Tips For Aspiring Artists Applying To Game Studios

Introduction

Hello, my name is Woohyun Kim and I work as a Chief Operating Officer at Octopo Studio. I began my journey as a 3D Artist 15 years ago when it was still possible to secure a job in the video game industry, even if you have zero experience and expertise. I was brave enough to apply for the position with my fully analog portfolio, which consisted of hand-drawn sketches. Although this approach may seem unconventional by today’s standards, I was fortunate enough to land the job. However, I soon quit the position to found my own company which turned out to be my first big failure.

Over the next 3-4 years, I worked relentlessly with a few friends of mine, but we were unable to release a game. Even though we released nothing, I got a diverse range of skills, not only producing art assets in various forms but also game design, video editing, motion graphics, etc. So, I wouldn’t say it was a total waste. 

After that, I transitioned into roles as a General 2D Artist, UI Artist, VFX Artist, Supervisor and finally became COO of a newly founded game development company. Some notable titles that I’ve participated in are Brawl Stars, Clash Mini, Everdale, Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Line Pop, and Friends Pop. Now, I’m working on a new project as a Game Designer and Art Director while also directing seven VFX outsourcing projects with the VFX team in our studio. 

Throughout my career, I’ve always focused on making myself irreplaceable to secure each position I have held. To achieve this, I’ve built my skills strategically. If you aspire to be extraordinary, it’s essential to develop a clear strategy first rather than chasing trendy tech or acquiring random skills you come across. Sit, calm yourself down, thoroughly reflect on and evaluate the skills you already possess. Determine your primary goal and identity, which skill would synergize best with your existing capabilities. Finally, tackle them one by one and pivot to your next goal each time when you achieve the previous goal.

This may sound like a mantra, but I genuinely believe that uniqueness comes from you. Think about what you’ve got or experienced throughout your life. Based on the uniqueness that stems from your life, push yourself to become a better version of yourself each day. By doing so, you’ll inevitably become irreplaceable.

Essential Skills and Experiences

If I have to identify one crucial factor that has contributed to my success, it would be the synergy that arises from the blend of various skills I possess. It’s easy to find someone who excels in specific areas, for instance, better VFX, better UI, better animation, and so on. But it's hard to find someone who knows how to make an asset considering animation, UI and VFX, and be able to execute all of them if it’s needed. When a team consists of multiple specialists, orchestrating the final result can be challenging. Yet, when there is someone who possesses a comprehensive skill set, the outcome is much more cohesive and well-crafted. 

If your aim is to become a specialist and make one stunning frag of a game, never mind, my advice may not be applicable. However, if your goal is to make a game, not a part of a game, “the whole game”, then being a high-skilled Generalist can be immensely advantageous. Especially in the mobile gaming industry, the strategy works very well due to the evolving work procedures of today. More and more teams are seeking capable Generalists to lead projects using agile methodologies.

Techniques and Technologies

My answer may come across as disappointing to some, as it may be considered old-fashioned. However, I strongly believe that the key lies not in the technologies, but in the art. The rapid pace of evolution makes it nearly impossible to keep up with cutting-edge techniques. 

At one point, I also tried to be a techy artist but soon realised that trying to be constantly up-to-date would lead me down a never-ending rabbit hole because up-to-date tech is replaced every minute. Moreover, the more time I spent learning new techs, the less time I had to enhance my artistic skills. Thus, I was tempted to learn more techs to cover up my rusty art skills, but luckily; I resisted it. Looking back, I’m content with the decision I made.

Despite not actively following the latest technological trends, I keep expanding my knowledge in various domains. Of course, Google has remained a steadfast friend to search for tips and tutorials. AI ChatBot became popular among early adopters and there are artist communities where you can obtain some valuable information, such as Realtime VFX. 

I know it might be challenging to find peers, especially in the early stage of a career. However, you can easily connect with strangers online by just sending messages or leaving a comment. I used to organise online or offline meetups to share my learnings or to study a specific subject together. We still stay in touch and inspire each other for many years. You don’t need to go to a top art school or work at a top-tier company to gather alumni. What truly matters is being brave and friendly.  

Effective Portfolio

Since becoming a manager, I’ve received many portfolios with very similar formats which make me deadly bored. I know there may be a trend or so-called required format, but I firmly believe that this job is more about creativity than simply producing the output. So, portfolios with a lack of creativity don’t attract, no matter how well-made they are. Presenting your work with good storytelling is a very effective way to show your creativity and draw attention from your potential employers.

Show your unique interpretation of elements, even if it may feel somewhat clumsy. I’ve encountered many artists who are stuck with a single style that they’ve trained and have zero capacity to embrace another style. If you hold a higher position such as Senior or Lead Artist, of course, your employer expects a refined skill set that can make an immediate impact. But if you’re a Junior or Entry-Level Artist, then employers are betting on your future contribution to the company after getting used to their style and techs. So, it’s totally acceptable not to be perfect at this stage. Instead, focus on demonstrating your ability to analyse visuals and showcase your potential.

Role of Social Media 

Social media can play a vital role in presenting your work and building a professional network. I also regularly upload my work on some portfolio-sharing platforms, such as ArtStation and Behance. Facebook feels more casual and private to me, so I primarily use it to share updates on my job status. LinkedIn is not my cup of tea, because of less popularity in South Korea, but there will be no harm in having an organised resume on LinkedIn since it provides a clean layout. I don’t have a Twitter account but I’ve seen a few cases of finding freelancers by portfolio they’ve uploaded on the platform.

So, here is my summary: 

• Twitter can be a social media and portfolio platform. I would recommend it if you want to be connected with the audience, exchange feedback and share your thoughts about portfolios. 
• Behance provides a decent editing option for your posts, making it suitable for UI Artists. It is also beneficial for Animators and VFX Artists if you want to showcase your work with decorations. It covers quite a broad range of graphic design areas, so the audiences can be different compared to ArtStation. But still, there are many Game Developers, and I’ve got many offers via Behance.
• LinkedIn is useful for a resume.

If you’re asking for advice, I would like to say: 

• Be regular. Followers and your presence accumulate over time. You don’t need to post every day. Just set a goal like uploading your work at least once per month.
• Present your work nicely. Remember that the way you present your work is also a part of your portfolio. Don’t just post a GIF with a blank background. Take the time to present your work in an appealing and professional manner.
• Be unique. Of course, content is king. Think about how to differentiate your work from all other competitors out there. Find your unique style and perspective to make your portfolio stand out.

More Job Tips

If there is a company, you’re interested in but has no open position that suits your demand, you can proactively reach out to the company’s recruiter. Send them your portfolio and express your interest in working for them. Ask the company to keep you informed about any future opportunities. Game companies are always desperately in need of talented artists. So, if your portfolio feels off the chart, they’ll open a new position specifically for you. That’s how I received offers from Supercell. 

• Networking within the game industry can be valuable for discovering job opportunities. Attend industry events, join online communities, and engage with professionals in the field. Building connections and fostering relationships can lead to insider information about job openings and potential referrals.
• Embrace the grind. Consistency is the key to success. I don’t believe in natural talents. Every so-called talented individual I’ve ever met has dedicated immense amounts of time and effort to honing their skills. No one has said they got it for granted. To sustain such dedication, it’s crucial to find joy and passion in what you do. Don’t waste your time doing something that doesn't make you happy. 
• Push yourself to constantly exceed your best. It may sound a bit arrogant, but when I look back at my past portfolios, I’m always amazed by the quality of work I produced. Even though years have passed since the completion, I’m not sure if I can reproduce it easily or within a shorter time. I poured all my efforts into each work. The pursuit of greatness requires perseverance and a willingness to go above and beyond, even when it seems challenging or unattainable.

Last but not least, don’t be shy when it comes to representing your work. If you put your heart and soul into your creations, it’s time to let them shine proudly. Scrap any self-doubt and confidently present your best work to the world. Embracing these principles — consistency, pushing beyond your best, and confidently showcasing your work — you can lay a strong foundation for a successful career in the game industry.

Woohyun Kim, Chief Operating Officer 

Interview conducted by Ana Kessler