[ArenaNetU]

ArenaNet is currently seeking talented, highly-motivated character artists who are interested in developing a career in the games industry for ArenaNet University, a one-year paid internship program at the company’s studio in Bellevue, WA.

Overview

At ArenaNet, we’re serious about art. We’ve built an art-centric studio culture where the artist plays a vital role in game creation and presentation, and our art team is full of award-winning talent from all over the world. We created ArenaNet University to help develop young artists, providing them with the skills they need to be successful in the game industry. We’re looking to cultivate artists who have the raw talent, but lack one thing: work experience.

It’s our experience that artists learn more in the first few months of a game industry job than in their entire time at art school. With ArenaNet University we’ve created an immersive work-based educational program where intern artists work alongside professionals to develop real skills that are relevant and sought after in the game and entertainment industry. This isn’t a standard studio internship, where you’ll be expected to make copies or perform menial tasks for studio artists. You can’t develop your skills if you’re doing “grunt work” for a year, so expect to be challenged artistically and provided with opportunities to contribute to the success of the studio in a substantive way.

Program Features

• Small cohort. Work and learn with a small group of motivated intern artists.
• Professional environment. Hone your skills at the ArenaNet studio working side-by-side with top game industry artists in a dedicated work space.
• Meaningful work. You’ll work on a variety of important art assignments that contribute to the success of the company, not “grunt” work.
• Broad training, relevant skills. You’ll receive training in a broad variety of skills rather than specializing on creating specific content. We want our interns to emerge from the program as stronger all-around artists, not as experts in creating eyeballs or helmets.
• Hourly stipend. You will receive a $14 per hour stipend and will work in the ArenaNet studio Monday through Friday for the duration of the year-long program.
• Pacific Northwest location. Enrollees in the ArenaNet University program will be expected to relocate to the Bellevue, WA area at their own expense. Bellevue is in the beautiful greater Seattle area, which offers a wide range of cultural and natural activities.
• Guest lecture program. ArenaNet University often hosts fascinating guest speakers from the game and entertainment industry.

ArenaNet University is not an internship-to-hire program. We’re not guaranteeing jobs to any intern in the program, but you will emerge from the program with an arsenal of professional skills, an incredible portfolio, and an invaluable experience under your belt.

How to Apply

Choose one of the concepts provided. From this concept, create a high resolution mesh using a package such as ZBrush. Then convert the high resolution mesh to a 5000 poly low resolution mesh using a 1024 diffuse, specular, and normal map (3 maps total). Your test should demonstrate an understanding of modeling in high and low resolution, diversity in the appearance of texture using a single material, a rich use of color, and have a hand-painted look in the end.

You may post your progress online, but MUST email your final renders to Sonia@arena.net along with a breakdown of your texture sheets. The entry deadline is October 12th 2010, 11:59pm PST.

No follow-up phone calls, please. Attention to detail is a key requirement for this position, so if you’re unable to follow these instructions specifically, you will not be considered for the program. Good luck!

[toby]

This is the coolest thing ever. Are you accepting international entries?

[cptcrandall]

Do you guys have anything for 2D artists?

[Kir]

I second that! Some good 2D/ Concept art courses would be good...

[Krazy8]

What about any Environment Artists?

[mjackson126]

Hey guys, this is awesome! When you say "5000 poly low resolution mesh", do you mean 5000 tris or polys?

[MrFunk]

well since this is about game modeling i suppose it's 5000 triangles.

Are you accepting international entries?

i second that question

[maxetormer]

Yeah I would really like to know if your taking international applicants
too, sounds like a really awesome opportunity but i don't live in the US

[netocg]

yeah, me too, i really like to know if they are accepting people from other countrys.
I tryed to send an email, but no response until now.
So if any one know about it, could post here pls.

[Topracer01]

when does the internship start?

[ArenaNetU]

October 18th 2010

[ArenaNetU]

By taking the test, you will automatically be considered for an environmental internship. If you do not feel comortable taking the character test, email me asking for the environment specific test. thanks!

-Sonia

[ArenaNetU]

We are only considering entries for those candidates currently able to work in the U.S.

[ArenaNetU]

Hey Guys,

Though we will offer life drawing sessions, and concept workshops, we are not offering an internship in that category this year.

Please check back next year, as we may have a need.

[ArenaNetU]

Yes,

That is 5000 Tris.