My rules for being a "professional" + freelance tips. Trent's Comment Corner #22 (Sept 7, 2018)
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I use the word "professional" a lot in many of my videos. But what do I mean by that? What does it mean to be a pro? This is a pretty serious topic, but it's been asked many times, so I thought I'd dig into it today.
Things I've worked on:
Overwatch (PC, PS4)
League of Legends (PC)
Diablo 3 (PC,PS4)
Hearthstone (Mobile, PC)
Burning Crusade (PC)
Wrath of the Lich King (PC)
Indivisible
Unsung Story
Final Fight Streetwise (PS2)
He Man (GBA)
Terminator 3 (GBA)
CannonBallers (Mobile)
CreeD
Twilight Monk
Ikeda
Nova Colony
Galaxy's Edge
SodaPopSoldier
Millenium Actress
Goblins and Gnomes 
Развлечения
- Don't be a weirdo
[ A few minutes later ]
- Ciao, baby, ooh yeah
yiu missed the: "catch you all mañana" ;)
@@kamdynricky5822 Look at trying to scam people, while bragging that you broke your girlfriend's trust
I believe in any field in which you work, the key is setting the proper expectations. I work in IT services and while maybe not the same as art I think the concepts are similar. Hold yourself to a high standard and ensure you always meet or exceed it. Be honest and upfront and you will gain respect no matter success or failure.
i m agreed to you. Tht is what is require to do any business.
I am just getting my feet wet in the concept art industry after spending the last 18 years as a graphic/web designer, ux/ui designer and front end developer. So much stuff is pretty much the same in the game industry as in the world of web/mobile development. The pipeline, the team, the company cultures, the ability to wear multiple hats and make yourself useful, but above all, i think it's the willingness to be constantly learning is what keeps you going, that curiosity and that quest for more, which helps you endure the rough times and move forward. For me personally, i have reached the end of the journey in one arena, and now i am working on making the shift to the games industry. Thankfully, there is a lot of this overlap and i hope when my drawing skills are good enough i will become employable and become a professional. Until then, practice practice practice! Cheers!
like it or not, you are my personal mentor from now on
Hey Trent, great video man! I am a working professional in the Austin area, and I’ve seen every manner of bad behavior, unprofessional behavior, inappropriate behavior, etc. at the various studios I’ve worked for. i’m a lot like you in that I try to be as professional as possible and be of benefit to my employer at all times and try to steer clear of drama as best I can.I could seriously tells stories of almost everything you described.
Are you able to show a contract and key points a new freelance artist should make clear with a client? Just curious if this is a 1-2 page doc for signature or a 20 page lawyer witness agreement.
Would love to see an example of a contract too!
Same, would love to know this too!
Same here !
Yes i got a client and they’re interested in illustration for album cover and I don’t just want to give them my art without contract, i’m new to this and need some help with it.
You just need a clear agreement on the terms in which both parties agree a simple email can even count as a contract you don't need lawyers or anything ridiculous like that to have an agreement that's legally binding
Thank you Trent, that's an amazing video. Generally your videos are demystifying the whole "making money" aspect of art for me, which is helping me to break through my doubts one by one. Started pushing the art aspect in my life since a few months, gonna buy a graphic tablet (RIP wacom fun, you were a good companion for a few years, my grieving ends and I shall move on) and checking out commission contracts by other people who have kindly uploaded them for the public to see for reference. I'm always excited when I see a notification that there's a few video by you haha :)
Hi Trent,
Thanks for your point of view of professionalism and many other tips, it's a great inspiration for me and the other to hear and learn of. please continue to sharing and inspiring others
Another great video. That apartment analogy was perfect!
Just don't be a weirdo!! :D
I wonder if it was a weirdo that gave a thumbs down-perhaps a previous employee?
Always great to hear your advice Trent!
I'm curious to hear your thoughts on Art Tests for new artists? Personally I seem to be asked to do them all the time and either I do them and I'm ghosted or either I say I don't do art tests and I'm told "That's not how the industry works". It's a bit frustrating to be honest.
Your portfolio should be enough for your client to decide if you have enough skill to do the job they require. It's on them and their art director to know this and to make that judgment. It's literately their job to be able to judge if you are going to be a good asset for them or not. Art tests? That just tells me they are wishy-washy and they don't know how to do their jobs.
Thanks for your videos man, i really appreciate them all, helps a lot!
I just realized the FF14 poster behind you, love it! And love the advice.
As always informative video, clear points, awesome demeanour and solid advice. I have been an art machine lately and I can credit you in all honestly for re-igniting a passion I was neglecting. Maybe one day I'll have the honor of thanking you in person. Take care
Hi Trent - Really like your style and sensibility! Lots of good advice here, and I concur with it all. I'm a new subscriber, but not new in the field.. just getting lots of new inspiration and new direction, and your channel has added to this. Thank you!
Trent thank you soooooo much for this video. Your are clearing my Freelance glitches
The take away; don't be a weirdo. Got it.
- but seriously, thanks for this.
Word of mouth can either help you,
or hurt you.
It's all up to you.
Great guidance and suggestions to the queries!
All good advice.
Thanks for advice Trent
I definitely have to stop overbooking myself. I burned out in January and I wouldn’t wish that upon anyone. It’s a work in progress...
Communication, manners and respect are so important not just having the required ability. (And time management lol)
Whenever I go to a job interview I always ask them to text me anything instead of email. obviously its not the most efficient way to do things, but I forget I even have an email at some points! Especially if I'm working hard, the last thing I'll check is my email.
I treat a job like my first ever date. stay quiet, smile and don't talk about issues around the world (maybe tell a joke)
very important stuff! :)
I'm no artist but the stuff you're talking about applies in ANY professional situation.
Also this "religion is taboo" thing seems like a non-conducive environment to be in because if you don't know what's okay and what's not okay with a person then you'd basically be navigating in the dark without a compass. For example: say someone is a christian artist and doesn't do porn / raunchy BECAUSE of his religion--then he GOTTA tell the client upfront before taking the job, because it might get complicated down the road.
I don't ever _assume_ about what ppl want. I *ASK* them clearly, and I encourage them to tell me the reason why they want certain things and not others. I'm a waiter in a restaurant and if someone is not ordering pork or is clearly avoiding meat-based dishes (after I give them the chef's suggestions) then I ask if they're maybe vegetarian, vegan, if they only eat halal or kosher, if they're on a diet, they have allergy etc. I have to make sure the kitchen does not prepare the dish in a way that would "offend" the clients in any way.
Which is why I don't really...I don't think religion and lifestyle should be taboo in any professional setting. I mean, it's always best to know who you're working with so you don't have to accidentally step on a landmine later on. But that's just my opinion. Not an artist, btw.
Being professional is also a mentality the way you think about yourself, you can always look at your work and think it is not good enough when maybe it is already, and by that, you are not confident enough to call your self pro. And it can really stop you from progress.
well sounded advice thanks !!!
Oh god, this video aged so we'll with the recent Blizzard news.
I watched this and the other video about not being a conformist, and it's very relatable. I find it a bit scary how it's possible for people to just keep quiet about things and foster toxic cultures like that.
I was in a job before where things weren't bad, but there was still this mutually agreed level of shittiness that everyone was supposed to ignore. I do code, and I tried to make a bit of a difference, as much as I could being a rookie and not be annoying about it, but it was so stressful and it felt like walking on eggshells just trying to ask about some of the faulty processes. And the worst part is that other people don't really feel comfortable either is what I've noticed, but they keep up the facade, and I guess I did too. I definitely couldn't have done that long term though, especially after doing some internal searching. I just want to live an honest life and be true to myself. Sometimes you have to do difficult things to survive, I'm definitely not from a privileged background so I know that, but things are better than they ever were in human history, you will be fine for the most part. You don't have to put up with a shitty situation that drains the energy out of you.
That topic aside, thanks for the video, lots of good advice. Many of the things I've learned from my own experience already, but I tend to be a bit insecure about myself, so this is a great reminder that I am on the right track.
Would you ever consider, if you have the time. Like being between projects. Making a Genos concept Trent style? Personally I think he can look pretty badass with a steampunky look, but thatd just me. Anyway another fantastic video my man.
Channeling a bit of Dirty Hary from Magnum Force, huh Trent? "A man's gotta know his limitations" XD
Great advice, thanks so much for sharing!
*selling my soul to the evil to have enthusiasm as you.
Ok, I get it: no flirt at work. But is it okay to have romantic relationship with a colleague outside of workspace? Or there is a strict taboo on this, and I have to look for a partner outside the company? And what if, for example, I am not in a pos but just a contract freelancer and I like someone who works in a company in a pos? Is it acceptable to have a relationship with a colleague again outside of workspace in that case?
Hey Trent, i am super happy to have stumbled upon your channel. I lost the video where you talk about landing your first freelance art gig, but i just wanted to say i got paid out for my first milestone today for a short comic i am illustrating. I took your advice about puting yself out there, and submitted a very low proposal just so i could get some experience under my belt. It is a super indy guy, not for an studio or anything but it feels really good and im just happy to get the experience. I hope you know how much of a good and positive inflience you are. I cant wait to watch the rest of your videos, and hope to purchase your photoshop tutorials down the road. Chauuu baby hasta man-yandabahn? 😎🍻
when economy crashes what digital artist do ? we all know it has been the longest stable economic era and i have not lived through 2008 as an artist. What are the things to be aware about?
Hey Trent, thanks for the video, these have been a boost every time. Novice question incoming. I've recently been attempting a few of the things you've recommended about just starting to get work. I've stuck for the most part to trying bidding sites like 99designs, but I'm leaning toward doing my own thing instead, just finding clients to get commissions freelance style. One thing has been holding me back. Specifically...
QUESTION: how do you keep track of taxes when it's just between yourself and the commissioner? I understand that these payments would need to be taxed...but do you just keep track of your total income through paypal or something? Any special things you need to print out as proof, or fill out beyond normal tax forms? It's probably obvious, thanks for your time.
Great one, man!
Hi Trent,
I've been working as a 2d artist for game design for 3 years now. I'm planning on taking a short mentored course about 3d poly modelling and the entire workflow to create new characters and environments.
Do you recommend that new concept artists bolster their skills and understanding of game design by learning up the same 3d processes their 3d colleagues use on a daily basis?
I really hope this can bolster an artist's understanding of their craft and they'll be able to take advantage of their fundamentals to help both the 2d and 3d departments even better.
Yeah nobody likes double dealers 9:00. It goes both ways though.
Is there a reason that people sit in the middle of the screen instead of following the rule of thirds in these personal interview videos? I've seen many artist RUclipsrs sit right in the middle of the screen and I was wondering why.
I suppose it's less artsy?
Hey Trent, how to respond when clients say you're too expensive without losing the job?
Very good Info, THX!!! :D Are you personally looking for people to make 3D models from your concept art?
Not presently. but I'm not opposed to it.
The video is very insightful! Especially for those people who forget that a job is "just" a job in the and with certain responsibilities and conditions.
How many hours of practise a day would you recommed for someone aiminig to become a professional? And did you ever have back/neck/wrist pains and solutions for them? ^^°
Do you groan when you have to render a piece? Which do you enjoy doing more, sketches, or full renders?
Liev Schreiber ?
Always work on ur weakness😄💞💯😎 ur the best trent.💞jenn
I have issues with the Time.
Videos from or like you, make see so easy a concept art.
AND i do so many layers wich Is normal (5 Max) but, why i cant work faster
Try making the training in drawing something in deferent time limits, like 10 min 1min 10 sec or smth like that, I tryed the idea my self and my speed improved, see the problem we all face is not always lack of software knowledge, but lack of organization and with that training you force your brain to make solution to draw exact thing faster so what you do you throw out the part where you not doing any progress like doing some details to detailed etc, useless strokes. What you learn is that you can show the same thing with fewer strokes and sometimes more strokes are not needed.
than you ..im gonna try my best!
The way I see it, I put thousands of hours into fixing computers and designing networks to be good at it. It took me a while to come around to the fact that you need to do that for whatever skill you want to learn. I think just keep at it and focus on quality and speed will come. That's my plan.
The "professional" world is a very sick layer in human life. I don't even understand what humans live for if their whole existence is based on making money and raise their children. I'm so glad I didn't go with Art in school and decided to keep it as a hobby while doing something else "professionally".
bzzz. 13th september noon Asian time here.
still no sign of dislike. over. bzzzz
Thanks for the videos master, but honestly i hate the intro music
If you aren't bedridden, hospitalized or dying you can still work.
Are artists generally less reliable then other professionals in your opinion?
Danilo Recevic not really. I think the guy who messed up my order at pollo loco 3 times last week was pretty unreliable. My old accountant from 2001 was unreliable. The plumber that showed up 3 hours late last year was unreliable. It happens everywhere.
Very useful, thank you! The only worrying thing is that 95% of this video is common sense! :P Is people that crazy?
Apff... If you was my boss i whouldn't stand you for long. No joke.. =) :D
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