FAQ on Hiring Artists

What is your process in hiring artists?

We encourage all interested applicants to carefully review current job postings for application instructions and most importantly for portfolio requirements. Complete and thorough applications are processed much faster and efficiently than others. A quick breakdown of our process is as follows:

• An initial screen of portfolio and resume for minimum requirements.
• Review by Art Director team.
• Contact candidate for first round telephone interview.
• Successful candidates will be invited to the office for an in-person interview.

We try to have as quick a turnaround on portfolios and interviews as possible, for everyone's benefit!

What do you look for when selecting an artist for a position?

Our ideal candidate will have a range of skills--someone who has talent in computer art skills (3D software, Photoshop) and traditional skills (figure drawing, color work). We do ask for relevant work experience (game industry), as this brings a wealth of knowledge and background to a studio, but we also welcome applications from graduates of technical colleges and specialty schools that offer training in the aforementioned skills. We are looking for a confident and competent applicant, therefore, it is very important that you take the time necessary to build and submit your ideal portfolio.

A particular discipline that we are constantly recruiting for is technical art. A technical artist is the bridge between the pure artist and the pure programmer. These people need to meet five basic requirements: Artistic sensibility and skill; understanding of programming, scripting and other logical constructs; keen trouble shooting abilities; the ability to create and use organizational structures; and be excellent communicators. Technical artists are team members who make the work pipeline smoother and are very valuable to the project.

Finally, it is very important for the candidate to have a keen interest in what BioWare is doing, and work well with a team. Skill can only take a career (a project and company) so far. Therefore, we are very careful when determining the best candidate for the position; fitting within our company and culture is as important as having the skills.

Have you ever hired anyone that lacked computer or digital art experience?

Yes, BioWare has a strong history of hiring very strong 2D artists and providing training. We feel that talent and personality far outweigh the amount of time it might take to train them on the computer/software they would be using. The computer is a tool, therefore, when applicants demonstrate a very high artistic ability, their 3D work will be that much stronger. We realize that teaching our employees is very important... there are always new things to be learned, even with relevant experience, we require a person to continue to challenge themselves technically in their job.

What type of schooling/training should people consider if they wish to work in the games industry?

Applicants should consider schooling in visual fundamentals first, and then progress to a school that teaches 3D art techniques. Sometimes this will be attainable from one school; sometimes the education is best acquired from more than one school. The programs vary in length and quality. The most important thing to first determine is where your strengths lie, and then build your education upon that. Our experience with reviewing demo reels has proven many times that those candidates with a strong art foundation will usually have a better portfolio than a candidate with only a 3D education. Talent, practice and will are the driving forces.

BioWare does not advocate or endorse any particular school or program; this is research that you must do on your own. As well, we do not guarantee that there is a job waiting for you upon completion of any training; that will depend on the effort you put into your education!

What software programs does BioWare recommend?

For 2D, Photoshop is a standard everywhere. It is a very versatile and deep tool. If you know Photoshop you will find that other 2D packages share the same functional principles and will be easy to learn.

3D is a little more involved. Some applications take many months or even years to master, and yet they are all based on the same principles. Skills in one package are very transferable to another. We use mainly 3DStudio Max, but all of the main programs like Maya and Softimage are applicable in this industry... it depends on the developer. Lately, there are even more programs available that push the graphic envelope, you will do well if you stay on top of the latest technological advances in digital art hardware and software!

Any last piece of advice?

We recommend that any person interested in pursuing a job in the games industry have a passion for games. That may seem almost a given, but there is a difference between enjoying playing games, and living, eating, and breathing games with the desire to make the best games possible! This is a competitive industry. Not only are companies looking for people with skills, but also the passion and desire to push the boundaries. It is this drive that is propelling the industry forward, and helping to create some of the most fantastic games brought to market yet!