Reflection and Job Research

From the jobs ive looked at, i have compiled a list of what the majority of 2D/3D artists are expected in terms of knowledge, skills and qualifications to be an perfect candidate for that industry.

Skills

• Experienced and diverse character and creature creator, with experience of 3D texturing and modelling.
• Solid grasp on Form, structure, colour theory and light for both 2D and 3D assets.
• Exceptional understanding of human and creature anatomy, with an excellent idea of a strong silhouette.
• Formal art training and skilled in another form of art production (e.g. animation, illustration, concept drawing, texturing, modelling.)
• Works well with peers and is passionate about making games.
• Self motivated with good communication skills.
• Understanding and working to the style of the developer.
• (some companies ask for character artists who are able to rig well)
• Experienced with baking high poly meshes to low poly meshes. 

Software Knowledge 

• Experienced with Maya, 3ds Max [some ask for XSI] (or equivalent 3D rendering software e.g) 
• Experienced with Photoshop, Coral Painter (or equivilent 2D rendering software)
• Experience with ZBrush, Mudbox

Qualifications

• 2+ to 4+ years of experience in game development modelling and texturing characters.
• Have shipped a AAA console or PC title as a 2D/3D character artist. (this is a plus for most games companies) 

They technically aren't asking for a lot apart from you to be godly good, which i would expect every artist wants to be, to constantly improve their skills. From this i definitely understand what i need to focus on. i am still very weak at 3D character creation as ive only ever made one so i really need to aim at widening my knowledge on techniques and mesh flow of characters, as well as professional standard texturing. 

I also need to improve my 2D rendering skills, but that is something that i constantly try and do naturally.

I also need to experiment with other modelling software like Maya and ZBrush as they seem to be the main 2 modelling and sculpting software's that the industry is asking for.

I knew i had a long way to go before i was employable, but i didnt realise i had this far to go, i really do need to practice a hell of alot. This project will be good for this as well as the summer coming