1. Character Artist (Activision)
Katie Luetge, 2nd period

2. Job description Design characters for video games
Usually only needed for very complex characters, such as in extremely detailed shooter games
Crosses over into several different types of jobs- includes concept art, animation, illustration and game art.
Sketch out initial character designs, place in context of game’s story; use computer software to create and animate your character.
Collaborate with animators and game designers to help design a character that fits the best with that particular game

3. Qualifications
Vary on level (can range from entry level to senior positions)
At least a bachelor’s degree
Detail-oriented
Reliable
Diligent
Willing to take on challenges
Imagination and creativity
Skills in modeling, texturing, rigging, FX and animation
Good communication skills

4. Outlook + $ potential Market fluctuates wildly
On average, has been steadily increasing
Expected to further increase
$34,000 - $100,000
This includes entry level and senior positions

5. Why character design? Artistic and technical elements
I love animation and 3D modeling
I also like designing my own characters (usually around specific concepts)

6. In the game I’m working on currently outside of school, this is one of the roles I think I would describe myself as having on our dev team.
There are only four of us, so we’re all having to do multiple things at once

7. colleges
Texas A&M
UT Dallas
Laguna College of Art and Design

8. Companies
Vicarious Visions
Skydance Interactive
Activision

9. Founded in 1979, Santa Monica, California
“Success is built upon shared dedication of great people whose sense of mutual respect and teamwork drives our performance”
First third-party developer (software not made by the same people who created the console)
Tried to develop business software in addition to video games for a brief time in the late 80’s

10. In 2007, the company became known as Activision Blizzard after its merger with Vivendi Games
Some of their games include Pitfall, Ice Hockey, the Transformers game series, Civilization: Call to Power, the Tony Hawk series, the Call of Duty series, the Spyro the Dragon series, Goldeneye 007 Reloaded and Destiny 1 and 2.

11. Sources gamasutra.com glassdoor.com insidejobs.com
gameindustrycareerguide.com
2015
activision.com