RPGDX > Forums > General Discussion > Who plans on becoming a professional?

Locrian · Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 7:40 am Post subject:

I would love to become a professional. Artist that is. Programming isn't for me. I totally would love to be an art bitch for some comp game company. Unfortunately my 3d modeling and digital painting skills are quite crappy at the moment. Im ok at pixeling I suppose but that doesn't count for shit. I've got a few years left in college to hone the skills that matter though. So uh yeah, I guess I plan to be a professional game art guy as thats where my directionless life seems to be somewhat directed towards most. Would be sweet. And of course I'll have my band on the side playing pure unhallowed blackened frostbitten heavy fucking metal of misanthropic cosmic spectral death feasting on the cold aborted featus from the unwelcoming womb of the mother of agony as she lies in the desert of space in all her unholy blaspeming wretchedness for the glory of eternal northern darkness under the banner of our dark lord.

I'm going to be a bum.

DrunkenCoder · Demon Hunter Joined: 29 May 2002 Posts: 559

OT:Where do I find sample music from you band?
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BigManJones · Scholar Joined: 22 Mar 2003 Posts: 196

DrunkenCoder · Demon Hunter Joined: 29 May 2002 Posts: 559

for me it's probably the hope of actually writing intresting code at work ;) but also you do have a point in that it's quite hard to in any rational way understanding why anyone is insane enough to persue a game programming career still loads of people are... it's strange.. and i still want in
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Sirocco · Mage Joined: 01 Jun 2002 Posts: 345

PoV · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 1:31 am Post subject:

Sirocco · Mage Joined: 01 Jun 2002 Posts: 345

DarkDread · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:02 pm Post subject:

I predict you're wrong. :P

...there's nothing more frustrating than finishing a 500+ piece tileset, exactly the way you've been told they want it... only to be asked to do a 'minor change'... one that pretty much requires you to spend 10 minutes, per tile, making said adjustment.

...and other stuff like that.
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XMark · Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2004 11:36 pm Post subject:

And I suspect that doing artistic jobs professionally for games would involve steeling yourself against the emotional killing blow dealt to you every time your employer says "I don't like it. Do it differently." Then you gotta smile and pretend you haven't just been mortally wounded and do what they ask :)
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Mark Hall
Abstract Productions
I PLAYS THE MUSIC THAT MAKES THE PEOPLES FALL DOWN!

Sirocco · Mage Joined: 01 Jun 2002 Posts: 345

Hmmm.... true enough. But it would seem that the list of potential gotchas for those two positions is smaller than that of a coder. Regardless, it's just more proof toward what I was asserting earlier in the thread, which is essentially that once something becomes your job, there's always a way to turn it into an unpleasant ordeal.

.

PoV · Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2004 2:36 am Post subject:

Lone Wolf · Guest

High I'm totally new and just stumbled upon this site and this thread. Just wanted to take the chance to put a question into this thread before it completely dies.

I am more than likely going to join the United States Marine Corps when I finish my senior year of HS; I have not yet decided whether my career path will be as a programmer or as a lawyer (Judge Advocate)/paralegal since there are members of the board here who have coding experience, here goes:

What I really want to be is a writer. I love books/stories. I also have a strong affinity for video games (especially IF, MUDs, and some RPGS and 2d fighting games). I am a very logical type of person, and enjoy the little bit of programming I have done over the years. I learn math pretty fast, and got a 570 on the Math portion of my first SAT attempt with NO PREP and having failed Geometry (though I have currently recouped that credit). I also scored a 720 on the English portion on the same attempt, for those who are curious. ( I know there are plenty of members of this board that have dwarfed these scores; they were offered only as a reference, I have since increased my Math score. Also, there is no need to dwarf whatever ego I may have :))

I know I would make a good lawyer or programmer. Actually I think I would make a great lawyer but maybe only an above average programmer (I don't have enough experience with pure coding to make a fair judgement). I have no desire to make games proffesionally. What I am looking for is:

1) A job I enjoy, that is rewarding (I like doing it, although it may not be paradise or reading Ender's Game)
2) Not insanely stressful in hours or environment
3) A salary I can live off of (wealth is not as important as item #2)

Basically I want a decent job that will allow me to pursue my true passions: writing and video games (particularly the kind very few people would ever pay for). I recognize that the things you love become the things you hate when they become a responsibility, and that is why I have made my decision to seperate the two. Although I will probably take a good, long stab at becoming an author....

I've heard a lot of horror stories on this board. Surely, there are programming jobs that fit the criteria above? Also, if anyone knows/has any experience with programming for the Military, that would also be appreciated. (I know a bit, but finding coders from such an environment is an arduous process. You never get the full experience unless you consult someone who has "been there".)

In the end, would programming be a wise career choice for someone looking to write and make games in their free time? Or are most occupations as nightmarish as those put forth thus far?

Thanks for your time, I know this was an earful. (Or eyeful, rather...)

BigManJones · Scholar Joined: 22 Mar 2003 Posts: 196

I don't remember if I posted about my work, but its totally non stressful, but a bit boring. I work on business apps and the pays great. No overtime, no crunch time.

Military programmers: I used to know a guy who had been in the navy in an admin job. He said they had an as/400 on their ship he got to code little programs on. Probably something lame like rpg (the language). Most military/government apps are maintained by contractors, like Lockheed or some of the other ones. The Pentagon has one of the largest applications in the world: 30 million lines of cobol in an inventory control system thats 30+ years old. I don't who has that contract.

If your looking for low stress and pay isn't a priority, why would you even consider Law? Your in school forever and its reputably pretty stressful, what with chasing ambulances and all.

I'd encourage you to think long and hard before enlisting in any branch of the military. Even in the marines your going to be around a bunch of thugs and hoodlums. The military is no place for an intelligent person. If you do enlist, be prepared to do a lot of stupid stuff. Nothing can prepare you for the reality though.

Lone Wolf · Posted: Tue Feb 03, 2004 4:43 am Post subject:

Thank you for the response. However, I would have to take issue with many of your perceptions which will require elaboration before I consider them valid, as they contradict nearly all of my research (both in interviews with people "in the know" and through the web and objective literature) regarding service in the United States Military.

First, I consider myself and am considered by many I know an adept speaker, writer and debater. The second most frequently asked question by my peers as well as authority figures throughout the duration of my existence has been " Are you going to be a lawyer?" (second only to "are you going to be a comedian?"), yet the responsibility and viciousness of the private marketplace for attorneys is a reason I have had doubts concerning the pursuit of such employment. However I was interested by the idea of becoming a Judge Advocate for the Marine Corps due to emphasis on litigation, reduced hours, reduced stress (although along with reduced pay) and less severe competition along with increased job security.

As far as your comments concerning the United States Military, I am obliged to take issue with your vague assertions, as appear a mite unenlightened, to say the least.

I know relatives of many people that have served in the US Military. The 3rd highest ranked member of my Senior class has been in JROTC for 4 years, and is on the path to enlisting and becoming a JAG. There are many intelligent people in the armed forces; I have known some. Believe me, if I thought the Military
was a place for ex-jocks I wouldn't give it a second thought. The "stupid stuff" you are refering to I happen to see as constructors of character ( assuming you are refering to the customs of boot camp and such). I generally respect the men and women of our armed forces, but acknowledge there are always some good along with the bad. I would, however, be recpetive to any further commentary or insight you could offer on programming/ military life (or your perceptions of it). Since this isn't a thread regarding the military, however, feel free to PM me.