In the latest episode of our Get Hired series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Shaun Bell, a world renowned art director with extensive experience at Treyarch, one of the powerhouse studios behind the iconic Call of Duty franchise.
With a career spanning over a decade from being a traditional animator MTV working on shows like Celebrity Deathmatch to being an art director in the gaming industry, Shaun provided great insights into breaking into the gaming industry, specifically working on blockbuster titles like Call of Duty. So, if you want to know how you can land a job in Call of Duty, keep reading.
How to Get a Job at Treyarch?
Securing a job at Treyarch involves more than just a passion for games; it requires a strategic approach and a deep understanding of the industry. Shaun Bell shared valuable insights into Treyarch’s hiring process, emphasizing the importance of storytelling through visual design and technical proficiency. He pointed out that candidates must demonstrate thoughtful and intentional design decisions, avoiding superficial “cool” designs that lack practical application.
Understand Storytelling Through Visual Design
One of the key elements Shaun emphasizes is the ability to tell a story through visual design. This is crucial, regardless of the specific discipline within game development. Whether you are working on environment art, character design, or any other aspect, your work should convey a narrative and context that brings the game world to life.
“What I really look for in a candidate is their ability to tell a story through their visual design, no matter what discipline they’re in. If it’s environment art, can they show me what that set is about beyond just being a room or a diner? They need to be able to tell a story through the lighting, the set design, and all the little clues they include.”
Then, There’s Technical Proficiency
In addition to storytelling, technical proficiency is a major consideration. Shaun points out that game development at Treyarch involves creating realistic environments and assets. This means that candidates must have a clear and precise approach to rendering, ensuring that the materials and surfaces are accurately represented and easily understood by all team members, including those without an art background.
“I also pay attention to their technical proficiency and how clear their rendering approach is, because we’re making a realistic game. We’re often passing assets to people who might not come from an art background, so it’s crucial that the materials and surface quality are top-notch and clearly understood.”
Know How to Avoid Superficial Designs
Shaun also highlighted a common pitfall to avoid: creating designs that are superficially cool but lack practical application or thoughtful consideration. It’s important for candidates to show that they’ve thought deeply about their designs and made intentional, practical choices.
“On the flip side, what really turns me off is when it feels like the artist hasn’t put enough thought into what they’re doing. They might create something that looks cool, but if it doesn’t make sense or isn’t practical, it’s a red flag for me.”
Hiring Process in Game Company
Just like in other industries, the hiring process at game companies like Treyarch typically involves several stages:
How to Get Noticed at AAA Studios?
Dreaming of working at a big game studio like Treyarch? You might be curious if recruiters will find you or if you need to make the first move. Do they look for talent on ArtStation? What’s the process, and where do you start? Getting noticed by top game studios requires a smart approach, a strong portfolio, and good networking.
“What we do typically is work with recruiters and outline the type of candidate we’re looking for, like if we need an environment artist or an artist with specific skills,” Shaun explains. “We really outline what the DNA of that artist could potentially be. But we also look through ArtStation. I look at ArtStation almost all the time to find good artists and keep a roster of talent that might fit the projects that we’re working on.”
Can One Have a Successful Career in Game Development?
The answer is yes. Pursuing a career in game development requires dedication, continuous learning, and a passion for gaming. Here are some pathways to consider:
Education
While degrees in computer science, game design, or related fields provide a solid foundation, they are not always necessary. The key is to build and hone your skills through practice, short courses, and continuous learning. Specialized courses in game development, available both online and offline, can further improve your skills. Don’t underestimate the value of books and self-study, many successful game developers are self-taught and have built their careers through sheer perseverance and a commitment to learning.
Be Versatile
The game development industry can be competitive, so having versatility can be a game-changer. Shaun emphasizes the value of being able to work across different areas of development, particularly when it comes to combining 3D modeling with concept art. He explains that being skilled in both these areas is a significant advantage. Shaun notes that many concept artists at Treyarch are also adept at 3D modeling, which allows them to seamlessly transition their work into the game engine before passing it on to environment artists.
“If you can do something in 3D and concept over the top of that, that is like a major win. Especially in Unreal, being able to render something out, paint over the top of that, and then take that knowledge and put it back into the rendering, you’re amazing at that point. We use a lot of concept artists who also do 3D modeling. We take that model, bring it into our engine, and then hand it off to environment artists. So, if you’re already ahead of the game with that, kudos to you.”
Creative and Technical Balance
Successful game developers often balance creativity with technical skills. It is essential to work on projects that challenge both your artistic and programming abilities. This dual focus will enable you to create more immersive and technically sound games. Whether it’s designing characters and environments or writing efficient code, being well-rounded will set you apart in the industry.
Portfolio Development
Creating a strong portfolio is one of the most effective ways to showcase your skills. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your range and expertise. Make sure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Highlight your best work and provide context for each project, explaining your role and the skills you used.
Continuous Learning
The gaming industry is dynamic, with new trends and technologies emerging regularly. To stay relevant, commit to lifelong learning. Take online courses, attend workshops, and read industry publications. Experiment with new tools and techniques in your projects. Continuous improvement will keep you at the forefront of the industry and enhance your career prospects.
Working on a game like Call of Duty is a dream for many, but with the right approach and dedication, it can become a reality. By building a strong portfolio, gaining relevant experience, upskilling, and understanding the hiring process, you can increase your chances of landing a job at a top-tier game studio like Treyarch. Remember, persistence and passion are key in the ever-evolving world of game development.
Keep pushing your boundaries, and one day, you might find yourself working to the next big hit in the gaming industry.