Environment artist, a comprehensive position, responsible for creating most of the assets and visual effects in the environment of animation, film and game. The content of their work includes 3D modeling, sculpture, texture and design. The environment artist should create and build a 3D digital environment based on conceptual art, real world reference and scanning because there are many scenes in the creative world of animation, movies or games that cannot be shot in real life or do not exist at all, such as historical scenes, science fiction scenes or outer space. The environment artist needs to be skilled in using assets to set scenery; therefore, this position is usually filled by 3D modelers.
As an environment artist, the first thing to master is to make various types of models and texture maps according to art settings and reference materials, such as hard surface or organic model; as a result, not only should the environment artist skillfully use different 3D production software, especially maya, zbrush, substance painter, Unreal Engine, etc., but they also have to know the overall process of building the environment in order to avoid problems, duplicate work and delay the process of the project. At the same time, due to a large number of assets in the scene, there will be a large quantity of meshes and texture maps which is possible to lead to slow rendering or game bugs. Meanwhile, the environment artists should also learn how to optimize the topology, polygonal subdivisions, UV mapping and mesh fixes of assets in the scene in order to reduce the rendering pressure, or let the game run normally at a controlled frame rate. In addition, not only do environment artists need to master a variety of software technologies, but they also have to accumulate experience in various aspects, such as a deep understanding of architectural elements, environment and props. In this aspect, the environment artist should have a keen eye on landscape, urban planning and geography, constantly study and sort out the reference materials of the real world, and produce the elements and textures required by different visual styles for the purpose of helping promote the development of the story or game plots. At the same time, the environment artist also needs to develop their creativity and imagination to build a fantasy world, and add cohesive and visual elements to the game. Furthermore, team cooperation is also the most important professional quality that environment artists must have since the production teams of movies or games are very large, and have many different positions, including directors, screenwriters, programmers, concept designers, etc; therefore, actively communicating with others and listening to others’ feedback is one of the essential skills that environment artists need to exercise.
The environment artist has become an indispensable position in the production of animation, films and games. Although some studios offer the entry level position of environment artists, applicants must also show their proficiency in software, creativity and high-quality unique art works in the portfolio to let recruiters know that candidates can quickly enter the work of the project. The survey reflects some problems which I have to improve, especially the accumulation of real world materials, creativity in visual style, and lack of complete and high-quality art works. For the following study and creation, I have directions and goals of improvement and development.
List of figures
Fig.1 Kurabi, Mike, Ancient Cathedral, Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/xYly14
Fig. 2 Kumar, Sourav, Medieval Village, Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Z59WQX
Fig. 3 Kumar, Sourav, Medieval Village, Available at: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/Z59WQX