Games
Technical artist
What does a technical artist do?
Technical artists (TAs) make the work of the artists easier. They develop the games engines, so they work as well as possible for the people making the art. If an artist wants to create something complex, TAs will say if it’s possible from a technical point of view and think of the best way of doing it. In some studios, where the animation team needs some complex rigging (creating a moving skeleton), they may call on the TAs to do it. They act as a bridge between the artists and the programmers.
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What’s a technical artist good at?
- Supporting others: serve the needs of the art department and ensure the artists have the tools they need to do their jobs
- Problem-solving: spot potential problems, find solutions to art related problems
- Programming: diagnose software problems, understand games engines, workflows and graphics rendering and develop them so they work more effectively
- Communication: listen to the artists and programmers, explain and write clear reports
- Art: understand each of the major art disciplines. TAs can't provide support or tools unless they understand the process
Who does a technical artist work with?
Technical artists work with the art director and the programming team. They are the first port of call for technical problems encountered by the other artists.
How do I become a technical artist?
People become technical artists having worked in games for several years. They come through the art department, particularly animation, or they come through programming. Have a look at the animation job profile, generalist programmer job profile or the 3D modelling artist job profile for full details of how to get into the games industry through these routes.
At school or college:
This is one of a several within the games industry that requires both artistic and programming skills. While at school or college, try to combine arts and sciences. If you want to go to university, it would be useful to get A-levels or Highers in maths, physics, computer design, graphic design, graphic communication, art and design or computer science. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification in computing, art and design or media production. Look at what your local college offers, and the qualifications offered by training providers like Pearson, UAL, NCC Education and T Levels.
Get a degree:
Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the games industry. Or you might want a degree in games or computer programming.
Build a portfolio:
Create work that you can show off to employers. This is essential. Go to Build your games portfolio to learn how.
Start modding:
Create levels of a game using software provided by the publishers.
Search for jobs:
Use the UK Games Map to find out if there are games companies near you, then go to their websites directly and check out their open roles. You could also check out the ScreenSkills jobs board.
Look outside games:
It’s also worth considering technical artist roles in industries like animation and VFX. You can build up your skills and move into games from there.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in…
Being a 3D modelling artist, an environment artist, a texturing artist, visual effects (VFX) artist, graphics programmer or generalist programmer in the games industry. You might also be interested being a production designer in the film and TV drama industries, a computer graphics (CG) supervisor, modelling artist, texture artist, an environment artist or a creature technical director (TD) in VFX, or an art director, a character designer, modeller or background designer in the animation industry.
