ImagineFX

ADVICE TO GET INTO ANIMATION

What does Christian Linke of Riot Games look for in a new artist?

-

“I think perhaps the most important thing to me is actually self-awareness, which people think is a strange answer,” begins Christian Linke, who explains this is about knowing what you’re good at and taking that to a higher level.

For the creative director it’s about trust. “So often it’s better to be the most self-aware person of your own skills, and not always assume that you just have to make it work and deliver it no matter what.”

This, he says, allows him to understand where an artist may need help, and a person who is confident and aware enough to ask for help can be relied upon. “That at least lets me trust your judgement,” reflects Christian. “I think self-awareness is something that I probably value more than anything, because even if someone doesn’t get there on the first attempt – the first design, the first little animation – if we both see what’s not working, we’ll find the answer. We have enough talent involved around us to get there. But if you don’t see it, and I see it, that’s tricky.”

Don’t be afraid to question what’s being asked of you either, adds Christian. He values artists that don’t shy away from critiquing decisions. Rather than waste time on something you know won’t work just because you’ve been asked to do something.

“I would say, don’t feel like you ever need to look like you have this profession­al thing figured out; just ask the question. Don’t feel like you’ll be vulnerable when you feel like you need more informatio­n, because we never have the perfect explanatio­n.”

 ?? ??
 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia