand that its our job and we're the ones who know if things will work or not.
Hows that working out for you? lol. Seriously, if you're being paid, the person paying you is right, or they stop paying you.
@@TrentKaniuga working great.
People need to be guided. You wont tell an Engineer how to make his calculations or tell a Painter how to apply his techniques.
Love the drawing but not the composition. I would remove the dragon at the back, cose the main character doesnt pop up as it should. So many elements. Good job though
Nope, I want the freedom! I'm pretty confident I can handle health insurance , retirement, business accounts ect on my own. But I do have one question, sorry if it sounds dumb, how do I know how much money to put aside for taxes? Does it depend on how much I make the prior year or something?
It depends on your country. But you should expect about %25. That way you'll be sure to have extra just in case.
@@TrentKaniuga Thanks so much!
that outro cracks me up XD
I worked with an indie game both freelance and in the studio. I loved the experience and enjoyed it, but it wasn't worth it for my finance living in SF.
Dude, SF is the most expensive city in the country. I'd recommend moving to a more affordable area if that's the case. So easy to get trapped by the cost of living.
@@TrentKaniuga True. That was 6 years ago and I'm grateful now I work with a company tech that is more stable and provides a good salary. While I'm working I like to listen to videos like this to keep me informed. I just discovered your channel and started binging on your videos actually. XD. Despite that, I have my personal projects to keep my passion alive.
So as someone who's still in college and growing out my portfolio for art & animation, my plan was to start out with applying to all the game studios and taking any job even if it's a really small studio, while doing freelance on the side if i'm able to just so i can get more experience for the big studios later, am i thinking right here?
It feels like freelance is almost impossible as a main job if you're not on a legendary level
If you're looking for stability, you might be safer working a normal job and doing contract work on the side. But you may be able to live frugally and keep your rates low enough to have a lot more consistent work coming in. It depends on your cost of living.
@@TrentKaniuga Thank you! Being stable is important in the beginning i think. Specially when i'm fresh and just trying to get in the industry.
I'm three years late on this, but what you said about being blunt resonated with me. When I was in the military I used to get told all the time to use tact. To me, tact is just code for "politically correct". When I'm around CHILDREN I'll use tact, and even then I won't lie to kids.
But as a grown ass man/woman, you should be able to hear the truth straight out. I expect the same in return- no bullshit. Just tell me I'm fucking up, how I'm fucking up, and what I can do to fix it.
Sure my tone might rub some people the wrong way, and I can admit that I still have work to do in that area, but I don't don't tell people what I'm thinking or how I feel just to be a jerk. I learned the hard way that being fake is why so many people are running around depressed, stressed, and anxious. Nope, I ain't playing that game. You only got one life to live so you might as well be honest while living it. I do not live to please other people's feelings, but I will help them through whatever battle they might be facing, and that will only be done if they aren't being fragile crybabies about everything. I've told people straight out, "I'm not playing this game." I've gotten trouble numerous times while in the military for saying that and being honest/blunt when something wrong.
Hey Trent whats up man, ive been watching your vids for awhile and your content it´s so straitght forward and I like that, Ive been working on the advert industry for about 8 years and I want to make a transition from advert to the game industry, it's challenging but I have time FINALLY!! to power through concept art and be able to do communicate in a different way which is awesome....Thanks for your content it's been really helpful...Saludos from Colombia.
Want to work as a freelancer but in my own peaceful place where no distraction I face. I can work 20hrs/Day if such place is provided.
What steps should I take, as someone who needs to change careers, to get a job as a UI artist? I’ve been unknowingly creating designs for weapons, icons, and the like for most of my life, but I have nothing to show for it professionally.
Maybe I'm just slow, or I missed something ,but I'm really struggling with the actual differences between everything here. Being a freelancer ,being a contractor ,being on a contract, being in house , and all that. I got lost.. I'm almost certain some of these are literally the same thing with different names, but I couldn't figure out which ones worked from home and which ones go to an office and everything. If anyone see's this could they maybe help me out a little? Thanks
I want to work at a studio because I love working with people. I love the water cooler talk. I feed off the energy of everyone around me so when there is no one around, I feel isolated and lethargic. Weird considering I'm an introvert. Unfortunately I have a neurological condition that makes me unemployable for an in studio job. I need the freedom of a flexible schedule because sometimes the pain becomes too much and I need to lie down for 3 hours. I can't do that with a 9-5 studio job. Thank you for your insights.
This was so helpful
Trent, your mindset and perspective on things is always refreshing. Loved watching you work on this one especially! Thank you
Going to art school for 7 years and being a republican, I’ve learned to shut my mouth
I would like to the freelance artists, I don't follow corporate very well. Being my boss put in the work as much or as little as I want sounds awesome.
*I very appreciate you sharing all this with us.*
I find your channel very valuable. So many videos, so little time.
I can't both draw and listen though, ugh. But I'd listen about your working experience more if you wanna share.
I love the game of Hearthstone for the randomness and luck (not the paywall though, lol). I love the characters in stories that are conscientiously willing to put their destinies to the god of random just for the sake of it. That is fun and that is.... very lively. I want to be like that. But I am so scared myself when thinking about the next day, month or a year. How am I going to make it? Will I still have my family support so I could live comfortably and do my own thing and grow? Or will I be forced to go and find a regular job I will hate - that will slow the production of art I'm making, reduce my art skill progres to a minimum, and also damage my health quite noticeably? I will live, I probably won't have money for doctors and medicine, but I'll live. Miserably. I'm afraid of that because I'm extremely unexperienced in life, many things I have I didn't have to fight for, I'm super priviledged and had family support all my life.
Sometimes we make it through when we don't expect ourselves to, or when we don't know *how* we'll make it. I experience this in art. I just start and do, and somehow I make it. I love that. But in real life I can't just save my progress and come back and have as many tries as it takes. So I am scared.
I am trying to be an artist myself and I haven't acquire the right skills to be one yet (or at least an employed one). I always dreamed about working freelance but I feel as though working in an office environment might suit me better. I do have one question though, for newbies who are just starting out with basically no experience wouldn't clients be more welcoming to people who they know they don't have to pay more because the artist isn't going to stick around that long to do that task? I remember a few years ago I was doing background removing for a church and they told me they are willing to pay more per hour (two dollars more) just because they don't have to put on the employee list.
Technically, yes. Some freelancers make far more money freelancing than being an employee. Also, taxes are lower for self employed people in the US.
Very informative and inspiring. :)
Thank you good sir.
I relate to this whole video but I do graphic design for a living. I'd eventually like to go freelance, though most days I don't mind my current position. Lots of great people there but politics are real. Both sides definitely have their negative and positives.
Awesome video as usual. Really like the art you worked on too.
I watched some of your videos and it made me realize that I am not cut out to work in an art related job. So i better go out and look for a "normie" job haha. Thank you for the advice !
I love your advice, it helps me decide when I'm in psychological prison
I recently worked on an upcoming small game as a graphic designer, (I won't mention names, I respect my clients) and yeah I wanted to connect with my "boss" from time to time nothing too big just being friendly with him, but I knew that he was stressed out because of the slow development maybe and as you said they are working around the clock, they don't have much time to chit chat even though you just want to say something supportive and to help them relax because you see how much stress they build in themselves. Still I consider my self as one that some what understand clients since I'm a freelancer graphic designer for around 6 years now, but your video shows me that I still have some ruff edges to polish, to be honest I really started to like this career path and I know that I will have to make a lot of correct moves and a lot of planning and meet a lot of powerful people to get in a position that I can live a quality life like yours. I have to admit that working on this game project or what ever game project in the past really fires me up for an adventure and I work with joy even when its hard. :)
Love your channel, you've helped me to learn a lot about the industry standard, and other things analogous to that. I've understood, through you, a lot more than I think I ever could through school.
The only thing, so far, that I've found to be useful about school, is honestly just the regime it keeps you to. You know you've already spent a lot of money, so you're basically self forced to continue attending and learning. I've personally opted out of schooling, for now anyways, and am teaching myself. Though, I really need to sit down and properly study the fundamentals, more than just the time I've wasted working on illustrations that lack that back bone it would have if I actually knew them the way I should.
All of that aside though, I'm sure you've kept a catalog of art throughout your life. (Maybe not childhood drawings, but the very beginnings of your life in the art industry.)
I was wondering if you would be willing to do a video on that, where you were in the beginning, what you did to improve (Aside from the obvious hardwork and time you've put into your craft).
Maybe even show some of the art that you normally wouldn't share, things that are embarrassing and don't represent the level of skill you have and had, even at the time.
It would be really interesting, to me anyway, to see exactly what an artist of your level does in his "free time" what you do to learn, train, self train, observe, grow, whatever you wanna call it. And what you did at the start of your career. (First year or so.) Aside from the fundamentals, which are mostly learned in the same way by everyone.
I would like to have the experience of working in house, sometimes i feel the need of a director or someone to help me move in some direction cause I am very creative but is really hard for me to focus in one project and understand where i am going with it. I feel very lost most of the time. so I think after i work in house for some years it will be great to be a freelancer and focus a bit more in my personal projects.
Hi there! I've got a question I would like to start with Trent' Gumroad tutorials and I was wondering which set is the best to get first. I want to focus on architecture and perspective.
Anyone?
Cheers!
You inspired me to continue making my concept art (I was procrastinating), so thank you. Will definitely binge watch your vids after this one.
Right now as someone who lives in a country that as a freelancer i would have to give away more than half of what i make, i have to admit that my only option is to get a job in a studio, otherwise i have to avoid paying any taxes.
很喜欢你的教程，看了你网站的教程和我们的教程很不一样，但是我英语很差劲。- - 而且你的语速有点快，我完全听不懂，真是遗憾，
Love the cute illustration and the points you made in the video. I think I gravitate more towards being responsible over everything in my day to day activities, although I have zero experience in any art related job.
That is a great video, thank you!
I find no greater joy than being my own boss and hope to make freelancing full-time come true before my uni loan runs out for the Master's in Art I'm going for. I've worked in a few corporations (not as an artist) and the politics has hurt me very badly and changed who I was by a big degree. I don't know what I'll do with myself if I can't end up breaking free from all of that.
I hope all those who are pursuing what they want in life make it, especially if you've felt this pain.
"Clients erase my name out" holy fuck this is fuckin brutal
I like how you always finish your videos like a Beatnik or something lol
Where do you actually find those art houses on the web? Most of the ones I've seen so far were well hidden
love your channel. entertaining/ easy to listen to (unlike so many other art RUclipsrs Imo) and its help me consider my future more seriously as animation student that otherwise had no clue what he wanted to do.
Ugh, I tried to catch and note everything u were saying) Great video, thank you very much) As for me, I cannot say everything at the moment as long as I have never have this experience - whether is freelance or Game Studio-job; I have never have a job at all, so I will see in the future what will suit me and so on
Awesome video Trent. Thanks for sharing. Take care. :)
Trent I love your videos. You keep it very real. I’m 36 and making a career move into art from 10 years in design. Still got a ways to go but your videos keep me grounded and moving forward.
Good one, Master Trent!
i know this is an old video, but how do you find the contract work?