How to Decide Which Area to Progress in Your Creative Career?

Many individuals in the creative industry dream of mastering multiple areas, such as 2D and 3D animation, character modeling, concept art, background/environment (bg/env) drawings, and even creating comics, but often struggle with the decision on where to focus their efforts. This article will guide you through the process of choosing a path that aligns with your interests and aspirations.

Building a Solid Foundation in Animation

The best thing an artist can do is ensure they have a strong foundation in the craft of their chosen field. In the past, this might have meant studying printing technology and understanding the publishing and distribution business. Today, it’s about acquiring skills like rigging and related techniques. So, what exactly is rigging?

Rigging is a crucial process in 3D animation, involving the creation of a skeletal framework for a character, object, or environment, which allows for movement and animation. This is an essential skill for any aspiring 3D animator.

Starting with 2D Animation

If you are interested in both 2D and 3D animation, it is highly recommended to start with 2D animation. This can be beneficial for several reasons:

2D principles are foundational and necessary for 3D animation. If you have good drawing skills, you will create better poses and have a solid understanding of timing.

Once you feel confident in 2D animation, you can then move on to 3D, where you will already have a strong base of knowledge and skills, becoming a super genius in all of animation!

Experimenting and Focusing on Your Passion

While it’s good to be versatile, focusing on one area can be the best strategy. However, if you love to experiment, I suggest breaking down your creative pursuits into smaller, manageable challenges. For instance, you could dedicate one month to each of the fields you are interested in and set daily or weekly exercises. You could also announce these challenges on your social networks and track your progress.

Experimenting in this way can help you discover which areas are the most enjoyable and rewarding. For example, you might find that 3D animation is difficult but enjoyable, leading you to explore different subsets of 3D work. Doing cars for a month might be challenging but not very enjoyable, while architectural work may result in failed contracts and low engagement. Similarly, making product renders, while rewarding, can become tedious quickly. Conversely, working with grungy, dirty textures and sci-fi and abstract art might be more enjoyable and fulfilling to you.

Focusing on the areas you love and that challenge you is key to your productivity and success. If you are passionate about something, you will be more productive and consistently deliver higher quality work.

Developing a One-Month Challenge

Setting yourself a one-month challenge for each field can help you decide which area to specialize in. Here’s how:

Choose a field and commit to working on it for a month, daily or weekly exercises. Share your progress on social networks to get feedback and stay accountable. After the month, evaluate which field you enjoyed the most and which challenges you faced. Refine your focus on the area that has the most potential for you.

This process will help you build a strong foundation in your chosen field and ensure you are on the right path to success.

Conclusion

Deciding which creative path to take can be a daunting task, but with a structured approach and a willingness to experiment, you can find your niche. By building a solid foundation in your craft, starting with 2D animation, and dedicating time to each area of interest, you can determine which field suits you best. Remember, happiness and enjoyment are key to your long-term success and productivity in the creative industry.