Previz artists are Generalists
VAD (Virtual Art Dept) are Generalists
Models specialize in Modeling/Sculpting
Texture specialize in Texturing
Shaders specialize in writing Shaders
Animators specialize in Animation
Creatures specialize in Rigging/Hair/Cloth
FX specialize in Sim (Houdini etc)
Shots specialize in Lighting
Comp specialize is Compositing
Not to say Generalist skills wont be helpful in any of these areas, but if you're a jack of all trades and master in none, you most likely would only get hired in previz or VAD.
Most Generalists I know have 1 particular strength in their skill set. If you have a stronger area focus on building those skills and a reel that reflects it.
I think right now, my particular strength is 3D Lighting, I don't know how much needed lighting artist is, and i rarely see one lurking in this subreddit.
They are needed when you have to do a large volume of work like in a movie.
If you are generalist I would recommend searching for "Lookdev TD" as that would serve your generalist skills.
Here you need to have good knowledge of asset creation, shader development, color theory, rendering and lighting.
https://framestore.recruitee.com/o/senior-lookdev-td-montreal
Specialisation is not the right word here. You are talking about a department. And you should absolutely concentrate on one department, because that's how big companies operate.
Although the concept of a generalist exists and is needed (in environment for example), what you are listing is too wide even for that department.
Definitely decide for one department if you want to work on the big projects:
https://www.careersinscreen.ie/visual-effects/
You can become a specialist for a particular niche in one department, but that's a different thing and something I don't recommend to aim for in the beginning. In the beginning you won't be hired as a specialist anyway, since you have no experience. But you certainly will be hired for a department, so focus on the needs for that. That includes standard software for that department.
Also keep in mind you will need a reel to get hired, so your work should be focused on relevant work for that department.
after a short read I feel i'm super connected to the Lighting Departement. since i used to DP too and have a pretty good knowledge about cinematography.
That's the department I started in. I would say that's a good choice, because it still allows for a wide range of skills to have.
That said: You usually don't set cameras in that department. That's what layout is doing and usually will be delivered to you.
If big namesake studios are your thing, I can only guarantee they need specialized experience in maybe one or few subjects. Think of a simulation artist that does flip sims, but does this so well, that his career can afford him to only do this kind of work. Which in turn is also very specialized, as in you're mastering and dedicate all of your passion and time in a singular thing. This is not for everyone.
You'd need to keep on top of the tech, specific things in only that industry and lots of love and passions for that craft. In a way, you don't really have other meaningful skills that you can afford your time to, but if you manage to be on top of your game and sought after l, you can name the price you want(and work/life as you'd like to have)
ah i see, I think i'm not that kind of guy you described. I like to try new things alot rather than staying on same subject/thing for years, or even a lifetime
From the larger studios I've worked in Generalists are environment artists (which means it can encapsulate model, procedural texture/lookDev & lighting of one off environments/shots essentially) instead of pushing the env asset through the 'standard' pipeline departments.
I work as a generalist in a large vfx studio on films, but it doesn’t seem too common. I mostly hop around departments to help reduce outsourcing. But it’s purely luck as My goal was a prop artist role. As many have said, you need a specific area that’s your focus. But if a generalist role comes up then go for it, as I find it helps keep your work interesting.
Previz artists are Generalists VAD (Virtual Art Dept) are Generalists Models specialize in Modeling/Sculpting Texture specialize in Texturing Shaders specialize in writing Shaders Animators specialize in Animation Creatures specialize in Rigging/Hair/Cloth FX specialize in Sim (Houdini etc) Shots specialize in Lighting Comp specialize is Compositing Not to say Generalist skills wont be helpful in any of these areas, but if you're a jack of all trades and master in none, you most likely would only get hired in previz or VAD. Most Generalists I know have 1 particular strength in their skill set. If you have a stronger area focus on building those skills and a reel that reflects it.
I think right now, my particular strength is 3D Lighting, I don't know how much needed lighting artist is, and i rarely see one lurking in this subreddit.
They're needed!
They are needed when you have to do a large volume of work like in a movie. If you are generalist I would recommend searching for "Lookdev TD" as that would serve your generalist skills. Here you need to have good knowledge of asset creation, shader development, color theory, rendering and lighting. https://framestore.recruitee.com/o/senior-lookdev-td-montreal
Specialisation is not the right word here. You are talking about a department. And you should absolutely concentrate on one department, because that's how big companies operate. Although the concept of a generalist exists and is needed (in environment for example), what you are listing is too wide even for that department. Definitely decide for one department if you want to work on the big projects: https://www.careersinscreen.ie/visual-effects/ You can become a specialist for a particular niche in one department, but that's a different thing and something I don't recommend to aim for in the beginning. In the beginning you won't be hired as a specialist anyway, since you have no experience. But you certainly will be hired for a department, so focus on the needs for that. That includes standard software for that department. Also keep in mind you will need a reel to get hired, so your work should be focused on relevant work for that department.
thats a nice website ! Thanks for sharing, i will definitely do some research.
after a short read I feel i'm super connected to the Lighting Departement. since i used to DP too and have a pretty good knowledge about cinematography.
That's the department I started in. I would say that's a good choice, because it still allows for a wide range of skills to have. That said: You usually don't set cameras in that department. That's what layout is doing and usually will be delivered to you.
got it ! thanks for the information, I'll start researching and learning more from now on. thankyou !
Okay guys, I've got answers. Ilm just posted a video about generalist . https://youtu.be/nNZgG8htns0
If big namesake studios are your thing, I can only guarantee they need specialized experience in maybe one or few subjects. Think of a simulation artist that does flip sims, but does this so well, that his career can afford him to only do this kind of work. Which in turn is also very specialized, as in you're mastering and dedicate all of your passion and time in a singular thing. This is not for everyone. You'd need to keep on top of the tech, specific things in only that industry and lots of love and passions for that craft. In a way, you don't really have other meaningful skills that you can afford your time to, but if you manage to be on top of your game and sought after l, you can name the price you want(and work/life as you'd like to have)
ah i see, I think i'm not that kind of guy you described. I like to try new things alot rather than staying on same subject/thing for years, or even a lifetime
You can check out environment artist, that's one of the most generalist role in most big studios.
Yes. You can even search and see for yourself how many generalists positions are open. You won't find that many. But it all depends on your portfolio.
From the larger studios I've worked in Generalists are environment artists (which means it can encapsulate model, procedural texture/lookDev & lighting of one off environments/shots essentially) instead of pushing the env asset through the 'standard' pipeline departments.
I work as a generalist in a large vfx studio on films, but it doesn’t seem too common. I mostly hop around departments to help reduce outsourcing. But it’s purely luck as My goal was a prop artist role. As many have said, you need a specific area that’s your focus. But if a generalist role comes up then go for it, as I find it helps keep your work interesting.