Art Test
The practical assignment in a studio hiring process
Also known as: Studio art test · Game art test · Art test tips · Hiring art test · Art test portfolio
Definition
An art test is a practical task that a studio gives a candidate during hiring, to see how they work on a real brief. A concept artist might be asked to design a character or environment from a short description, a 3D artist to model, texture and present a prop, and a texture artist to texture a given model in the studio's style. Studios judge not only the final image, but also the process, the use of references, readability, following the brief and meeting the deadline.
In production
Read the brief carefully and follow its technical limits and style exactly, plan your time, and show your process with thumbnails, blockouts and breakdowns. Keep the work finished rather than overly ambitious, and deliver on time with clear file names. Ask questions if something is unclear. Practice with timed briefs of your own, and ask mentors for feedback, since the test also shows how well you take direction.
Learn Art Test in
Tools that use Art Test
See also
Concept Art
Visual design before 3D production
Game-Ready Asset
Asset prepared to run in a real-time engine
Thumbnail Sketch
Small, fast sketches for exploring ideas
Silhouette
The readable outline of a shape
Turntable Render
Rotating presentation of an asset
Mood Board
Collected references that set the look of a project
Game Art Portfolio
The collection of work that gets you hired
Portfolio Not Getting Interviews
Why a game art portfolio gets ignored
Outsourcing Studios
Studios that produce art for other game companies