Having been a graphic artist for over 20 years in both traditional and recently digital mediums, I can say that the lack of respect and under-appreciation in the creative field are nothing new. Many people don’t realize the enormous amount of time and dedidication it takes to create good art and to be a good artist. I personally believe the only people who really appreciate your work, are other artists who understand the skill level and time sacrafice required to achieve the work. I admire my own work, but I am also in great awe over many other artists creations as well. I learned early on that art in any medium is subjective to each person. Some people will love your work and others will hate it no matter how good you think it is. The subjectiveness and under-appreciation are just thorns you learn to accept in any field of creative pursuit.
As far as the schedules getting shorter and the the price levels lowering, it’s the companies themselves who are cannibalizing the industry not only for others, but for themselves. My prices are never low and my work never runs out. You can never back down on what you feel the price level is worth, because the moment you do you lose confidence in yourself and the client loses not only confidence in you, but also respect for you. If someone wants what I do at a cheaper price, I simply give them the 3Gs, “Great meeting you, good luck, and goodbye.”
Very well-said, Lee. I totally agree with this vid. For years, I’ve had this “be the best at something” notion in the deep and dark alleys of my mind, but hearing you talk about it really has shed some light on the dust.
Thanks for seeing (and acting on) things from a different perspective and sharing it with us. Makes your class all the more interesting!
My university basically creates 3D generalists, so i´m just another one like all other students that came out. I was happy until the day i got my first job. Your absolutely right you got to be good, really good, at something. Thats what I felt when i started working. I´m going back to school to finish my Master’s Degree and to put an end to my basic generalist skills.
Inspiring and eyes opener.
Thanks a lot for this video.
Matthew – exactly the same advice, broadly speaking. I edited out a section about how I’m currently ‘best in the world at liberal political videos’ and how that has opened doors for me…whatever your politics, it’s same concept.
My own perspective is from the reverse direction, since I’m a business owner and not a job seeker. I get poorly written and generalized resumes all the time. A great truth about Lee’s video, is that the job seeker does need to show some “passion(s)” about subjects in the resume and portfolio to stand out. I usually just quickly scan the resume and then go directly to the online portfolio. If per chance the seeker doesn’t have an online portfolio then the resume is instantly in the digital trash. It’s the age of technology and to me an online portfolio is an absolute must have; no excuses. The portfolio is very valuable as it’s where I literally get to see what the person is creatively capable of, and the experience level I’m dealing with. If the portfolio is interesting, THEN I go back to the resume and start reading through it. Most of the time I ignore the text on a resume, because people can say anything they want to on it (and they do). But until I see the portfolio then and only then can I tell whether or not they told me the “truth” about what things they are really good at, and passionate about.
If we say the proof is in the pudding, then the resume would be the spoon and the portfolio would be the pudding. Long story short, it’s all fine and good to say your are the world’s best at something, and if you have the confidence to say that then you would have my ear, but in following it’s down to business and you better be able to PROVE IT.
I loved the video. Everything you said is so true and applies or can apply to our lives. I am 15 years old and i have 3 collage credits in autodesk products as well as lightwave 9.0 modeler as well as Layout. I have had to make resumes before and I never have had the guts to say i was the best. I am not the best in the world just the best in the class. Thanks for all of these tips and you did a great job.
You are dead right. I’ve never gotten a job with a resume, it’s always been through a friend or a contact that I’ve already known, yet I’ve never crystallized it like you just did. Thanks for the advice!
Amazing! Looking back, this IS the reason why I’m where I’m at today. I’ve never been to school for graphic design but here I am. Now I’m heading for VFX. EXCITING!
You really deserve that everyone post a comment.
These videos are very inspiring and important in the way we should take our career. I´m from Portugal, here it´s not that easy to get the job we want because almost the entire market is looking for 3D generalists, to make arquitectural projection. You have to go out the country, adventure and sometimes to knock in some doors to get some attention.
The demo reel is not the most important thing, we artist should have an more active role, especially over the internet. Thats one of the reasons that i´ve created my website/blog, to make “friends”, to create relationships and to contribute to something. We have to open doors and sometimes give our body to the bullets (critics) that may come.
Thanks a lot for this video. I´ve already posted it with a link, in my blog.
Cheers
I have been a 2d/3d generalist my whole career and I have really been inspired by Mr.Stranahan’s video. It has made me reflect in-ward and answer the question that’s been nagging at me…..
What am I going to be the BEST in the WORLD at?
Thanks again for giving out these videos, it goes to show you that not only do the newbies need advise but even 12 yr veteran in the gaming industry can use too!
There is a good amount of common sense in this video that I like Lee. I’ve witnessed some of my own buddies pulling their buddies into good jobs and skipping right over the other candidate resumes. It can seem unfair, but that’s the way it really happens sometimes. It’s interesting when a company is about to post a new position to the public, because the HR person or even the Boss will be the first to say, “Hey if you know anyone who would be interested is this spot let us know.”
Yep, that is so true!!
How many people out there we know that aren’t properly bright at what they do but simply by having good connections, they are in positions that the most of us will not be able to access?
This is an universal rule, of course I don’t agree with it, at least not 100%, because even though I prefer to work with people I know, by doing that I’m taking the risk of never work with the really right person for the job.
Good one Lee!!
I agree Lee. Just throwing someone into the educational fire and saying here push these buttons and learn this software is not the complete solution. Most people also try to master many programs, which does not work well. For example, we have a long list of 3D software: Maya, Max, Softimage, C4D, Houdini, LW, modo, etc. But it’s best to try and pick one major 3D package and stick with it, because the learning time and investment in each one is huge. We can easily say Maya is the current popularity king, but instead of following what the mass is doing, what if a person became the world’s best at Softimage or Houdini instead? Now he or she may be in a more valuable hiring position by not having to compete with the endless number of Maya people…just a thought.
I also like it that you will be pushing the students towards making a good web site and in promoting it. As a business owner, I work every day helping clients promote their products and services which is very important, as its effectiveness translates into sales. Good Search Engine Optimization is also important and if done correctly it can boost you in the search results past people who have spent a ton of money trying to promote a poorly developed site.
As far as promotion goes, if the “right people” are not aware of who you are and what you can do then it’s like you don’t exist to them. Ponder that scenario for a moment and it makes you think about how important promotion really is.
I’m not a student in the DC program, but as a business owner I think some of these core concepts (promotion, staying focused, mission statement reflection) still apply even after you get the job or start that business. Maybe there could be a tailored Dream Business program Lee…
Actually – the program would work very well for business owners, too…a couple of the students are using the program to promote themselves personally PLUS thier business.
Sounds like the process is spot on Lee and I am really looking forward to the start next week.
I’m approaching 50 and have been futzing around as a generalist in digital media for almost 25 years. Some years and some jobs were okay but I never felt as though I was “building a career” something that I was in control of.
cool
Lee Stranahan is a useful implement in my arsenal of tools. Not to say he is a tool. That is for the individual viewer to decide. Simple, yet fantastic concepts in this video.
This is really helpful.This is what i am trying to do .To be best at my work.I am a selftaught artist.So i will have to travel a long way to become an better artist.But one day i am sure that i will achieve my goal.I am still trying to achieve higher standards.This video is a boost to newbies like me.Thank u very much Lee Stranahan
The point about not wanting to work with an a-hole works in reverse too. I took a job thinking the move would provide more opportunities. Well I wish I had known who this guy was who is now my boss before hand. Be careful about the jobs you take. Believe me it’s hard to be creative and do good work if you hate coming in everyday.
This is so refreshing to hear. When I last updated my resume, I was told to stick to the generic method, despite my suggestions that that does not make me stand out.
Thank you, this confirms my initial belief and can’t wait to try it out!
Very thoughtful and real. i especially love the acknowledgement of the journey of produce promote. This is so true, it never ends , but that is a good thing!
This aspect of promotion has always seemed so contrived to me. Can you spin it in a different light? They all sound the same, is there a way to “stand out”? Would you want to? I have “choked up” at this part.
Totally get it! Went to my site to update. The examples were nice to see, I just have struggled in the past with this very subject, “the about author statement”
That is what I’m talking about!! That’s exactly what I’m all about, I love change and growth and it all starts by doing something! Thanks for sharing, LOVE IT!!
Loved it. I have a network of friends and colleagues and ‘contacts’ in the industry that I have yet to fully take advantage of. I feel like I am imposing if I ask directly for help or work, needless to say I have been disappointed with my strategy of sitting around waiting for results to ‘come to me’.
I’ve read that 80% or more tweets are sent via mobile device. For those of us that (still) don’t have such a device, are there other tools available? For example, I rely on TwitterFox, an Add-On for FireFox to read/write tweets. Any recommendations for others I should look into?
Lee, another factor that I’ve been tracking that compounds your argument is the maturity of free and open source tools such as Blender. Not only are hardware prices incredibly low, but you can now get started without spending anything on software as well. This is *really* important for developing a regional film industry in New Mexico, as it is now possible to train a generation of local VFX artists and film-makers without hemorrhaging money out of the state in the form of software licenses.
My thoughts exactly. But being in it for the money, will never work, so i hope no-one reads that in your video. It’s all about the joy of making films and creating. JOY+Talent = Quality, because of the amount of time you put into it.
Thanks for this one Lee. I am already starting to see a change in my business because of the tactics I am learning in the Dream Career Workshop and I am really looking forward to participating in the VFX Supervisor Bootcamp. The industry in Vancouver is just starting to spill over into my neck of the woods and I see great door opening for myself and others to step through into the film industry.
The Dream Career Workshop is an online school that teachs CGI artists and film makers how to market themselves, increase their income and turbocharge their careers.
Students learn how to harness the power of social media, make industry connections and focus their careers - all at a fraction of the cost of film or animation school.
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Awesome lil hint on that behavior! Thanks!
Having been a graphic artist for over 20 years in both traditional and recently digital mediums, I can say that the lack of respect and under-appreciation in the creative field are nothing new. Many people don’t realize the enormous amount of time and dedidication it takes to create good art and to be a good artist. I personally believe the only people who really appreciate your work, are other artists who understand the skill level and time sacrafice required to achieve the work. I admire my own work, but I am also in great awe over many other artists creations as well. I learned early on that art in any medium is subjective to each person. Some people will love your work and others will hate it no matter how good you think it is. The subjectiveness and under-appreciation are just thorns you learn to accept in any field of creative pursuit.
As far as the schedules getting shorter and the the price levels lowering, it’s the companies themselves who are cannibalizing the industry not only for others, but for themselves. My prices are never low and my work never runs out. You can never back down on what you feel the price level is worth, because the moment you do you lose confidence in yourself and the client loses not only confidence in you, but also respect for you. If someone wants what I do at a cheaper price, I simply give them the 3Gs, “Great meeting you, good luck, and goodbye.”
Practical and profound. If we could only see the simple things, as you discussed in the video, it would change our lives. Wow, thanks for sharing!!
Any recommendations aimed specifically at the film industry?
Very well-said, Lee. I totally agree with this vid. For years, I’ve had this “be the best at something” notion in the deep and dark alleys of my mind, but hearing you talk about it really has shed some light on the dust.
Thanks for seeing (and acting on) things from a different perspective and sharing it with us. Makes your class all the more interesting!
Best,
Bryan Thomas
Pixel Active
My university basically creates 3D generalists, so i´m just another one like all other students that came out. I was happy until the day i got my first job. Your absolutely right you got to be good, really good, at something. Thats what I felt when i started working. I´m going back to school to finish my Master’s Degree and to put an end to my basic generalist skills.
Inspiring and eyes opener.
Thanks a lot for this video.
Matthew – exactly the same advice, broadly speaking. I edited out a section about how I’m currently ‘best in the world at liberal political videos’ and how that has opened doors for me…whatever your politics, it’s same concept.
I would like to post this video in the blog that i´m starting.
What should i do?
I´m having some difficulties.
Thanks
My own perspective is from the reverse direction, since I’m a business owner and not a job seeker. I get poorly written and generalized resumes all the time. A great truth about Lee’s video, is that the job seeker does need to show some “passion(s)” about subjects in the resume and portfolio to stand out. I usually just quickly scan the resume and then go directly to the online portfolio. If per chance the seeker doesn’t have an online portfolio then the resume is instantly in the digital trash. It’s the age of technology and to me an online portfolio is an absolute must have; no excuses. The portfolio is very valuable as it’s where I literally get to see what the person is creatively capable of, and the experience level I’m dealing with. If the portfolio is interesting, THEN I go back to the resume and start reading through it. Most of the time I ignore the text on a resume, because people can say anything they want to on it (and they do). But until I see the portfolio then and only then can I tell whether or not they told me the “truth” about what things they are really good at, and passionate about.
If we say the proof is in the pudding, then the resume would be the spoon and the portfolio would be the pudding. Long story short, it’s all fine and good to say your are the world’s best at something, and if you have the confidence to say that then you would have my ear, but in following it’s down to business and you better be able to PROVE IT.
I loved the video. Everything you said is so true and applies or can apply to our lives. I am 15 years old and i have 3 collage credits in autodesk products as well as lightwave 9.0 modeler as well as Layout. I have had to make resumes before and I never have had the guts to say i was the best. I am not the best in the world just the best in the class. Thanks for all of these tips and you did a great job.
You are dead right. I’ve never gotten a job with a resume, it’s always been through a friend or a contact that I’ve already known, yet I’ve never crystallized it like you just did. Thanks for the advice!
Amazing! Looking back, this IS the reason why I’m where I’m at today. I’ve never been to school for graphic design but here I am. Now I’m heading for VFX. EXCITING!
You really deserve that everyone post a comment.
These videos are very inspiring and important in the way we should take our career. I´m from Portugal, here it´s not that easy to get the job we want because almost the entire market is looking for 3D generalists, to make arquitectural projection. You have to go out the country, adventure and sometimes to knock in some doors to get some attention.
The demo reel is not the most important thing, we artist should have an more active role, especially over the internet. Thats one of the reasons that i´ve created my website/blog, to make “friends”, to create relationships and to contribute to something. We have to open doors and sometimes give our body to the bullets (critics) that may come.
Thanks a lot for this video. I´ve already posted it with a link, in my blog.
Cheers
I have been a 2d/3d generalist my whole career and I have really been inspired by Mr.Stranahan’s video. It has made me reflect in-ward and answer the question that’s been nagging at me…..
What am I going to be the BEST in the WORLD at?
Thanks again for giving out these videos, it goes to show you that not only do the newbies need advise but even 12 yr veteran in the gaming industry can use too!
There is a good amount of common sense in this video that I like Lee. I’ve witnessed some of my own buddies pulling their buddies into good jobs and skipping right over the other candidate resumes. It can seem unfair, but that’s the way it really happens sometimes. It’s interesting when a company is about to post a new position to the public, because the HR person or even the Boss will be the first to say, “Hey if you know anyone who would be interested is this spot let us know.”
Yep, that is so true!!
How many people out there we know that aren’t properly bright at what they do but simply by having good connections, they are in positions that the most of us will not be able to access?
This is an universal rule, of course I don’t agree with it, at least not 100%, because even though I prefer to work with people I know, by doing that I’m taking the risk of never work with the really right person for the job.
Good one Lee!!
I agree Lee. Just throwing someone into the educational fire and saying here push these buttons and learn this software is not the complete solution. Most people also try to master many programs, which does not work well. For example, we have a long list of 3D software: Maya, Max, Softimage, C4D, Houdini, LW, modo, etc. But it’s best to try and pick one major 3D package and stick with it, because the learning time and investment in each one is huge. We can easily say Maya is the current popularity king, but instead of following what the mass is doing, what if a person became the world’s best at Softimage or Houdini instead? Now he or she may be in a more valuable hiring position by not having to compete with the endless number of Maya people…just a thought.
I also like it that you will be pushing the students towards making a good web site and in promoting it. As a business owner, I work every day helping clients promote their products and services which is very important, as its effectiveness translates into sales. Good Search Engine Optimization is also important and if done correctly it can boost you in the search results past people who have spent a ton of money trying to promote a poorly developed site.
As far as promotion goes, if the “right people” are not aware of who you are and what you can do then it’s like you don’t exist to them. Ponder that scenario for a moment and it makes you think about how important promotion really is.
I’m not a student in the DC program, but as a business owner I think some of these core concepts (promotion, staying focused, mission statement reflection) still apply even after you get the job or start that business. Maybe there could be a tailored Dream Business program Lee…
Daniel, thanks for another great comment…
Actually – the program would work very well for business owners, too…a couple of the students are using the program to promote themselves personally PLUS thier business.
And there’s still time to sign up!
Sounds like the process is spot on Lee and I am really looking forward to the start next week.
I’m approaching 50 and have been futzing around as a generalist in digital media for almost 25 years. Some years and some jobs were okay but I never felt as though I was “building a career” something that I was in control of.
Going to change all that now.
regards
Hi Lee,
That is owesome. I like the software very much. I went to the site and sign up myself. Thanks a lot for introducing this.
Kaylen
Interesting. Love the reverb on your voice
cool
Lee Stranahan is a useful implement in my arsenal of tools. Not to say he is a tool. That is for the individual viewer to decide. Simple, yet fantastic concepts in this video.
cmiVFX will be giving away free products to those who graduate from Lee’s Workshop. Please inquire within to get these items.
This is really helpful.This is what i am trying to do .To be best at my work.I am a selftaught artist.So i will have to travel a long way to become an better artist.But one day i am sure that i will achieve my goal.I am still trying to achieve higher standards.This video is a boost to newbies like me.Thank u very much Lee Stranahan
The point about not wanting to work with an a-hole works in reverse too. I took a job thinking the move would provide more opportunities. Well I wish I had known who this guy was who is now my boss before hand. Be careful about the jobs you take. Believe me it’s hard to be creative and do good work if you hate coming in everyday.
Great point, totally true…that’s another reasons your contacts are SO key….
This advice is essential imo, and something i hold sacred.
Hi Lee
This is so refreshing to hear. When I last updated my resume, I was told to stick to the generic method, despite my suggestions that that does not make me stand out.
Thank you, this confirms my initial belief and can’t wait to try it out!
This has been the most excited I’ve been from a blog post since reading that you can do this kind of thing for a living.
Howdy Lee!
Very thoughtful and real. i especially love the acknowledgement of the journey of produce promote. This is so true, it never ends , but that is a good thing!
I see the post
This aspect of promotion has always seemed so contrived to me. Can you spin it in a different light? They all sound the same, is there a way to “stand out”? Would you want to? I have “choked up” at this part.
Did you look at the list? Lots of good ideas there…
It’s contrived but really important
Totally get it! Went to my site to update. The examples were nice to see, I just have struggled in the past with this very subject, “the about author statement”
Interesting, like it!
That is what I’m talking about!! That’s exactly what I’m all about, I love change and growth and it all starts by doing something! Thanks for sharing, LOVE IT!!
Loved it. I have a network of friends and colleagues and ‘contacts’ in the industry that I have yet to fully take advantage of. I feel like I am imposing if I ask directly for help or work, needless to say I have been disappointed with my strategy of sitting around waiting for results to ‘come to me’.
your workshop sounds like a great idea
I’m with Cameron on this. I feel like I’ve settled for the job I didn’t want and have gotten further and further from my mission statement.
Heck I need a kick in the ass. Is it too late to sign up. I’ve procrastinated far too long
WOW!! I’m very lucky be able to see it!.
How could you NOT get excited about this? If this goes well it would be great to see it become an annual event.
I’m am the worlds best web 3d Automotive Accessories Visualization artist.
I’ve read that 80% or more tweets are sent via mobile device. For those of us that (still) don’t have such a device, are there other tools available? For example, I rely on TwitterFox, an Add-On for FireFox to read/write tweets. Any recommendations for others I should look into?
It’s nice to know that everyone doesn’t think it’s my fault for being unemployed. Admittedly I could improve on some of the things listed.
I can’t get enough of this kind of stuff, love it!!
Lee, another factor that I’ve been tracking that compounds your argument is the maturity of free and open source tools such as Blender. Not only are hardware prices incredibly low, but you can now get started without spending anything on software as well. This is *really* important for developing a regional film industry in New Mexico, as it is now possible to train a generation of local VFX artists and film-makers without hemorrhaging money out of the state in the form of software licenses.
My thoughts exactly. But being in it for the money, will never work, so i hope no-one reads that in your video. It’s all about the joy of making films and creating. JOY+Talent = Quality, because of the amount of time you put into it.
Very informative and motivation. Hopefully with all of the work been done there might be room for some outsiders to slide into the industry.
Thanks for this one Lee. I am already starting to see a change in my business because of the tactics I am learning in the Dream Career Workshop and I am really looking forward to participating in the VFX Supervisor Bootcamp. The industry in Vancouver is just starting to spill over into my neck of the woods and I see great door opening for myself and others to step through into the film industry.
This was a very timely video and topic. Another well put dialog on the real questions we are or should be asking ourselves!
Thanks!
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