Start your VFX career with Industry Workshops 2016

The London-based collective Industry Workshops returns, giving artists a chance to network and break into the digital art world

“The best thing for us has been meeting students and hobbyists at previous Industry Workshops events, then meeting them again and hearing about how they landed their first job,” says Daniel Matthews, one of the founders behind Industry Workshops, which is back for a third time this August.

Created with the help of Levente Peterffy and Richard Burns, Industry Workshops 2016 is a four-day event that takes place on 18-21 August in London’s Truman Brewery. The event aims to get artists connected with one another and with industry professionals.

There’s an impressive line-up of speakers across two stages, an open demo room covering life drawing and clay sculpting, as well as software and hardware shows, and stands. There’s also a recruitment room. “Bring your portfolios,” says Daniel. “You won’t want to miss this opportunity.”

Highlights this year include Tobias Mannewitz from Karakter, whose stage demo explores worlds he’s helped create for Game of Thrones, Ryse and Killzone. A talk by artists from CD Projekt Red will delve into how they make monsters and characters from Witcher 3, and there’ll be appearances from Naughty Dog’s Nick Gindraux and Aaron Beck from Infinity Ward.

For artist Miles Johnston, who’ll be hosting portrait and life-drawing demos, this array of talent will prove to be invaluable for attendees.

“From my experience, most jobs are landed through recommendations from friends and word of mouth, alongside a killer portfolio,” says Miles. “So getting to know your peers is invaluable”.

Industry Workshops is all about enjoying yourself. “These events help you realise you aren’t in competition with your fellow artists,” adds Miles. “Rather, we’re all here to inspire each other!”

You can find out more and order tickets

www.industryworkshops.co.uk.

Most jobs in the industry are landed through recommendations from friends and word of mouth

Daniel Matthews thinks meeting artists makes you focused and competitive. The scene from one of last year’s packed presentations. Industry Workshops 2016 will have a live demo from Game of Thrones artist Tobias Mannewitz.

Free craft beers will be on hand to make the hard job of socialising with like-minded folk a little easier.