Landing a Job at an AAA Studio with One Environment Project
Vertex School graduate Tiger Chuiqing Yang shared his experience of graduating from university with a master’s degree and not being able to find a job. He then joined the Vertex School Game Art Program and landed a job as a 3D Environment Artist at an AAA studio just 1.5 months after graduating. In the interview, he gives advice to those who dream of a job in games like he once did and has now turned into his reality.
Please introduce yourself. What companies have you worked for? Have you attended any other schools than Vertex School?
I’m Tiger Chuiqing Yang. Before Vertex School I graduated from Central Saint Martins with a Masters in Graphic Communication Design. I had not worked for any companies because I struggled to find a job after graduating from University.
Tiger’s term III project that landed him a job
Before enrolling at Vertex School what 3D experience did you have?
I knew some basics about Blender as I taught myself a little during university. I had no knowledge whatsoever of Substance Painter, Unreal Engine, or ZBrush.
Why did you decide to join Vertex? What skills did you want to learn or level up?
I decided to join Vertex because my portfolio was not enough to get a job in the industry. I also wanted to learn 3D softwares such as Unreal Engine, Substance Painter, and ZBrush as I realized they were necessary for the industry. What convinced me to join was the success story of my tutor Lena Piech who landed a job in the industry after just two terms at Vertex School.
Congratulations on getting a job! When did you get the job? What is your title and the name of the company?
Thank you! I accepted the job in mid-April 2024, just a month and a half after posting my term III Vertex School project. My title is 3D Environment Artist at the AAA studio Maverick Games.
How did the program/course and your mentor help you to get the job?
The program gave me access to advice from mentors who are industry professionals. My mentors helped me push my term III project to a level where although it was the only complete environment project in my portfolio, it was enough to land multiple interviews with AAA companies and also a job. To add to that, one of my mentors helped connect me with numerous recruiters and other professionals in his contacts. This included the art director at Maverick Games who connected with me personally for an interview after the referral.
Any advice for current students who are hoping to get a job?
Quality over quantity was my personal lesson learned from this experience. I spent 7 months on my term II project which ended up being my term III project. Because of the extra time I spent on this project, I was able to push its quality to a point that could impress although it was the only complete environment project in my portfolio. Set higher expectations for the quality of your work.
How would you describe your Vertex experience in general?
I am incredibly grateful for my Vertex School experience. I was struggling to land an art job after 5 years of University. In 9 months Vertex gave me all the resources I needed to land a job in the games industry as an Environment Artist. I would recommend Vertex to anyone with enough ambition and drive for 3D and Games. I am beyond thankful that I’m able to make a living every day doing the 3D work I love.
Links:
https://www.artstation.com/tigeryang
Recommended Next Read:
From Customer Service To 3D Environment Artist – Lena Piech
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