Environmental artists

WHAT ENIRONMENTAL ARTISTS DO
There are two types of environmental artists. One being where you create the scenery in a game. The other, creating art which interacts with the environment.

Environmental or "ecological" art usually has a message to send, and the location is part of the message. It can have either a personal , social, or political intention behind it. Environmental art also shows the relation between humans and nature.

The game environment artist or "level designer" creates backgrounds and scenery for video games—anything from architectural elements like pyramids or arenas to chairs and plants. After several drafts and revisions, the concept art is sent to the environment artists to create 3D models with texture, color, and lighting.

A bachelor’s degree is required for this role. Majors in fine art, game art, and graphic design are ideal to pursue a career as an environment artist. Exemplary 2D drawing ability is necessary. You must be proficient with 3D modeling software like 3ds Max, Maya, or Zbrush, and the use of Photoshop. This job is a highly collaborative one; you should be a team player who can take criticism and positively contribute to the creative process.

A environmental artist for games would make around $55,000 a year on average in the United States.

WHERE DO ENVIRONMENTAL ARTISTS WORK?

*Eco Artists are able to work anywhere they want.
*Scenery designers work in offices with game designers, architects, and artists.

Salaries

Groups

• Mendocino Eco Artists
• San Franciso Game Development Meetup Group 
• Gameloft
• Activision
• Sony

Andy Goldsworthy

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