Discover what it takes to make it as a game artist, including what qualifications and supporting material you’ll need to apply for jobs in the games industry.

Many people who grow up playing video games dream of one day being able to produce their own — or at least be part of a team that is producing video games. One of the many careers in this sector is as a game artist. But what qualifications do you need to get into this field and how can you find a job?

What qualifications do game artists need?

In many cases, a game artist will have a game art degree or a degree in computer games modelling, depending on the type of game art they want to specialise in. However, it’s important to note that one of the most important elements for securing a job in this field is not your qualifications, but your portfolio of work. 

That said, getting a degree can certainly help with this as you’ll need to produce a variety of pieces of game art throughout your course, which can build the foundation of your portfolio. 

Plus, when you study a subject like game art at university, you’ll learn about industry-standard tools, which will be invaluable when you enter the world of work. 

How easy is it to get a job as a game artist?

Entry-level jobs in this sector can be highly competitive, which is why having a strong portfolio is a must. This also means that having a degree in this discipline can help you stand out. 

What’s more, if your course is taught by former or even current industry professionals, there is a good chance that they will have connections and they may be able to help you find appropriate roles to apply for. 

So, while it’s not always easy to get a job as a game artist, it is certainly possible, especially if you focus on creating a strong and varied portfolio and if you explore any networking opportunities open to you in the video gaming industry.