March 21, 2008: Alejandro was recruited to be a 3D Artist with Hydrant Studios Inc., working on XBOX 360 titles. Congratulations Alejandro!
Alejandro's work is available at www.thealejandro.com.
Q. What drew you to the courses at DArTT?
A. I was thirsty for new challenges and experiences and wanted to crank up my skills a notch. Then, I found out about DArTT and the Centre for Distance Education from a TV commercial and I got interested in your programs.
Also, the idea of study at my own pace and schedule seemed perfect for me because I do a lot of freelance work and cannot be in a classroom all day.
Q. Tell me how the experience of taking a home-study course from DArTT was for you.
A. Being in a distance education program was great for me. It gave me the opportunity to work and study at the same time.
I got the chance to learn new artistic techniques, explore different styles and practice new digital art software.
In the program I learned not only artistic skills and techniques, but, project management and several other skills necessary for working in a professional environment.
What I really loved about the course was challenging myself and pushing myself to higher levels of creativity. With this kind of course, you become your own critic, but more importantly you become your own competition.
Although you work on your own, you always have instructors available to help with constructive input on your work along with suggestions and answers to all your questions.
I really appreciated all the support that I received from my instructor, Gayle, who was always there for me. I was really impressed by the sincere care of the instructors.
Q. What was the job-hunt like after you finished your course?
A. The job search in any field is difficult and often filled with frustrations and obstacles. The only way to succeed is to be persistent with a clear set of goals.
To obtain the position you want requires lots of patience and hard work. Having relevant contacts is also essential.
For me, networking is the best and most effective tool to acquire a good job. Contacts allow you to make people aware of your talent and skills.
Although the arts and design fields are very competitive, there are great jobs. However, there is a great deal of competition to get the same job.
Having a portfolio that stands out from the crowd to a recruiter will make your job-hunt easier.
Q. I was very excited to hear that you obtained a job in a 3D studio. What is your job title? What is a typical day like for you at work? Do you enjoy it?
A. I got recruited as a 3D Artist with Hydrant Studios Inc. in the Niagara region. We work on video games (XBOX 360 titles) developing assets and characters.
We also work on special effects for films and animated shows. It is awesome to work with such a group of talented artists who are always eager to push the envelope just a little further.
As a 3D artist at Hydrant, I am responsible for concept development (character and environment assets), 3d modeling, texturing, sculpting and preparing the assets to be rigged and animated.
My tasks are always different from project to project. One day I can be working on a vehicle or a building and the next day I can be making a three-legged creature from a fantasy swamp.
Q. Have you taken other post-secondary schooling? Was this more or less difficult, or just different from in-class learning?
A. I have a bachelors degree in Industrial Design. It was a 5-year program with a lot of prototyping, drafting and presentations.
The program was not more difficult but it was much more different than in-class learning.
Computers have significantly evolved and altered the way I work since I completed my degree. I endeavor to adapt my “Old School” methods to ever-changing technological advances.
Q. Just one more question. Do you have any advice for students taking a course from DArTT?
A. Art and Design are careers for those who love what they do.
I would counsel students to be passionate, be persistent, be eager to learn and practice as much as they can. Carefully observe the world around you for avenues of inspiration and self-expression.
Of course, make sure you build a portfolio that blows people’s minds.
Artwork by Alejandro Mendoza
