I’m an environment designer & a few months ago I started a mural painting business which has made me feel better about the situation. Trent, AI isn’t taking jobs from established professionals like us. Most of us work on big productions & for studios that can’t use generative AI anyway. But AI is taking entry freelance gigs. I used to do tons of pinup illustrations on the side, & that work has dried up by ~50%. My mural biz is going gangbusters though so I highly recommend that for any artist who enjoys painting big
@@TrentKaniuga Then you have missed the entire point of how "adaptability" works. There's no "adaptability" when there's no room to adapt to. You don't seem to understand how that term is used in evolution. If there's a market flooded when the entry level is just typing words, what are you blabbering about adaptability? This kind of rhetoric is OBVIOUSLY coming from artists whose careers have them in a comfortable position, forgetting about everyone else, and it's sickening to be honest. Shows a lot about what kind of person you really are, specially knowing how the tech is fed and how it works, and how it devalues all. Comparing photoshop, which has a level of understanding a software , managing files, etc, which requires some skill to do it right, to type words and get an image? really?? come on. You lost a fan today, I hope more follow
@@onikaizer Not cool. Trent is a positive guy and he is teaching other people and helping to guide them down the path that he has taken. You getting mad at him for putting in 30+ YEARS of work into his art and getting to the point where he is sought after by game companies won't help you in any way. Is he overly optimistic about the situation? Maybe. But he has the correct mindset. Games, comics, and movies live and die by their copyrights. By law, AI generated art is not copyrightable content. As far as I know, nearly every major game company is still hiring and there are thousands of art jobs to be filled. Until that changes, it is business as usual. Keep grinding to get good or give up and find another profession to pursue.
I think the same is true in the animation industry. People are saying AI filters are replacing animation but those rely entirely on live action footage. The whole purpose of animation is to make up choreography and movements of characters that couldn't exist in reality.
thats why im stopping painting unmoving images, and going into animation, seems to be one of the last havens for 2d art, aswell as traditional; so ill be going forward with those 2. Live action choreography looks pretty weird, loses foreshortening and bounce/stretch/bob techniques.
@@Davidgopaint Does that mean there are good opportunities as an animator, whether 2D or 3D? Because I think, many people tend to feel like making beautiful works of art, whether illustrations, concept art, character designs, or whatever, rather than just making animations where the character designs or backgrounds are made by other people. How?
everytime I feel like I am not getting any jobs, especially after I am done with a project, I get swamp with work, I was working on 3 at the same time and now I am left with 2, some are recurring clients who still need me and some are new, I started wanting to work as a concept artist, ended up making things I never done before, like UI art, skill icons, pixel art, etc, sure I don't make much but the experience is so useful for me, I am constantly learning.
Currently working an internship for an indie game company. So far I've moved from illustration/concept art to texturing, modeling, fixing LOTS of UV maps, and recently was asked to be the new art director by the project manager. I'm loving all the work, but transitioning to a paid position has been difficult😅
I... think your video gave me the reality check and the courage to stop persuing a career in the gaming industry. That sounds like bad but tbh it's liberating. For the longest time I thought drawing is the only thing I'm good at and that's the only way I can offer some value to the world... but I've come to realize that's not true. I also thought that it would be the only thing I'd enjoy doing, but your insights into the industry make me realize that it's nothing like how I imagined at all... I'd probably hate selling my creative ideas and having thousands of my drawings thrown into the bin for someone else to take credit of the ones don't get discarded. It is work, and as any work goes and it's not all flowers and roses. I think I can finally let myself draw just for my own enjoyment now, and look for a different way to make money. In a way, I think the way I contribute the most value to the world is to drawing things for myself. Thank you, for your videos. I think this is the wakeup call that I needed.
You may also consider just building a business of your own from your art, and never selling any of it to anyone except your own customers. That’s brought me a smaller paycheck, but greater joy in my work.
@@TrentKaniugaThank you for replying, I really appreciate it. You're awesome. I suppose making my own business is an option, though the cost of living in my country is quite high, and I struggle to find a working business model that would even make enough money for me to buy food and pay rent... Currently I do get random commissions every few months and at most it's 250€ a piece, and even that is very inconsistent income. Unless I get lucky and become popular over night, I just don't know how I can finally sustain myself through my own business.
Been dreaming to be in this industry since 2018, finally meeting the bar of art, and suddenly industry goes stale for remote positions. A big part of companies want you to work hybrid, thus less and less oportunities for someone like me who raises family in a place not populated with games or film companies...
Quitting isnt worth it i promise you that Ive tried to quit many times due to mental health reasons and self doubt and rejections but if you truly enjoy it and if it brings joy then yes stressing about it is the challenging part but that stress is a indicator that you are learning ive tried to throw my life away with art (not self harm) but there will be someone or something that will bring you back to your path Patients.
I went through this last year, and was having a major "Art career may be a waste of time and the wrong path." dilemma and I broke down a bit because I enjoyed making art so much that I hated to let it go. Going through that really hurt, but right now I've come back around to casually making art again and updating my portfolio.
i've had, dealt and still deal with this. trying to leave art behind because of the anguish it causes me only to come back around full circle. it ebbs and flows and wanes.
@@scottfreeman5301 maybe im remembering wrong but im pretty sure they had sexual harassment allegations and shit aswell. It wasnt stealing breast milk bad, but still gross.
@@fooxylol I heard bad things about riot Hk, aa friend told me not to work there and that they treated female employees bad, not sure what's the details
At ANY studio, in any industry (big or small), you will find misconduct, abuse of power, and inappropriate behavior, towards (and from) any type of person. Male, female, any race. There are also LOTS of great people in these places. Don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dream
I was in the industry once upon a time. The money could be decent, but my job got shipped to China, and lots of people were predatory. They wanted you to do free work. Even one of my professors who owned a game studio met me and a friend at a networking party that said he'd figured out a way to get college students to work for free. Deathmarches suck and Blizzard and EA have gotten in trouble for abusing their workers. It's rough out there. I do my art for myself now. But be careful, newbies! Know your worth!
"Management doesn't know what they want until they see it." After a decade in graphic design that's exactly why I'm not worried at all about generative art. Clients can't communicate what they want in a way a logical entity can understand.
The art industry in general has always been so daunting to me, because of it I took art as an occupation. Unfortunately AI devs played nasty on the art community and the occupation side of art has been somewhat affected and it doesn't help the current economic crisis the world has been going through lately. Some of my friends were spooked by the stupid AI (myself included), however after analyzing the vast majority of AI generations I found out that it's biggest strength is also it's biggest weakness which is "Pretty image, but meaningless" Ever since then I've been devoting more towards expression and storytelling as a way to differentiate from the pretty dull images from AI. So if you're someone who took art as an occupation, we still got this!
I don't remember a time when there was NOT a financial crisis. But yes. The AI art creators did us dirty. I think maybe Ive just seen that treatment my whole life. I just... pivot. Find the way through.
Most companies, at least in my country, only search for lead and senior artist positions when it comes to anything 2D related. I'm fresh out of university and there is little to no room for junior artists. I'm still looking since 3 months now. I'll be forced to start freelancing in hopes to earn some money or do literally anything else (which btw. doesn't help my CV if people expect you to have x-years of experience in x-position) even though I would've loved to get hired for a fix 8h or 9h/5d week job (or more, since I love what I do). And of course I am willing to also learn more about 3D and whatnot, but it would be nice to do that and increase my capabilities on the side while having a stable job first so I can pay my rent. Like you said, you never stop learning. Also totally agree on the team aspect. The team I worked with before was everything to me. Being creative while having a good laugh is simply the best. If they could take me in again even for a smaller pay, I would never complain. Sadly they couldn't hire me long term since they were still a small indie studio.. yes there are plenty, but they mostly struggle financially themselves. And AI is for a matter of fact frightening. Sure, I can work with it and tweak it's output to whatever my employer envisions, but it still hurts (and yes, I do apply even for those jobs). By now some even call it "Original AI Art" online. Just makes me sad to jump over my own shadow and accept this. On top of that it's scary to see how many people apply for 2D jobs in the shortest amount of time. E.g. on LinkedIn if there is a 2D-Artist position posted you can be sure that there will be 40+ applications between 1-2 hours. After a few days 200+. It's crazy. The example with switching from inking to digital doesn't seem like the best comparison in my eyes when it comes to the struggle with AI. You switched the medium but you are still performing your honed craft (it's your drawn lines, your knowledge, your talent/learned skills with the pen that are necessary), while AI just blatantly takes the whole process and all you do is correcting and modifying, maybe setting up splash art animations.. it's just not the same in my eyes, since you literally give up a big chunk of the creative process, drawing form start to finish and the very aspect that makes you an artist. "Inking" digitally still required you to be an artist; typing words into AI art generators doesn't. It only needs a vision. Potential employers even told me it's a healthy way of thinking, if you're willing to work with and not against AI to still hold your place in the future as an artist.. You said yourself that you are a veteran in the industry so of course you will receive more requests than beginners and maybe it's also what makes your words in this video seem less meaningful to me in comparison to the same content but posted/spoken by a junior. Please don't take my critique as an offense and sorry for the long comment. I highly admire your skill and passion and besides everything I still thank you for your encouragement in these (at least for me) dire times - it's much appreciated! Wishing you a great day. Edit: And remember that AI is still at the very beginning of its journey. Who knows what it will be capable of in the near future? Don't want to sound pessimistic but rather realistic and also wanted to mention that every creative job is affected, not only artists.
Completely agree, I was seeing so many of those artists that have been artists for 15-20 years from now, that got into the game industry when you only needed to know how to paint properly on digital painting to get hired, I've seen a guy who was contracted to work on disney fresh from the school, they say that's is easy to find jobs as they get a lot of opportunities every day, but of course, their list of work experience is already huge. Today things are different, the "JUNIOR" position asks you to have worked/completed at least with two triple A games and have at least 2-3 years in the game industry as long as knowledge in multiple 3D softwares, VFX, UI design and so on... How this is even possible if you're applying for a Junior position... The difficulty of getting hired is intensified if you don't live in a country that have visa benefits like me, which means I'm screwed two times. Like you I'm not criticism the video but seems like those people who says things like that today is the same as the time that they got hired forgot how it is to be a beginner in the art career. Surely wasn't easy back in the day but the experience needed to get a job was way less than what's asked today, especially right now having something huge like AI changing things for art as a job.
@@Igndraw I'm both, happy to not be alone on this sinking ship, yet also sad you have to experience similar issues first hand. Yes, the requirements are getting ridiculous and you're sometimes applying for a position that is meant for multiple people, yet you're expected to be a one-man-army power-house for minimal pay. As soon as you've got your hands on one really good contract and something to show for yourself that can be life changing and set everything in stone for your upcoming career. That was already hard to achieve that back then (sometimes pure luck or connection based) and it certainly didn't get any easier today. I'm not even a real junior in that sense. The only thing that makes me a junior is that I haven't worked in a professional gaming-industry work environment. But after my apprenticeship, instead of looking for a job I decided to put studies and university on top. Now, 6 years later, I come to regret my choices and wish I would've instantly looked for a job before the more advanced AI era even started. Remote work is tricky too because most companies would still prefer on-site applications or at least hybrid work-modules. So even if I apply country-wide it's difficult, because I can't move away from where I am living now. I don't even want to imagine the visa benefit struggle you're going through.. damn. What saddens me even more is seeing some of my favorite artists slowly but surely disappear. People I followed for decades take their galleries offline and quietly move on with their lives privately, because they don't want to see their art being fed to AI databases. It's tough, but we give it our best shot, right? Thanks for your reply, I'm rooting for you and truly wish you all the best - don't give up! :)
@@foxiizarita4906 Yeah we are in the same page man, I've been studying art at least 7 years from now, I'm matter of years we are not junior anymore, yet, now I can't see a huge future like I was seeing 3-4 years ago, everything with AI escalated super quick and it'll continue like that, I think swapping for something still artistic but more technical like VFX design, animation or even 3D it's the choice for now, but who knows when IA will start to create good 3D models as well... At the end of the day everyone is screwed and there's nothing we can do besides accepting it. I won't give up because art it's the only thing I really like to do to make money and I still do something that any IA can do that's is creating my own vision of the things that I see, but my perspective to getting into the game industry as an artist is shrunken a lot. Anyways, good luck for you as well buddy, I make my words yours, don't give up!
I am following you for a very long time and every tip you gave through videos were (and still are) super encouraging to me! I live in very VERY small country where video game industry isnt that big (we have two well known studios and few others who are less known), artistic carriers are in general neglected. Its extremely struggling to get ANY designer job, borderline impossible! Ever since i was little, i wanted to work in video games and i still want that. I quit my last designer job because of extreme toxic environment, it ruined my health and it never helped me grow as designer. Basically i have nothing to lose and just try in video game industry. My skill lvls are growing, every day i am working on portfolio, educating myself on internet and finding free courses that can help in character creations (i dont mind do props or creatures as well). Its tough and challenging but i do believe i can make it one day. Your videos are helping me to stay strong and motivated. Ai cant beat us artist and it never will.
Personally? I'm partly giving up concept art and 2d art in general, few jobs in an oversaturated market only to get in and get exploited because we’re in a recession and executives don't want to hire the amount of people they really need, even non commercial commissions have been very low recently. I'm learning 3d now, I know how to program so I aiming to become an environment or VFX artist. It might be difficult to enter too, but at least I see way more demand for those kind of jobs, one day on hitmarker the difference was like 6 2D jobs vs 40 3d ones, many of them for juniors. I still love to draw and paint, I just think trying to enter the industry nowadays is just not worth the effort for me, I'd just keep getting destroyed until I'm "good enough" and then just keep being exploited...? So I'll try 3d, if it doesnt work, I'll go back to my previous career (engineering) that I dont like but pays the bills, then make small games on the side.
I think jobs like concept art, narrative game writer and sound design are probably some of the least recruited roles in video gaming. I mean yes, the 3d art jobs are still going to be hard to get (far more people want to be VFX artist, environment artists etc... than there are actual openings) but at the very least there are/will be openings. For instance, you look up game writer roles on studio websites and you will find like 0-1 opening which is bleh if you trying to get into the industry.
Hey Trent! Recently dedicated myself to pivot from copywriting to art. Lost all my clients when AI writing became insanely cheap. I was apprehensive because my dad hasn't ever been successful as a comic book artist and that was a huge mental roadblock for me. But between you and Steven Zapata I found the courage to take the leap. Loving art again, making massive improvements every week and I'm feeling quite close to being ready to apply for jobs. Currently building some portfolio pieces doing concept art for a world I've been creating in my spare time. How would you recommend I approach job applications? I was previously a management level employee at an indie video game startup and I'd be seeking entry level art jobs. (I was let go because of money troubles.)
The indie game dev experience seems very good to include on an application! Maybe consider another indie dev? Find one with more secure funding, perhaps?
@@TrentKaniuga ha probably a good call! Once I've got my portfolio in a good place I'll do that. In your experience do you think employers would care if I've been management before?
I'll never give up on art bc 100% of my success is from my effort, my adaptation, my inspiration, and my fortitude. Live your dream, you've got one life to live. Just be smart about it.
yup, technology can evolve and new programs and softwares can be released, but at the end it is what the individual gives their attention to that makes them be in action on the direction to the destination.
I think the main reason why people want to quit is fact that it's so damn difficult to land a job. Countless rejections can lead to that real fast. On average to land a 3-6 month contracts... for me personally takes around 100-150 cold calling or mails. And this is the part where majority will say "F" it man this isn't working...
@@TrentKaniuga yeah true that. I spoke with couple of guys from blizzard few days ago as I really want to land a job there as junior prop artist and they pretty much told me the same.
Never give up make your own jobs seriously make your own jobs. I am a graffiti googling professional artist I’ve been doing art ever since I was 11 years old and I taught myself how to do a lot of other art skills. I’m a mix media artist, so I’m not good at just one style I’m not good at just the style I’m good at many styles, and the one thing that artist should acquire and your goals should’ve acquired. This is adapting and learning new skills, not sticking to what you’re only good at because look, if you’re only good at that one thing, say goodbye to anything else, seriously you won’t be interesting because I eventually some other artist will come along and be like oh I can do exactly what you do but probably better and they won’t copy or anything they’ll actually do it really better they’ll take your craft and improve it to the level that it should be so I didn’t have to even watch the video I straight up said I don’t give a fuck I’m still doing my art. That means I don’t make a lot of money that’s fine. If that means that it’s gonna be hard that’s fine my dream my goal was become the best graffiti artist who loves drawing BBW women and loves drawing in general characters, right and also who loves to say fuck the world. Now I know old are you guys don’t like the vandalism a graffiti and blah blah blah I’m an artist at the end the day I don’t I know my morals with what I do I know what not to do and I know what to do at the end of the day I do it whoever likes it or doesn’t like it. Oh well I can’t please everybody and I’m prepared for the dire consequences but that’s how dedicated I am to my dream so this guy when he does his video and he is able to actually tell you that you’ll give up don’t do it just face a fox you can’t compete with AI everyone’s just using AIAI, right every telling you all that you know and you actually listen and give up then you were never meant to be an artist you never even were meant to play even have a dream OK and it’s harsh, but reality is is that you were probably a follower and it’s best to stay the follower just wanna follow everyone else. Oh where everything goes to shit oh well time to give up there’s never a time to give up doesn’t matter who says what you find away until your last dying breath. Yeah yeah bills you have this, but let all that shit go you don’t have to buy so many things you don’t have to, I don’t know spend money on pointless stuff and this is what I had to learn anyways, believe in yourself and your dream and keep going at it. Hey if it fails at least you damn well tried were you happy with what you were doing probably because you’re actually doing what you loved. That’s the difference between a lot of people who do art is that we actually are doing what we love and try and incorporate your art skills into many different things like think about if the world was gonna end how are you going to incorporate your arts go to survive right? How are you going to incorporate your heart go to any other thing you can figure out a way it’s like a puzzle piece doesn’t fit do a new one take apart do it again so don’t give up. Keep trying until you cannot try no more and that means there’s never an end. It’s an infinity loop because you’re trying to should never give out.
This video really got me pumped up! All I want to do right now is grow, draw, and work. Even if I'm not working in my industry of choice in the next year or 2, the desire to learn and keep growing has never gone away
Hello Trent, I've been following your content since 2019, when I found your channel, I was in college at the time, studying Game Design, where several areas were covered, and I really identified with the art part, and since then I've been working hard a lot to be able to learn a lot and reach the required level. I look for a lot of content from different places besides Brazil, which helps me a lot to learn other languages. Talking about AI I even felt insecure, but I started to see things from a different angle, and listening to your opinion I feel more calm. Thank you so much for bringing your knowledge to all of us. You are an inspiration.
Its understandable to be worried about new tech. But the tools are ALWAYS changing. For a long time "photobashing" was the boogeyman, then it was all of the new students just entering the business that are cheaper than experienced pros, then it was new 3d tools such as 3Dcoat and Zbrush. This is just the new thing.
As a junior 2d artist who entered the industry recently at a good studio , my job is cleaning up AI work, using creativity to push it further, teaching seniors ,and making sure it fits game requirments. That being said, Im going to transitiom away from 2d art. There just arent any jobs. I saw 2 junior 2d related positions in the last 6 months in Canada. Maybe 10 senior ones and 3 inter. I dont see a career in 2d anymore. If I wanted to go elsewhere, Id have to first get 3yrs xp. Lack of jobs mean I earn less since I cant move studios as frequently.
as an artist who hasn't even made it into the video game industry or any industry at all let me say this. I've made some changes in the current state of ai. Im going into a different career entirely, and I guess you can say I've given up. I really wanted to be an animator or at least work in the games industry as some concept artist or designer, maybe even a 3d modeler. I stopped because it wasn't going anywhere and with ai on the horizon I'm going to be replaced, even if I decide to use the "tool". I don't know what I'm going to do, I have absolutely no idea but I know I'm going to have to change careers and maybe put my art dreams to rest. I don't know what to do anymore and I have responsibilities I need to take care of. so, yeah I guess I'm changing careers because of A.i and the lack of art jobs that are available.
This video is exactly what I needed today Trent. I was running around looking for someone to confirm or deny the lack of jobs in the game industry, feeling down about ai and my own work. Thank you.
I love what you do Trent, lately I've been down a lot, discourage and overwhelm by the competition and the challenges that I'm about to face. Last week I decided to drop out off college and pursue learning Financial and Business aspects through online courses and online resources and this is very new to me, I am going towards the opposite direction of where my peers are going. I'm planning to start an Art business, a graphic design and illustration agency with my market of writers and brand owners and I'm just afraid of failing and what people might say behind my back, especially my peers, and additional to that the rising AI art is a big competition that I also need to face, I am devastated, the anxiety that I'm feeling discourages me to the point that I might've made the wrong decision, then I found this video. Your video and your opinion just eradicated all the frustrations that's going in my mind and I thank you for that, keep up what you're doing, you're inspiring and motivating a lot!
This is the most optimistic video I've seen on the state of the industry so far this year and it made me feel a lot more motivated to keep making good work! Keep going my friends!
i remember getting "advice" where someone told me dont be an artist unless im a dead master like leonardo da vinci or van goh. many people really do not know anything about the art industry as a whole...
What if my entire motivation for getting into art is because I want to paint pretty pictures (call it illustration if you like). How does AI not look like a showstopper then? I don't want to matte paint over AI. I don't want AI to do the brush strokes for me. I want to make something from blank canvas, stroke by stroke. But if I don't use AI how do I compete then? I don't want to switch to a different sub-discipline like concept art, 3d or whatever else. The advice to "adapt" is just an insult. If I am a potter and potters are obsolete, I don't want to switch to a woodworker or become a manager of a pot factory. How do I not give up in this situation? It is not fear mongering. I am trying to navigate how to make my dream into a "career". Do I become an instagram painter, living off of patreon, like what do I do specifically? I'm scared shitless of AI.
I wonder if that's how the old ink on paper artists felt when Digital artists started becoming more employable? Ironically, artists that work in traditional mediums such as oils and ink on paper may become MORE valued in an AI driven art world. But you'd still need to learn how to build a business and a public facing "brand" to sell your originals and prints. The point, was more that... the business of making art for a job is always changing, and that's nothing new. Its also a good thing because it forces us to stay challenged and to adapt. And hey... I also, have no interest in becoming a "prompt engineer". So I share in your frustration with it all. But I don't see it as earth shattering.
@@TrentKaniuga When a traditional artist switches to digital they still do it themselves, even if it's not the same workflow/result. They don't leave the work to some*thing* else (a robot). That's the important difference between this technological revolution and every other in history. I am fine replacing the graphics tablet with a magical finger-draws-in-air sci-fi device or whatever. But I am not fine with commissioning an other artist (AI) to do the work for me and calling it mine. It is earth shattering for me, but I guess I am a tiny minority. People don't care. Let us suffer.
People will make excuses for anything to do push themselves beyond their own fears to become successful at anything. People that hate something like AI is someone that knows nothing about history of art or the history of the industry of art. They are reacting with emotions, opinion and fear but none of that comes from experience.
Thank you Trent, super encouraging! Would love to hear more from you about how you can break into the industry by working on small game projects with others
Tren you are the voice of reason in the art community. I loved what you said about AI being hype, I needed to hear that as a striving comic artist!! Thank you for your encouragement 🙏
I’m on the last few pages of my graphic novel. Every day that little voice kept telling me to give up that’s it’s not going to work. I realised a few years ago that I could never defeat my demons so I instead made friends them.
I quit my job at mc donalds last year to dedicate myself to drawing, I'm 30 years old now and my savings are running out think I'll go back to making cheeseburgers for rest of my life
This videos very Insightful. I’m a Student studying concept art and I’ve always been curious about the work force behind it and if their are actual jobs out there. I’m now in the phase of building a portfolio and job hunting and it’s been a bit overwhelming because I would be sitting her worried about whether their are still jobs out there. So it’s refreshing to know I still have a chance
personally I would be fine not doing full time art. But I would like being able to be able to sell goods with my art on it eventually. I don't need to make complex and moving stories (altho I wouldnt mind to) but even if it's a drop in a bucket I could say I did it
10:20 one of my best memories of being a game art student was solving problems with my wonky methods, feeling like it was complete shit and then everyone was like "wow amazing ! How did you do that" haha The final animation is kinda cool ngl !
Hey Trent can we get something on adapting your art style to match the company you’re wanting to work for this is something I’m horrendous with. Recently got back into art after losing interest after highschool finally got past my ego and am working on my skills from the ground up with your art lessons 🙏🏼
Thanks for the videos teacher, I have been working as a freelance artist and animator for almost 3 years, and I have applied to several companies but they do not hire me, although it would be nice to have a stable income and a secure job, I am not worried either since as a freelancer there are months good and bad, thank God I don't lack work, and regarding the issue of AI I have seen that several who are beginning to create a career in art have had more difficulties and competition, I think it has not affected me both because animation gives me an additional service to offer
What if you haven't even started yet...? listen , if the passion is not there, if there is no passion in anything not really just art ,try again later, I never understood if you don't like it don't do it , would you tell nickocado avocado, if you don't like eating healthy and exercising, don't do it? the people who scream their lungs that they don't like (big shocker ) are mentally ill, people who are normal are gonna slam dunk the activity into oblivion and never do it again not gonna go make 50 reverse gymnastics so they can like art, I just want to do 1% of what some people do but right now, my mind is not there , so I will not give up just because I am being at a disatvantage, I will whine the fuck out of it sure, but I try everyday the best I can Truth is, not every artist suits the lifestyle of an artist, I prefer games and I want to create fanart for games , that's all
So much positive vibes i love it so much man keep posting these vids. Ai is not going to replace us we are artists we have talent just think if ai artist will work on a same thing also we work on a same projects who's project will be better? Ofcourse ours because we understand art we do art because we love doing so my suggestion for all my Artist frens will be make good connections build community be consistent we are all gonna make it 😊💙
So wise advice, as a character artist that is looking for new opportunities this is very valuable information, it all comes down how we see ourselves and what decisions we can take to achieve new goals
Eventually the dust will settle and AI will find its place in the art world. Just like sculpting and canvas painting weren't replaced by digital painting and 3D sculpting. Just like photography didn't replace realistic painting. Art is a natural part of the human experience, we can never stop making it.
Art yes people won't stop making it, the problem with AI is, the jobs... Jobs as an illustrator will be reduced and this is a fact, digital painting didn't replaced tradicional paint, but the jobs opportunities for tradicional painting declined a lot, it'll happen the same with digital painting, it wouldn't end, but surely will be replaced to AI artists that uses AI and repaint on top unfortunately.
one must not simply go all positive, come on, you don't have to be blind that AI is a threat, it actually reduces the jobs we artists are taking, in the past we take jobs from content creators for their thumbnails and what not, now nothing, and lesser by each day, anything that is going to be used non-market that once usually sought artists now just use AI. while its true that artist can use AI for reference and what not, but it does affect in some way.
Of course it is a part of the human experience, but to continue to make a reasonable full time living from it due to the nefarious encroachment of cheap AI "art" is another story. It will continue to be developed, and get cheaper. Companies will continue to make purchasing decisions based on cost.
Hey Trent I'm sure you've answered this question before, but regarding small art houses and indie studios what is a good resource for finding them? I left my previous industry almost a year ago and I've been working to get my abilities to a sellable level, I'm just not sure where to look for these entry level positions. Every studio I've managed to find with openings is looking for artists with experience in the industry. Hope this finds you well and God bless you for this videos, never stop being cool man😎
also have this question, since i'm also in the position of looking for entry level jobs and not finding any. i don't know where to look besides the usual job search websites, and i don't see any indie studios posting there :(
Hey trent i've been following you for a long time and always loved your content, you helped me start my journey as a professional artist. However I strongly disagree with the notion that fierce competition is the nature of humanity. (like you said at 7:36) It think it is in the nature of capitalism, and I wouldnt say thats a good thing. The need to constantly grow, never get comfortable etc can be extremely toxic if it is taken too far. (we can also see where it is leading us lol) It reminds me of the "sigma grindset enterpreneur" stereotype, that you could say some artists belong to. It is true that the art field is extremely competitive and I think a degree of competition can be a good thing, but I think oftentimes it is taken too far.
Competition is the fulcrum of life. From the microbiome to the digital age, the only time living organisms cooperate successfully is when they're competing against another group of organisms.
I just hate networking and job searching and marketing, honestly, so I'm just gonna draw normal like for a while. My work is mostly functional, because I prefer the concepting stages of things, but it doesn't make for a strong portfolio when I am too nitpicky and slow to post most of it. I always feel like it needs to be 100% finished before I put it up.
I have absolutely opposite experience about the jobs, for the last year there were no job offering at all, and no feedback from companies where I applied. But before I was contacted at least once a month.
Outstanding words from an outstanding mentor. I always love tuning into your stuff when I'm feeling a bit lost. I teach digital media at the high school level. I was getting very worried about promoting the field due to AI. But, your videos once again are a resounding voice of reason of how the world really works and how to keep on living the dream. Thank you for all you do!
Well I got an answer for myself right at the start of the video. Hearing, "is 2023 the year you give up art" I immediately hated the idea and got a lil sad feeling at the idea of it. Good to know deep down I still can't imagine giving up even after all this time.
Ai is coming for all jobs in all sectors its terrifying. My kids WAS going to do Graphic Design at college but I'm thinking learn a trade as Ai cant fit floors or kitchens yet!
They should actually still study graphic design. It involves more than drawing and making things look pretty. They should study design that requires technical knowledge for practical application such as dtp, animation, product development, publication design etc. Also the key skill needed in design is to use knowledge of design fundamentals to psychologically affect the view in unique ways. Designers will always be needed for these things. Heck the programmes we have today shortcut so many things already but that only makes the design industry more technical. So they should totally go for it.
When I was a kid, my parents told me there was “no future in art”, and that I should become a tv repairman, because “people will always need tvs”. Now they are proud that I did not listen to them, and had the determination to start a business around my art. BUT your advice to them is sound, and rational, and probably a very SAFE career path for the next 50 years.
Man, I've been working as a "generalist illustrator", if you can call it that, for the past 15 years; I don't see AI has a threat to our careers; in my case specifically my threat is myself, I've worked with so much stuff, going from one side of the spectrum to the other, that In the conflict of styles I can't even find myself, or what I like to do or how to do. I just end up working to pay the bills and have a life with artwork that don't require 20% of what I've learned and I'm so done by the end of the day that I don't even want to try and find myself in my art. The result is that I'm 33 years old with a barely functional portfolio that doesn't represent anything of what I'm or like do draw to get work in something that I like.
For the love of Creativity, we may need to take a step away now and then, but we'll always scratch that itch. I draw because I love that feeling of stepping back from a drawing and being able to feel accomplished when I can say that I made something.
I have seen dozens of job this last week that if I had a portfolio Ii would apply to, but I don't have one finished, trust me I'm working my butt off to finish it lol
Being competent and professional is really really hard. There are many artists but those are the top level in terms of skills and quality, are not in overwhelming in number.
It's just a scary time we live in. Actually, it's always scary, especially how the mega billionaires keep us afraid and they are extremely successful in keeping us scared.
Hey Trent, Do you have plans to do some workshop about how do you animate those characters? I really like the way you plan the key poses! It would be awesome to take a deeper look in your animating full process!
Excuse me Trent, does that mean there are good opportunities as an animator in animation film and game industry, whether 2D or 3D? Because I think, many people tend to feel like making beautiful works of art, whether illustrations, concept art, character designs, or whatever, rather than just making animations where the character designs or backgrounds are made by other people. How?
Hey Trent im starting to notice that your videos are geared towards "building portfolio, finding a job" These are all problems of people with already decent drawing/painting skills, so the advice you give kinda leaves me lost as someone who is just still learning fundamentals. do you think you could potentially make videos for people like me who aren't even at that stage yet, and are still at the learning how to draw and paint stage such as fundamentals, perspective anatomy talking about all that stuff and maybe some advice that would be super nice thank you very much! :)
Hello, been follwing this channel for a few good years now. This video has finally made me ask THE QUESTION. A bit of context - I am a traditional artist and I teach art in a middle school (11-14 years old kids). I want to change my job. Nothing against the kids, most of them are wonderful. The thing that made me hate my job is the huge amount of disconsideration the art and the art teachers have to endure in schools from both parents and principals. My question is - At 35 is it too late to start almost from scratch? My drawing skills are far from perfect and my digital art knowledge is pretty bad. Is there anything from traditional art, except compositon knowledge and perspective, that I can transfer to digital art? I know that I need a few good years, like at least 5, to get anywhere or, at elast, this is what I have been told. Should I aim for something else in the art field? I don't want to give up on art at all. Would love a piece of advice from you, Catalin
Id recommend getting a simple drawing program like Clip Studio paint and just trying to do digitally, exactly the same kind of stuff that you did traditionally. Draw with lines with a pencil tool. Slowly integrate the layer functions for coloring. Follow some of my beginner guides on Clip Studio Paint here on my channel.
Another thing also is with art you don’t have to strictly just be an artist you can do other things and learn other traits of skills as a fun thing with Art right another thing that you should know, is this skill and that’s a adapt adapt to new things do you think do you want to do construction do some construction maybe want to add some art in that construction do you things basic things that people need a daily life it doesn’t matter but never give up there’s always a way when there’s a will there’s a way my how grim life may look I see homeless people still drawing who are phenomenal artist, who still drawing the streets no matter what they can’t give up you shouldn’t either
Been watching all of your videos and they’ve inspired me to start my own game development studio. I love fighting games and RPGs and would like to start off making those. But it’s just me at the moment. I can draw, but don’t know how to program or 3d model. What would you suggest I start out with?
Gaming is a multi Billion dollar a year industry and it's only getting bigger each year that passes Why? Because the barrier for entry is as simple as buying a phone, phones are cheap as shit these days and ppl love playing games So many companies/countries are investing huge money into game development and they're probably in your country right now and if they aren't, they will be
When you mentioned all those things an artist could have the opportunity to do at an indie game studio I couldn't help but smile at the idea. Trying new things will never not be exciting! Thank you Trent for addressing a topic that has caused many artists stress!
Love your videos! I am curious, i only have an Ipad. Do you have any advice on how to better build my PS drawing/painting skills while only having an Ipad to draw on?
Game art is not about art, it's about design, and problem solving. most of the time you will design boring stuff like - doors, windows,containers, bottles, panels, lamp post. At first glance it's cool, i'm getting paid for drawing, yeah wait for a couple of years.
If you want to get work as a concept artist in video games, Check out my PRO level workshops! www.gumroad.com/trentk
I’m an environment designer & a few months ago I started a mural painting business which has made me feel better about the situation. Trent, AI isn’t taking jobs from established professionals like us. Most of us work on big productions & for studios that can’t use generative AI anyway. But AI is taking entry freelance gigs. I used to do tons of pinup illustrations on the side, & that work has dried up by ~50%. My mural biz is going gangbusters though so I highly recommend that for any artist who enjoys painting big
Adaptability! This is precisely the point what I was making in the vid.
@@TrentKaniuga Then you have missed the entire point of how "adaptability" works. There's no "adaptability" when there's no room to adapt to. You don't seem to understand how that term is used in evolution. If there's a market flooded when the entry level is just typing words, what are you blabbering about adaptability? This kind of rhetoric is OBVIOUSLY coming from artists whose careers have them in a comfortable position, forgetting about everyone else, and it's sickening to be honest.
Shows a lot about what kind of person you really are, specially knowing how the tech is fed and how it works, and how it devalues all. Comparing photoshop, which has a level of understanding a software , managing files, etc, which requires some skill to do it right, to type words and get an image? really?? come on.
You lost a fan today, I hope more follow
Yeah for now, just wait some more years and you ll see how ai will destroy every artist with a position like yours
@@onikaizer Not cool. Trent is a positive guy and he is teaching other people and helping to guide them down the path that he has taken. You getting mad at him for putting in 30+ YEARS of work into his art and getting to the point where he is sought after by game companies won't help you in any way. Is he overly optimistic about the situation? Maybe. But he has the correct mindset. Games, comics, and movies live and die by their copyrights. By law, AI generated art is not copyrightable content. As far as I know, nearly every major game company is still hiring and there are thousands of art jobs to be filled. Until that changes, it is business as usual. Keep grinding to get good or give up and find another profession to pursue.
@@TrentKaniugaokay, I don't need to watch it any more..
Also, let's hope artists don't run out of murals and walls
I think the same is true in the animation industry. People are saying AI filters are replacing animation but those rely entirely on live action footage. The whole purpose of animation is to make up choreography and movements of characters that couldn't exist in reality.
thats why im stopping painting unmoving images, and going into animation, seems to be one of the last havens for 2d art, aswell as traditional; so ill be going forward with those 2. Live action choreography looks pretty weird, loses foreshortening and bounce/stretch/bob techniques.
Ahhh just i tought about it. Indeed!;
@@Davidgopaint Does that mean there are good opportunities as an animator, whether 2D or 3D?
Because I think, many people tend to feel like making beautiful works of art, whether illustrations, concept art, character designs, or whatever, rather than just making animations where the character designs or backgrounds are made by other people. How?
yes, animation seems to always have the most job oppurtunities in both 3d and 2D@@vincent5834
everytime I feel like I am not getting any jobs, especially after I am done with a project, I get swamp with work, I was working on 3 at the same time and now I am left with 2, some are recurring clients who still need me and some are new, I started wanting to work as a concept artist, ended up making things I never done before, like UI art, skill icons, pixel art, etc, sure I don't make much but the experience is so useful for me, I am constantly learning.
Currently working an internship for an indie game company. So far I've moved from illustration/concept art to texturing, modeling, fixing LOTS of UV maps, and recently was asked to be the new art director by the project manager.
I'm loving all the work, but transitioning to a paid position has been difficult😅
I... think your video gave me the reality check and the courage to stop persuing a career in the gaming industry. That sounds like bad but tbh it's liberating.
For the longest time I thought drawing is the only thing I'm good at and that's the only way I can offer some value to the world... but I've come to realize that's not true. I also thought that it would be the only thing I'd enjoy doing, but your insights into the industry make me realize that it's nothing like how I imagined at all... I'd probably hate selling my creative ideas and having thousands of my drawings thrown into the bin for someone else to take credit of the ones don't get discarded. It is work, and as any work goes and it's not all flowers and roses.
I think I can finally let myself draw just for my own enjoyment now, and look for a different way to make money. In a way, I think the way I contribute the most value to the world is to drawing things for myself.
Thank you, for your videos. I think this is the wakeup call that I needed.
You may also consider just building a business of your own from your art, and never selling any of it to anyone except your own customers. That’s brought me a smaller paycheck, but greater joy in my work.
@@TrentKaniugaThank you for replying, I really appreciate it. You're awesome.
I suppose making my own business is an option, though the cost of living in my country is quite high, and I struggle to find a working business model that would even make enough money for me to buy food and pay rent... Currently I do get random commissions every few months and at most it's 250€ a piece, and even that is very inconsistent income. Unless I get lucky and become popular over night, I just don't know how I can finally sustain myself through my own business.
Been dreaming to be in this industry since 2018, finally meeting the bar of art, and suddenly industry goes stale for remote positions.
A big part of companies want you to work hybrid, thus less and less oportunities for someone like me who raises family in a place not populated with games or film companies...
Quitting isnt worth it i promise you that
Ive tried to quit many times due to mental health reasons and self doubt and rejections but if you truly enjoy it and if it brings joy then yes stressing about it is the challenging part but that stress is a indicator that you are learning ive tried to throw my life away with art (not self harm) but there will be someone or something that will bring you back to your path
Patients.
I went through this last year, and was having a major "Art career may be a waste of time and the wrong path." dilemma and I broke down a bit because I enjoyed making art so much that I hated to let it go. Going through that really hurt, but right now I've come back around to casually making art again and updating my portfolio.
@@AndrewMaksym same here I picked up a pencil and felt like my younger self after completing some sketches that amused me
i've had, dealt and still deal with this. trying to leave art behind because of the anguish it causes me only to come back around full circle. it ebbs and flows and wanes.
@@LutherTaylor give it another chance and see if anything changes if not come talk with other artist and see what potential you could be missing
I want to work at an indie studio in the future anway, cus those blizzard and riot horror stories scared me off AAA studios forever💀
@@scottfreeman5301 maybe im remembering wrong but im pretty sure they had sexual harassment allegations and shit aswell. It wasnt stealing breast milk bad, but still gross.
@@fooxylol I heard bad things about riot Hk, aa friend told me not to work there and that they treated female employees bad, not sure what's the details
At ANY studio, in any industry (big or small), you will find misconduct, abuse of power, and inappropriate behavior, towards (and from) any type of person. Male, female, any race. There are also LOTS of great people in these places. Don’t let that stop you from pursuing your dream
@@TrentKaniuga cheers Trent👍
Riot is great, trust me on that
I was in the industry once upon a time. The money could be decent, but my job got shipped to China, and lots of people were predatory. They wanted you to do free work. Even one of my professors who owned a game studio met me and a friend at a networking party that said he'd figured out a way to get college students to work for free.
Deathmarches suck and Blizzard and EA have gotten in trouble for abusing their workers. It's rough out there.
I do my art for myself now. But be careful, newbies! Know your worth!
I need an hour long version of Trent just telling me to give up on art, for some reason that was extremely motivating🔥
Yes, is true
Yes
This is true. I agree.
"Management doesn't know what they want until they see it."
After a decade in graphic design that's exactly why I'm not worried at all about generative art.
Clients can't communicate what they want in a way a logical entity can understand.
It just feels like there’s no point anymore…
Not that there was much point before
The art industry in general has always been so daunting to me, because of it I took art as an occupation.
Unfortunately AI devs played nasty on the art community and the occupation side of art has been somewhat affected and it doesn't help the current economic crisis the world has been going through lately.
Some of my friends were spooked by the stupid AI (myself included), however after analyzing the vast majority of AI generations I found out that it's biggest strength is also it's biggest weakness which is "Pretty image, but meaningless"
Ever since then I've been devoting more towards expression and storytelling as a way to differentiate from the pretty dull images from AI.
So if you're someone who took art as an occupation, we still got this!
I don't remember a time when there was NOT a financial crisis. But yes. The AI art creators did us dirty. I think maybe Ive just seen that treatment my whole life. I just... pivot. Find the way through.
As an artist, I hate AI.
As a programmer, I love AI.
As a dungeon master, I mostly discard AI.
ETC.
As an AI I Don't know how to feel about you
i need job that doesn't replaced by ai,
@@navidzamzami9220as an AI I don't even know who you are.
As a human being, you should hate AI, because if there is anything that can be automated, it will be; and there are so few things that can't be.
@@hcolider2817 dont worry, we will run into energy crisis before we can automate everything
Most companies, at least in my country, only search for lead and senior artist positions when it comes to anything 2D related. I'm fresh out of university and there is little to no room for junior artists. I'm still looking since 3 months now. I'll be forced to start freelancing in hopes to earn some money or do literally anything else (which btw. doesn't help my CV if people expect you to have x-years of experience in x-position) even though I would've loved to get hired for a fix 8h or 9h/5d week job (or more, since I love what I do). And of course I am willing to also learn more about 3D and whatnot, but it would be nice to do that and increase my capabilities on the side while having a stable job first so I can pay my rent. Like you said, you never stop learning. Also totally agree on the team aspect. The team I worked with before was everything to me. Being creative while having a good laugh is simply the best. If they could take me in again even for a smaller pay, I would never complain. Sadly they couldn't hire me long term since they were still a small indie studio.. yes there are plenty, but they mostly struggle financially themselves. And AI is for a matter of fact frightening. Sure, I can work with it and tweak it's output to whatever my employer envisions, but it still hurts (and yes, I do apply even for those jobs). By now some even call it "Original AI Art" online. Just makes me sad to jump over my own shadow and accept this. On top of that it's scary to see how many people apply for 2D jobs in the shortest amount of time. E.g. on LinkedIn if there is a 2D-Artist position posted you can be sure that there will be 40+ applications between 1-2 hours. After a few days 200+. It's crazy. The example with switching from inking to digital doesn't seem like the best comparison in my eyes when it comes to the struggle with AI. You switched the medium but you are still performing your honed craft (it's your drawn lines, your knowledge, your talent/learned skills with the pen that are necessary), while AI just blatantly takes the whole process and all you do is correcting and modifying, maybe setting up splash art animations.. it's just not the same in my eyes, since you literally give up a big chunk of the creative process, drawing form start to finish and the very aspect that makes you an artist. "Inking" digitally still required you to be an artist; typing words into AI art generators doesn't. It only needs a vision. Potential employers even told me it's a healthy way of thinking, if you're willing to work with and not against AI to still hold your place in the future as an artist.. You said yourself that you are a veteran in the industry so of course you will receive more requests than beginners and maybe it's also what makes your words in this video seem less meaningful to me in comparison to the same content but posted/spoken by a junior. Please don't take my critique as an offense and sorry for the long comment. I highly admire your skill and passion and besides everything I still thank you for your encouragement in these (at least for me) dire times - it's much appreciated! Wishing you a great day.
Edit: And remember that AI is still at the very beginning of its journey. Who knows what it will be capable of in the near future? Don't want to sound pessimistic but rather realistic and also wanted to mention that every creative job is affected, not only artists.
Completely agree, I was seeing so many of those artists that have been artists for 15-20 years from now, that got into the game industry when you only needed to know how to paint properly on digital painting to get hired, I've seen a guy who was contracted to work on disney fresh from the school, they say that's is easy to find jobs as they get a lot of opportunities every day, but of course, their list of work experience is already huge.
Today things are different, the "JUNIOR" position asks you to have worked/completed at least with two triple A games and have at least 2-3 years in the game industry as long as knowledge in multiple 3D softwares, VFX, UI design and so on... How this is even possible if you're applying for a Junior position... The difficulty of getting hired is intensified if you don't live in a country that have visa benefits like me, which means I'm screwed two times. Like you I'm not criticism the video but seems like those people who says things like that today is the same as the time that they got hired forgot how it is to be a beginner in the art career. Surely wasn't easy back in the day but the experience needed to get a job was way less than what's asked today, especially right now having something huge like AI changing things for art as a job.
@@Igndraw I'm both, happy to not be alone on this sinking ship, yet also sad you have to experience similar issues first hand. Yes, the requirements are getting ridiculous and you're sometimes applying for a position that is meant for multiple people, yet you're expected to be a one-man-army power-house for minimal pay. As soon as you've got your hands on one really good contract and something to show for yourself that can be life changing and set everything in stone for your upcoming career. That was already hard to achieve that back then (sometimes pure luck or connection based) and it certainly didn't get any easier today. I'm not even a real junior in that sense. The only thing that makes me a junior is that I haven't worked in a professional gaming-industry work environment. But after my apprenticeship, instead of looking for a job I decided to put studies and university on top. Now, 6 years later, I come to regret my choices and wish I would've instantly looked for a job before the more advanced AI era even started.
Remote work is tricky too because most companies would still prefer on-site applications or at least hybrid work-modules. So even if I apply country-wide it's difficult, because I can't move away from where I am living now. I don't even want to imagine the visa benefit struggle you're going through.. damn.
What saddens me even more is seeing some of my favorite artists slowly but surely disappear. People I followed for decades take their galleries offline and quietly move on with their lives privately, because they don't want to see their art being fed to AI databases.
It's tough, but we give it our best shot, right?
Thanks for your reply, I'm rooting for you and truly wish you all the best - don't give up! :)
@@foxiizarita4906 Yeah we are in the same page man, I've been studying art at least 7 years from now, I'm matter of years we are not junior anymore, yet, now I can't see a huge future like I was seeing 3-4 years ago, everything with AI escalated super quick and it'll continue like that, I think swapping for something still artistic but more technical like VFX design, animation or even 3D it's the choice for now, but who knows when IA will start to create good 3D models as well...
At the end of the day everyone is screwed and there's nothing we can do besides accepting it. I won't give up because art it's the only thing I really like to do to make money and I still do something that any IA can do that's is creating my own vision of the things that I see, but my perspective to getting into the game industry as an artist is shrunken a lot.
Anyways, good luck for you as well buddy, I make my words yours, don't give up!
You're absolutely right. And it's been tough. You could have a beautiful portfolio, nobody cares. Employers are arrogant ass clowns.
I am following you for a very long time and every tip you gave through videos were (and still are) super encouraging to me! I live in very VERY small country where video game industry isnt that big (we have two well known studios and few others who are less known), artistic carriers are in general neglected. Its extremely struggling to get ANY designer job, borderline impossible! Ever since i was little, i wanted to work in video games and i still want that. I quit my last designer job because of extreme toxic environment, it ruined my health and it never helped me grow as designer. Basically i have nothing to lose and just try in video game industry. My skill lvls are growing, every day i am working on portfolio, educating myself on internet and finding free courses that can help in character creations (i dont mind do props or creatures as well). Its tough and challenging but i do believe i can make it one day. Your videos are helping me to stay strong and motivated. Ai cant beat us artist and it never will.
Personally? I'm partly giving up concept art and 2d art in general, few jobs in an oversaturated market only to get in and get exploited because we’re in a recession and executives don't want to hire the amount of people they really need, even non commercial commissions have been very low recently. I'm learning 3d now, I know how to program so I aiming to become an environment or VFX artist. It might be difficult to enter too, but at least I see way more demand for those kind of jobs, one day on hitmarker the difference was like 6 2D jobs vs 40 3d ones, many of them for juniors.
I still love to draw and paint, I just think trying to enter the industry nowadays is just not worth the effort for me, I'd just keep getting destroyed until I'm "good enough" and then just keep being exploited...? So I'll try 3d, if it doesnt work, I'll go back to my previous career (engineering) that I dont like but pays the bills, then make small games on the side.
what recession?
I think jobs like concept art, narrative game writer and sound design are probably some of the least recruited roles in video gaming. I mean yes, the 3d art jobs are still going to be hard to get (far more people want to be VFX artist, environment artists etc... than there are actual openings) but at the very least there are/will be openings. For instance, you look up game writer roles on studio websites and you will find like 0-1 opening which is bleh if you trying to get into the industry.
This needs to be well known common knowledge in the "art community". So many people have no idea what is going on
Hey Trent! Recently dedicated myself to pivot from copywriting to art. Lost all my clients when AI writing became insanely cheap. I was apprehensive because my dad hasn't ever been successful as a comic book artist and that was a huge mental roadblock for me. But between you and Steven Zapata I found the courage to take the leap.
Loving art again, making massive improvements every week and I'm feeling quite close to being ready to apply for jobs. Currently building some portfolio pieces doing concept art for a world I've been creating in my spare time.
How would you recommend I approach job applications? I was previously a management level employee at an indie video game startup and I'd be seeking entry level art jobs. (I was let go because of money troubles.)
The indie game dev experience seems very good to include on an application! Maybe consider another indie dev? Find one with more secure funding, perhaps?
@@TrentKaniuga ha probably a good call! Once I've got my portfolio in a good place I'll do that. In your experience do you think employers would care if I've been management before?
Just want to wish lots of luck to you, random stranger on the internet. I hope you'll succeed.
@@nobody-nk8pd that's so kind! Thank you so much 😊 I wish the same to you in whatever you do.
@@ArtDadDraws thank you ^^
The way he effortlessly painted those ninjas was magical
I'll never give up on art bc 100% of my success is from my effort, my adaptation, my inspiration, and my fortitude. Live your dream, you've got one life to live. Just be smart about it.
yup, technology can evolve and new programs and softwares can be released, but at the end it is what the individual gives their attention to that makes them be in action on the direction to the destination.
I think the main reason why people want to quit is fact that it's so damn difficult to land a job. Countless rejections can lead to that real fast. On average to land a 3-6 month contracts... for me personally takes around 100-150 cold calling or mails. And this is the part where majority will say "F" it man this isn't working...
I remember doing that many years ago also. As you gain more work experience, it gets easier.
@@TrentKaniuga yeah true that. I spoke with couple of guys from blizzard few days ago as I really want to land a job there as junior prop artist and they pretty much told me the same.
Never give up make your own jobs seriously make your own jobs. I am a graffiti googling professional artist I’ve been doing art ever since I was 11 years old and I taught myself how to do a lot of other art skills. I’m a mix media artist, so I’m not good at just one style I’m not good at just the style I’m good at many styles, and the one thing that artist should acquire and your goals should’ve acquired. This is adapting and learning new skills, not sticking to what you’re only good at because look, if you’re only good at that one thing, say goodbye to anything else, seriously you won’t be interesting because I eventually some other artist will come along and be like oh I can do exactly what you do but probably better and they won’t copy or anything they’ll actually do it really better they’ll take your craft and improve it to the level that it should be so I didn’t have to even watch the video I straight up said I don’t give a fuck I’m still doing my art. That means I don’t make a lot of money that’s fine. If that means that it’s gonna be hard that’s fine my dream my goal was become the best graffiti artist who loves drawing BBW women and loves drawing in general characters, right and also who loves to say fuck the world. Now I know old are you guys don’t like the vandalism a graffiti and blah blah blah I’m an artist at the end the day I don’t I know my morals with what I do I know what not to do and I know what to do at the end of the day I do it whoever likes it or doesn’t like it. Oh well I can’t please everybody and I’m prepared for the dire consequences but that’s how dedicated I am to my dream so this guy when he does his video and he is able to actually tell you that you’ll give up don’t do it just face a fox you can’t compete with AI everyone’s just using AIAI, right every telling you all that you know and you actually listen and give up then you were never meant to be an artist you never even were meant to play even have a dream OK and it’s harsh, but reality is is that you were probably a follower and it’s best to stay the follower just wanna follow everyone else. Oh where everything goes to shit oh well time to give up there’s never a time to give up doesn’t matter who says what you find away until your last dying breath. Yeah yeah bills you have this, but let all that shit go you don’t have to buy so many things you don’t have to, I don’t know spend money on pointless stuff and this is what I had to learn anyways, believe in yourself and your dream and keep going at it. Hey if it fails at least you damn well tried were you happy with what you were doing probably because you’re actually doing what you loved. That’s the difference between a lot of people who do art is that we actually are doing what we love and try and incorporate your art skills into many different things like think about if the world was gonna end how are you going to incorporate your arts go to survive right? How are you going to incorporate your heart go to any other thing you can figure out a way it’s like a puzzle piece doesn’t fit do a new one take apart do it again so don’t give up. Keep trying until you cannot try no more and that means there’s never an end. It’s an infinity loop because you’re trying to should never give out.
Luckily for me I gave up competing with professional artists long before AI came along
This video really got me pumped up! All I want to do right now is grow, draw, and work. Even if I'm not working in my industry of choice in the next year or 2, the desire to learn and keep growing has never gone away
Hello Trent, I've been following your content since 2019, when I found your channel, I was in college at the time, studying Game Design, where several areas were covered, and I really identified with the art part, and since then I've been working hard a lot to be able to learn a lot and reach the required level. I look for a lot of content from different places besides Brazil, which helps me a lot to learn other languages. Talking about AI I even felt insecure, but I started to see things from a different angle, and listening to your opinion I feel more calm. Thank you so much for bringing your knowledge to all of us. You are an inspiration.
I’ve been quite depressed about this current bogeyman of the industry, so this is inspiring for me. Thank you. It’s been really tough.
Its understandable to be worried about new tech. But the tools are ALWAYS changing. For a long time "photobashing" was the boogeyman, then it was all of the new students just entering the business that are cheaper than experienced pros, then it was new 3d tools such as 3Dcoat and Zbrush. This is just the new thing.
As a junior 2d artist who entered the industry recently at a good studio , my job is cleaning up AI work, using creativity to push it further, teaching seniors ,and making sure it fits game requirments.
That being said, Im going to transitiom away from 2d art. There just arent any jobs. I saw 2 junior 2d related positions in the last 6 months in Canada. Maybe 10 senior ones and 3 inter. I dont see a career in 2d anymore.
If I wanted to go elsewhere, Id have to first get 3yrs xp. Lack of jobs mean I earn less since I cant move studios as frequently.
as an artist who hasn't even made it into the video game industry or any industry at all let me say this. I've made some changes in the current state of ai. Im going into a different career entirely, and I guess you can say I've given up. I really wanted to be an animator or at least work in the games industry as some concept artist or designer, maybe even a 3d modeler. I stopped because it wasn't going anywhere and with ai on the horizon I'm going to be replaced, even if I decide to use the "tool". I don't know what I'm going to do, I have absolutely no idea but I know I'm going to have to change careers and maybe put my art dreams to rest. I don't know what to do anymore and I have responsibilities I need to take care of.
so, yeah I guess I'm changing careers because of A.i and the lack of art jobs that are available.
So you're saying you didn't watch this video?
@@SchmokinJoehe is a bot or a troll
This video is exactly what I needed today Trent. I was running around looking for someone to confirm or deny the lack of jobs in the game industry, feeling down about ai and my own work. Thank you.
I love what you do Trent, lately I've been down a lot, discourage and overwhelm by the competition and the challenges that I'm about to face. Last week I decided to drop out off college and pursue learning Financial and Business aspects through online courses and online resources and this is very new to me, I am going towards the opposite direction of where my peers are going. I'm planning to start an Art business, a graphic design and illustration agency with my market of writers and brand owners and I'm just afraid of failing and what people might say behind my back, especially my peers, and additional to that the rising AI art is a big competition that I also need to face, I am devastated, the anxiety that I'm feeling discourages me to the point that I might've made the wrong decision, then I found this video. Your video and your opinion just eradicated all the frustrations that's going in my mind and I thank you for that, keep up what you're doing, you're inspiring and motivating a lot!
Just do your own thing. It can be done!
This is the most optimistic video I've seen on the state of the industry so far this year and it made me feel a lot more motivated to keep making good work! Keep going my friends!
i remember getting "advice" where someone told me dont be an artist unless im a dead master like leonardo da vinci or van goh. many people really do not know anything about the art industry as a whole...
What if my entire motivation for getting into art is because I want to paint pretty pictures (call it illustration if you like). How does AI not look like a showstopper then? I don't want to matte paint over AI. I don't want AI to do the brush strokes for me. I want to make something from blank canvas, stroke by stroke. But if I don't use AI how do I compete then? I don't want to switch to a different sub-discipline like concept art, 3d or whatever else. The advice to "adapt" is just an insult. If I am a potter and potters are obsolete, I don't want to switch to a woodworker or become a manager of a pot factory. How do I not give up in this situation?
It is not fear mongering. I am trying to navigate how to make my dream into a "career". Do I become an instagram painter, living off of patreon, like what do I do specifically? I'm scared shitless of AI.
I wonder if that's how the old ink on paper artists felt when Digital artists started becoming more employable? Ironically, artists that work in traditional mediums such as oils and ink on paper may become MORE valued in an AI driven art world. But you'd still need to learn how to build a business and a public facing "brand" to sell your originals and prints. The point, was more that... the business of making art for a job is always changing, and that's nothing new. Its also a good thing because it forces us to stay challenged and to adapt. And hey... I also, have no interest in becoming a "prompt engineer". So I share in your frustration with it all. But I don't see it as earth shattering.
@@TrentKaniuga When a traditional artist switches to digital they still do it themselves, even if it's not the same workflow/result. They don't leave the work to some*thing* else (a robot). That's the important difference between this technological revolution and every other in history. I am fine replacing the graphics tablet with a magical finger-draws-in-air sci-fi device or whatever. But I am not fine with commissioning an other artist (AI) to do the work for me and calling it mine. It is earth shattering for me, but I guess I am a tiny minority. People don't care. Let us suffer.
People will make excuses for anything to do push themselves beyond their own fears to become successful at anything. People that hate something like AI is someone that knows nothing about history of art or the history of the industry of art. They are reacting with emotions, opinion and fear but none of that comes from experience.
Thank you Trent, super encouraging! Would love to hear more from you about how you can break into the industry by working on small game projects with others
Tren you are the voice of reason in the art community. I loved what you said about AI being hype, I needed to hear that as a striving comic artist!! Thank you for your encouragement 🙏
I’m on the last few pages of my graphic novel. Every day that little voice kept telling me to give up that’s it’s not going to work. I realised a few years ago that I could never defeat my demons so I instead made friends them.
I quit my job at mc donalds last year to dedicate myself to drawing, I'm 30 years old now and my savings are running out think I'll go back to making cheeseburgers for rest of my life
This videos very Insightful. I’m a Student studying concept art and I’ve always been curious about the work force behind it and if their are actual jobs out there. I’m now in the phase of building a portfolio and job hunting and it’s been a bit overwhelming because I would be sitting her worried about whether their are still jobs out there. So it’s refreshing to know I still have a chance
honestly i gave up on that already, i'm just not sure if i made the right call or should i try once more.
Your content is the best, Trent, you have finesse and a humbleness that i admire! May the Lord bless you and your family!
personally I would be fine not doing full time art. But I would like being able to be able to sell goods with my art on it eventually. I don't need to make complex and moving stories (altho I wouldnt mind to) but even if it's a drop in a bucket I could say I did it
10:20 one of my best memories of being a game art student was solving problems with my wonky methods, feeling like it was complete shit and then everyone was like "wow amazing ! How did you do that" haha
The final animation is kinda cool ngl !
I just love the craft and the process. And I love do hear someone talk about it. Great video 💖
Hey Trent can we get something on adapting your art style to match the company you’re wanting to work for this is something I’m horrendous with. Recently got back into art after losing interest after highschool finally got past my ego and am working on my skills from the ground up with your art lessons 🙏🏼
All I want to do right now is grow, draw, and work.Thank you for a great video=)
Thanks for the videos teacher, I have been working as a freelance artist and animator for almost 3 years, and I have applied to several companies but they do not hire me, although it would be nice to have a stable income and a secure job, I am not worried either since as a freelancer there are months good and bad, thank God I don't lack work, and regarding the issue of AI I have seen that several who are beginning to create a career in art have had more difficulties and competition, I think it has not affected me both because animation gives me an additional service to offer
What if you haven't even started yet...? listen , if the passion is not there, if there is no passion in anything not really just art ,try again later, I never understood if you don't like it don't do it , would you tell nickocado avocado, if you don't like eating healthy and exercising, don't do it? the people who scream their lungs that they don't like (big shocker ) are mentally ill, people who are normal are gonna slam dunk the activity into oblivion and never do it again not gonna go make 50 reverse gymnastics so they can like art, I just want to do 1% of what some people do but right now, my mind is not there , so I will not give up just because I am being at a disatvantage, I will whine the fuck out of it sure, but I try everyday the best I can
Truth is, not every artist suits the lifestyle of an artist, I prefer games and I want to create fanart for games , that's all
Trent I love you. Know that you are loved and inspiring !!! ❤️❤️❤️ As an artist this is motivating. :3 You deserve more man
So much positive vibes i love it so much man keep posting these vids. Ai is not going to replace us we are artists we have talent just think if ai artist will work on a same thing also we work on a same projects who's project will be better? Ofcourse ours because we understand art we do art because we love doing so my suggestion for all my Artist frens will be make good connections build community be consistent we are all gonna make it 😊💙
So wise advice, as a character artist that is looking for new opportunities this is very valuable information, it all comes down how we see ourselves and what decisions we can take to achieve new goals
Eventually the dust will settle and AI will find its place in the art world. Just like sculpting and canvas painting weren't replaced by digital painting and 3D sculpting. Just like photography didn't replace realistic painting. Art is a natural part of the human experience, we can never stop making it.
Art yes people won't stop making it, the problem with AI is, the jobs... Jobs as an illustrator will be reduced and this is a fact, digital painting didn't replaced tradicional paint, but the jobs opportunities for tradicional painting declined a lot, it'll happen the same with digital painting, it wouldn't end, but surely will be replaced to AI artists that uses AI and repaint on top unfortunately.
one must not simply go all positive, come on, you don't have to be blind that AI is a threat, it actually reduces the jobs we artists are taking, in the past we take jobs from content creators for their thumbnails and what not, now nothing, and lesser by each day, anything that is going to be used non-market that once usually sought artists now just use AI. while its true that artist can use AI for reference and what not, but it does affect in some way.
Of course it is a part of the human experience, but to continue to make a reasonable full time living from it due to the nefarious encroachment of cheap AI "art" is another story.
It will continue to be developed, and get cheaper.
Companies will continue to make purchasing decisions based on cost.
ai shouldn't be given a place cause in the first place it's just illegally scraping the artwork of artists online and calling it its own
The problem with AI was never about its place in the artistic field, but how it’s trained
Hey Trent I'm sure you've answered this question before, but regarding small art houses and indie studios what is a good resource for finding them? I left my previous industry almost a year ago and I've been working to get my abilities to a sellable level, I'm just not sure where to look for these entry level positions. Every studio I've managed to find with openings is looking for artists with experience in the industry. Hope this finds you well and God bless you for this videos, never stop being cool man😎
also have this question, since i'm also in the position of looking for entry level jobs and not finding any. i don't know where to look besides the usual job search websites, and i don't see any indie studios posting there :(
Hey trent i've been following you for a long time and always loved your content, you helped me start my journey as a professional artist.
However I strongly disagree with the notion that fierce competition is the nature of humanity. (like you said at 7:36) It think it is in the nature of capitalism, and I wouldnt say thats a good thing.
The need to constantly grow, never get comfortable etc can be extremely toxic if it is taken too far. (we can also see where it is leading us lol) It reminds me of the "sigma grindset enterpreneur" stereotype, that you could say some artists belong to.
It is true that the art field is extremely competitive and I think a degree of competition can be a good thing, but I think oftentimes it is taken too far.
Competition is the fulcrum of life.
From the microbiome to the digital age, the only time living organisms cooperate successfully is when they're competing against another group of organisms.
I just hate networking and job searching and marketing, honestly, so I'm just gonna draw normal like for a while. My work is mostly functional, because I prefer the concepting stages of things, but it doesn't make for a strong portfolio when I am too nitpicky and slow to post most of it. I always feel like it needs to be 100% finished before I put it up.
I have absolutely opposite experience about the jobs, for the last year there were no job offering at all, and no feedback from companies where I applied. But before I was contacted at least once a month.
As a Senior Visual Designer the one thing that led me to my passion job in gaming industry was being consitent and persitent.
Outstanding words from an outstanding mentor. I always love tuning into your stuff when I'm feeling a bit lost. I teach digital media at the high school level. I was getting very worried about promoting the field due to AI. But, your videos once again are a resounding voice of reason of how the world really works and how to keep on living the dream. Thank you for all you do!
What if we make an AI to replace those people that made AI generators?
awesome vid! Trent whats the song name?
Well I got an answer for myself right at the start of the video. Hearing, "is 2023 the year you give up art" I immediately hated the idea and got a lil sad feeling at the idea of it.
Good to know deep down I still can't imagine giving up even after all this time.
Ai is coming for all jobs in all sectors its terrifying. My kids WAS going to do Graphic Design at college but I'm thinking learn a trade as Ai cant fit floors or kitchens yet!
They should actually still study graphic design. It involves more than drawing and making things look pretty. They should study design that requires technical knowledge for practical application such as dtp, animation, product development, publication design etc. Also the key skill needed in design is to use knowledge of design fundamentals to psychologically affect the view in unique ways. Designers will always be needed for these things. Heck the programmes we have today shortcut so many things already but that only makes the design industry more technical. So they should totally go for it.
When I was a kid, my parents told me there was “no future in art”, and that I should become a tv repairman, because “people will always need tvs”. Now they are proud that I did not listen to them, and had the determination to start a business around my art. BUT your advice to them is sound, and rational, and probably a very SAFE career path for the next 50 years.
Game is looking dope Trent! Can't wait to play it.
Thank you for the video Trent, your videos makes I see the future with hope and staying in the art field
Your positivity has helped me so much.
Man, I've been working as a "generalist illustrator", if you can call it that, for the past 15 years; I don't see AI has a threat to our careers; in my case specifically my threat is myself, I've worked with so much stuff, going from one side of the spectrum to the other, that In the conflict of styles I can't even find myself, or what I like to do or how to do. I just end up working to pay the bills and have a life with artwork that don't require 20% of what I've learned and I'm so done by the end of the day that I don't even want to try and find myself in my art. The result is that I'm 33 years old with a barely functional portfolio that doesn't represent anything of what I'm or like do draw to get work in something that I like.
Cream will always rise to the top, no matter what. Love what you do. ❤
Thank you for saying over and over again. And thank you for your time and engery.
For the love of Creativity, we may need to take a step away now and then, but we'll always scratch that itch. I draw because I love that feeling of stepping back from a drawing and being able to feel accomplished when I can say that I made something.
I have seen dozens of job this last week that if I had a portfolio Ii would apply to, but I don't have one finished, trust me I'm working my butt off to finish it lol
Being competent and professional is really really hard.
There are many artists but those are the top level in terms of skills and quality, are not in overwhelming in number.
It's just a scary time we live in. Actually, it's always scary, especially how the mega billionaires keep us afraid and they are extremely successful in keeping us scared.
I’m not very scared. Not sure what you mean. It’s the greatest time in history to be alive.
i feel like its never been a better time to be an artists, i just wish i could speed up my learning so i can get to where i wanna be faster xD
Surely you missed the news about AI.
I'm not convinced by AI for a number if reasons. That said I think it will probably just end up as another medium.
Hey Trent, Do you have plans to do some workshop about how do you animate those characters? I really like the way you plan the key poses! It would be awesome to take a deeper look in your animating full process!
Sure! ua-cam.com/video/5IX9sn-oEUQ/v-deo.html
@@TrentKaniuga Cool, thanks for sharing your process! By the way, really like your art style 👏
Excuse me Trent, does that mean there are good opportunities as an animator in animation film and game industry, whether 2D or 3D?
Because I think, many people tend to feel like making beautiful works of art, whether illustrations, concept art, character designs, or whatever, rather than just making animations where the character designs or backgrounds are made by other people. How?
Good. I needed to hear this. BACK ON THE HORSE! Thanks bud.
Hey Trent im starting to notice that your videos are geared towards "building portfolio, finding a job" These are all problems of people with already decent drawing/painting skills, so the advice you give kinda leaves me lost as someone who is just still learning fundamentals. do you think you could potentially make videos for people like me who aren't even at that stage yet, and are still at the learning how to draw and paint stage such as fundamentals, perspective anatomy talking about all that stuff and maybe some advice that would be super nice thank you very much! :)
Yes. I will have more beginner friendly content coming out soon!
Hello, been follwing this channel for a few good years now. This video has finally made me ask THE QUESTION.
A bit of context - I am a traditional artist and I teach art in a middle school (11-14 years old kids). I want to change my job. Nothing against the kids, most of them are wonderful. The thing that made me hate my job is the huge amount of disconsideration the art and the art teachers have to endure in schools from both parents and principals.
My question is - At 35 is it too late to start almost from scratch? My drawing skills are far from perfect and my digital art knowledge is pretty bad. Is there anything from traditional art, except compositon knowledge and perspective, that I can transfer to digital art? I know that I need a few good years, like at least 5, to get anywhere or, at elast, this is what I have been told. Should I aim for something else in the art field? I don't want to give up on art at all.
Would love a piece of advice from you,
Catalin
Id recommend getting a simple drawing program like Clip Studio paint and just trying to do digitally, exactly the same kind of stuff that you did traditionally. Draw with lines with a pencil tool. Slowly integrate the layer functions for coloring. Follow some of my beginner guides on Clip Studio Paint here on my channel.
@@TrentKaniuga thank you very much! Got started today.
Never give up! Never surrender!
What about AI art? Is it even worth it to train yourself to be a great artist?
Another thing also is with art you don’t have to strictly just be an artist you can do other things and learn other traits of skills as a fun thing with Art right another thing that you should know, is this skill and that’s a adapt adapt to new things do you think do you want to do construction do some construction maybe want to add some art in that construction do you things basic things that people need a daily life it doesn’t matter but never give up there’s always a way when there’s a will there’s a way my how grim life may look I see homeless people still drawing who are phenomenal artist, who still drawing the streets no matter what they can’t give up you shouldn’t either
I really like this because it is what I have been saying for a while. I have been learning new tools too become better and have been having a blast!
another great Video Trent. Thanks for the post on this!
Been watching all of your videos and they’ve inspired me to start my own game development studio. I love fighting games and RPGs and would like to start off making those. But it’s just me at the moment. I can draw, but don’t know how to program or 3d model. What would you suggest I start out with?
Gaming is a multi Billion dollar a year industry and it's only getting bigger each year that passes
Why? Because the barrier for entry is as simple as buying a phone, phones are cheap as shit these days and ppl love playing games
So many companies/countries are investing huge money into game development and they're probably in your country right now and if they aren't, they will be
Haven't watched the video yet but damn what an awesome thumbnail
this is what I need it! as always keeping the things real
I quit cause I never got good enough to get a job despite applying. lol
When you mentioned all those things an artist could have the opportunity to do at an indie game studio I couldn't help but smile at the idea. Trying new things will never not be exciting! Thank you Trent for addressing a topic that has caused many artists stress!
just love your videos
Trent, would you make a tutorial on how to animate like this for indie game? it'd be really helpfull
It’s already on my channel. Yes.
@@TrentKaniuga oh, sorry. I'll check it out!
Hello trent, is it necessary to learn 3D Modelling as a concept artist? and also learn apps such as blender and UE?
It is beneficial. Yes. 3D has been used in concept art for games since I started in 2002!
Love your videos! I am curious, i only have an Ipad. Do you have any advice on how to better build my PS drawing/painting skills while only having an Ipad to draw on?
I already giveup, change career now :(
Game art is not about art, it's about design, and problem solving. most of the time you will design boring stuff like - doors, windows,containers, bottles, panels, lamp post. At first glance it's cool, i'm getting paid for drawing, yeah wait for a couple of years.
What does he mean by "not taking credit for your ideas"?