Tasks and roles of the CGI Artist

Whether in the video game or animation sector, the CGI Artist’s job is to create visual effects, sets, characters or elements that fit into a given universe and help to give substance to a project, using digital images. There are many different roles for CGI Artists, depending on the production they are working on.

Skills and qualities needed to be a CGI Artist

Flexibility, autonomy and rigour are the qualities needed to be a CGI Artist. The skills employers are looking for are both technical and artistic, as the CGI Artist is above all a creative person who must be able to propose innovative solutions and unique approaches to the project managers with whom he or she will be working, while at the same time being able to make an existing universe his or her own.

In this sense, the ability to work in a team is also an essential asset for the CGI Artist.

Tools and software used by CGI artists

Proficiency in software such as the Adobe suite, 3D modeling tools such as 3ds Max, Blender, SketchUp, and Autodesk tools is essential for building a career as a CGI artist. Depending on the pipelines they will be working with, CGI artists must also be able to adapt to the production software used by their employer, whether they are employed or freelance.

The ability to quickly familiarize oneself with new tools and software is therefore a clear advantage.

Which high school diploma should you choose?

For those wishing to pursue a career as a CGI artist, the STD2A baccalaureate (science and technology of design and applied arts) is the most obvious route. Fluency in English will also be an asset, as will familiarity with digital technologies, choices that can also be made at the baccalaureate level.

Training and qualifications to become a CGI artist

The easiest way to become a CGI artist is to enroll in a school that offers training in video game design. At the end of this program, which combines theoretical and practical approaches and leads to a bachelor’s degree, aspiring CGI artists will have mastered all the secrets of creating AAA video games. They can then choose to specialize and explore a related field, such as animation or advertising, or go straight into artistic or technical careers in video games.

A good training program includes one or two internships in a company, so that students can get a feel for the realities of the field and come into contact with the world of work. This is essential experience that often leads to job offers.

Graduation also requires the completion of a team-based final project, allowing future graduates to showcase their skills to a jury of professionals.

What is the salary of a CGI Artist?

Average starting salary

Upon graduation, the average salary of a CGI Artist is between €30,000 and €35,000 per year, a figure that obviously varies depending on the structure (studio, agency, production company) with which the CGI Artist works.

Average salary for experienced professionals

The average salary for an experienced CGI Artist, as with junior salaries, varies depending on the organization they work for. It is around $50,000/year, but it also depends on the position held and whether or not the role is international. Salaries can vary greatly depending on whether the project is run by a French company or whether the CGI Artist is working with a company abroad.

Career opportunities

Whether they want to work independently or join a company, there are many career opportunities for CGI artists. They can specialize in a specific field (VFX, concept art, art direction, and many others) or climb the ladder and lead teams on larger projects in multiple fields. Artistic director, lead concept artist, and VFX supervisor are positions that the most experienced CGI artists can aim for.

Sectors and companies that are hiring

While the video game sector employs the most CGI artists, the animation industry also employs a large number of CGI artists, as do the marketing and communications sectors. Depending on whether they want to pursue a career in one sector or another, and provided they can demonstrate solid technical and artistic skills and high-quality training, aspiring CGI artists will have many opportunities both in France and internationally.

Which school should you choose to become a CGI artist?

With its training in video game professions, ESMA is the school of choice for aspiring CGI artists. Through this program, you will develop your artistic and technical skills thanks to a comprehensive four-year curriculum combining theoretical and practical learning, which will make you an expert in the field. This program is also an opportunity to build a network, thanks to the many connections between the school and the video game, animation, and graphic design industries.

In an industry where innovation is constant, training at a school at the cutting edge of the latest technologies and most powerful tools is essential to launch your career with confidence.