Origin Story: Carlos Dominguez, Sr. Technical Artist | 38 Studios

What was your first job in the gaming industry? 

Associate Technical Artist at High Moon Studios, working on Animation/Rigging pipelines and content creation workflow.

 
Did you find it difficult to get your first job given that you had no prior experience? 

No as much, but my case is a bit different than usual. I was doing software development before and going to school for Game Art and Design. The skills I had developed in doing so gave me the experience I needed for the job. I also had extensive non-professional experience with the game engine High Moon was using (unreal). That in combination with the fact that High Moon was ramping up a project made the perfect conditions for me to get hired. 

What sort of training or education did you complete in advance of applying for your first position? 

I had finished one and half years of schooling for Game Art and Design. Before that I had an Electrical Engineering degree. 

What is your job today? 

I am a Senior Technical Artist at 38 Studios working on Client Side Events and content creation support.

For someone interested in starting a career making games today what is the main piece of advice you would offer them?

Research the industry and find out what you want to do. This will help you figure out who to talk to and how to best prepare yourself for that job. If you can, sign up for some classes or a degree in the discipline you want to pursue. Not everyone can do this, but school will give you the tools and even open up a network you need to break into the industry.

Then network.

Get involved and go to IGDA meetings. Meet the people you want to work with or game developers that do what you dream of doing. I have found our industry to be very open, and most developers will lend a hand if you are prepared, passionate and work hard for what you want.

For more information on Carlos check out: http://area.autodesk.com/creativecareers/carlos_dominguez