WIGIJ Panel Advice

Below are some points on how to start up a business, and how to make a name for it;

• Use sites like Digital Doughnut/Donut for meet ups which will help with networking
• TIGA can help you
• Be commercial and sell-able - you're making games for your clients or consumers - never for just you!
• Make your financials clear and straight forward - show people exactly why they should invest in you.
• London Indies - monthly meetups (meetups.com)

And now for some advice on CV's/Jobs and the like;

• If your course is skillset accredited - this is a clear message to a potential employer that your course is validated by the industry.
• More specific courses to the industry provides employers better info on what you have studied.
• Masters level qualifications can show a level of maturity and knowledge of your chosen subject,
• Work placements/Internships/Experience is INVALUABLE as it shows an employer you know how a studio/office works, how to behave, how to work with other professionally. Also, it shows your worth as you have already succeeded in a rigorous selection process in order to land that placement.
• Internships are often the result of specific relationships built between university institutions and companies - though individuals can also apply (though some positions may not be openly advertised)
• Use networks/Forums to get feedback on your CV/Portfolio before you submit it to companies. These critiques are an excellent way to get impartial feedback on your work.
• Keep a blog and keep it current - show your interests through your blog.
• Understand your own talents and exactly what you can offer a company BEFORE applying.
• Be passionate and connected with your chosen subject.
• Game Jams are an excellent way to find out how you work in a team, how games are really made, how you work under pressure with people you may not know. They are also great for networking!
• A good way to get your foot on the wrung is by being a QA tester for games.
• Below are two great videos on Games Testing Jobs from www.youtube,com

Below is a snippet from EA's very informative website;

https://jobs.ea.com/students/faqs/

Q: What kind of educational background would I need to be a Computer Graphic Artist at EA?

A: We don't recommend specific schools, but we definitely believe it's critical to have a good foundation in traditional art skills. Having good fundamental skills provides you with a solid base to draw upon throughout your entire career.

It's good to have experience with 2D and/or 3D graphic software packages. We find that people can get this experience in a variety of ways. Some people focus their entire education in this area, while others just take a single course to get a basic understanding. Some learn via tutorials provided with popular animation/modeling software. In any event, we recommend taking the time to research the avenue that's best for you.

Also, keep in mind that computer design is a big field. There are many opportunities for specialization. At EA, for example, we have Character Animators, Environment Modelers, Texture Artists, User Interface Artists, Lighters, Visual Effects Artists, and many other types of artist. It's important for artists to identify the area they enjoy most and focus on it. Specializing in one or two specific areas can help you establish yourself as an artist in our industry and get the most out of your career.

And finally an EA Jobs website :)

https://performancemanager4.successfactors.com/career?_s.crb=GqxiUfUq4THNaTsb06D1nXpwBZ0%253d


And Edge Jobs website;

http://jobs.edge-online.com/