Is it too late to be a concept/gaming artist at the age of 26 with unrelated education background?

#1

I’ve always been interested in concept art for games at a very young age, but never get the opportunity to study it at any sort of institutions. I completed a bachelor of science degree straight after high school and worked as a technician for several years. I find my current job and the science field is simply not something I want to spend the rest of my life doing. I want to come back to what I dreamed for as a kid.

I’ve been doing digital arts over the years but it’s more like doodling around. I tried to apply for many university’s bachelor of creative art degree before I started work and received some offers. So I assume my level of art is about first year university art student? I’m not sure what is the best option for me now. Should I start again as an undergraduate or should I go to those art institutions to take shorter termed courses? I’m also worried if an age of 26 is too old especially when I have no art related educational background.

Can you give me some advices on what courses should I take? I understand it is difficult to land a job in the field and it is probably impossible to start again at this age, but i would really like to give it one last try to fulfil the dream.

#2

Got my first industry job at 28 years old, or exactly last year. Could have gotten in earlier if it wasn’t for the Covid Pandemic stuff…

It’s never too late, people are always getting hired all the time.

HOWEVER, take this advice. If you really want to work for a professional art company, you need to research everything you know about them, read the actual job postings they put up, and make a portfolio that’s completely targeted at them.

I’m being serious. Avoid the idea that you could apply to every company with art aimed at everyone and expect a response back.

Applying to a Cartoon company like Nintendo? It’s should be all Nintendo themed art or at the least stylized.

Applying to realistic video games like Naughty Dog? It should be all artwork that matches their newest games.

Applying to a company that specializes in mobile phone software? Have art pieces that run on mobile devices.

You don’t even need a post-secondary degree for this. Many artists are self taught. And honestly, with the internet at your disposal, you could save a lot of money just practicing online instead of school…

If you still want to go to school then I can’t stop you. The best advice in that area, is find a school and research on the actual success rate of the students. Is it a diploma mill, or did the students actually get jobs upon graduation?

Other than that, don’t give up and follow your dreams if this is something you really want to do. The industry in both Games and Television already has thousands of employees who are very passionate about art and have years experience. If you apply for a job, you gotta prove why a company should hire you over the next guy who also says the same thing. Trust me when I say competition is extremely fierce. Even be prepared for interviews to last months or even 5 rounds. But if you do make it, congratulations! It really can be an amazing and a fulfilling career.

Edit: And just so this post doesn’t sound doom and gloom, I’ll be honest and say that jobs in every field these days has high requirements and expectations. A fast food place like Burger King, I once saw a Manager turn people away just for a basic fry cook job. Company’s are extremely picky these days, for both good and bad reasons. It’s up to you to find your dream company and prove that you can make a great team member and contribute.

#3

I messed round with digital art until I was 31. Then I buckled down and taught myself more seriously (no school, just books and tutorials). I was working construction and doing 3D on the side until I was 39 and I finally got my full-time CG artist job.

If it is what you really want, do it. You are fortunate to have another job you can work at to make your living while learning. It will take long hours after work learning the tools and skills, but nothing that is worth anything comes for free. If it came easy it wouldn’t be a dream, nor nearly as much of an accomplishment when you do make it!