Mr Skelhon, I can share some tips and words of advice on standing a better chance of succeeding.
My NDA regarding PG games mainly states that I can't leak confidential material, talk about trade secrets etc etc, the usual expected stuff. I'm pretty certain that giving an overview of how my application process evolved isn't breaching any terms of agreement, but I'll keep it generalised just in case
My portfolio can be viewed here:
http://arranseaton.carbonmade.com/
I spent a lot of time weeding out a fair amount of 'fluff' in my portfolio. i.e, stuff that looks pretty but doesn't really have much to say in regards to a focal point. Krem helped me out a fair amount here, as well as Gen. Vivi. It really helps to get a second opinion of your content. You have to choose the very finest of your work. I'd say it's all about quality over quantity of course, but make sure you've got a lot of variation in your work. I also have links to videos in the about section, videos can say a lot more than pictures. It shows that it's playable for starters and gives a whole new perspective on how they see your creations.
I do have some prop modelling work which I showed at the interview, the main reason I didn't include it on my carbonmade was down to not having sufficient content in comparison to the other sections. Vivi explained that it's a red flag to not have consistency in appearance and presentation.
Lastly, get yourself on a project worth showing off if you are taking the modding route rather than academic. Getting on one amazing team is infinitely better than working for 10 sub-par teams. I pestered Tay (Krem) for months to join the team, and honestly its probably the biggest swing factor for me succeeding. They were impressed with Canvas, and could see that I was determined to scout out the best talent to join in order to prove myself. I'd be very surprised if the remaining core members of the team do not get hired within the next year or two.
Unfortunately I won't be able to continue my input on Canvas, that's usually how the industry works (it's considered a conflict of Interest - esp if Canvas goes Indie) I might consider negotiating it slightly in future but we'll see.
Regarding the interview I had a 3 stage process. Firstly a phone interview. Then a first informal interview. TheN a second, usually final interview. The phone chat was weird, and I thought I did terribly tbh. But I guess it was a case of good luck. They ask very specific and sometimes unusual questions so you need to be on your toes.
The second stage, i went up and saw them in person. This was a long chat, almost 2 hours. Covering all my past experience with tools, what I worked on, what games i love, what i am looking forward etc. They will most likely want to get to know your background and really see if you're passionate. It's great to show that you love playing all types of genres. I could imagine they would get put off if you only loved shooters if they were a Medieval MMO studio lol.
It then moved on to more specific questions and my solutions. If you are good with your words then it helps to describe elements and ideas more intuitively. Believe me, I was nervous as hell, but after finding my feet it was a pretty natural back and forth conversation. I managed to get on pretty well with the Lead Designers.
A positive attitude, eye contact and ambition will help you go far regardless of if you are nervous (provided your work can support you).
Once that interview was up, i remained in contact with the lead designer, who assigned me a task to test my metal, so to speak. I had a week to use 3DS Max to mock up a design for them. For which I succeeded. Meaning I got to stage 3 and the all the serious stuff. It was then NDA signing time. A brief chat with a Senior employee and an offer.
I'm sure that other studios have a different method in terms of how they handle applications, but if you get the chance to have an interview and it's the same system, stage 3 is pretty much the finish line.
I start early next month so now my aim is to found a new place to live haha. It's nice and cheap in Leamington so It should be fine.
i hope any of this helps. I'm thrilled to be part of the 'lopers all-stars' who have managed to cram their foot in the door jk jk. But I still know I have a long way to go, so I won't strut around this forum with any air of importance heh.
Vilham wrote:Grats. Looks like your gunna be working with my mate Chris who just joined them having left my studio.
Oh sweet, I will mention you when i start working with him!