How I Got Art Jobs from Japan Without Living There!?

Summary

Lunar, a freelance artist, shares her 10-year journey into the Japanese game industry as a non-Japanese artist. She recounts her humble beginnings in Thailand, overcoming challenges with limited resources, and her transition from traditional to digital art. Lunar details her experience working at various studios, including one in Thailand that outsourced art for Japanese games. After a rough period of freelancing, she joined an art agency, leading to steady work with Japanese game companies. Through hard work, networking, and passion, she reflects on her growth and offers inspiration for those pursuing a career in art.

Takeaways

• 😀 Being a freelance artist in the Japanese game industry is challenging, especially for non-Japanese artists, but it is possible with determination and the right steps.
• 🎨 Lunar's journey into art began at a young age in Thailand, drawing with pencils before transitioning to digital art when she received her first drawing tablet in 2008.
• 💼 Starting her career, Lunar worked as a concept artist in a small Thai game studio, gaining experience in Western art styles before transitioning to a Japanese art studio.
• 🖥️ Lunar’s first opportunity in the Japanese game industry came in 2012 when she worked at a Thai studio outsourcing art for Japanese game companies, giving her a unique chance to learn and grow.
• 📚 Lunar's art style evolved as she had to practice both anime and semi-realistic styles, with training from Japanese art directors, including the use of 3D models to improve her work.
• 💔 Despite early successes, the decline in the mobile game market led to layoffs, and Lunar faced dissatisfaction in her role, prompting her to leave the studio in 2014 and venture into freelance work.
• 📉 Starting freelance with minimal savings, Lunar faced struggles but made a promise to herself never to return to a 9-to-5 job, despite feeling stuck at first.
• 📞 A turning point came when a friend introduced Lunar to a Japanese art agency that connects freelance artists with clients, opening up new opportunities.
• 🖋️ Lunar built a strong portfolio with artwork from her studio days and successfully landed her first freelance project for a Japanese game company, marking the beginning of her freelance career.
• 🌟 Over the next decade, Lunar steadily built her portfolio, working with various Japanese game companies through the agency, turning freelancing into her main career.
• 💪 Lunar’s story emphasizes that success as an artist requires relentless hard work, networking, luck, and a passion for the craft, even if the financial rewards take time.

Q & A

What motivated Lunar to pursue a career in art?

Lunar was motivated by a deep love for drawing that began at the age of 3. Despite growing up in a low-middle-class family and facing financial challenges, art remained a constant companion for them throughout childhood and beyond.

How did Lunar transition from traditional to digital art?

Lunar's transition to digital art began after receiving their first drawing tablet in 2008, which was a used and worn-out one. This marked the start of their digital art journey, allowing them to explore new styles and improve their skills.

What was Lunar's first paid art commission?

Lunar's first paid commission was a novel cover commission, which they received after opening an art commission account on DeviantArt. The experience gave Lunar the satisfaction of earning money from their art, but it wasn’t enough to sustain a living.

What was the first studio job Lunar took, and what challenges did they face?

Lunar's first studio job was as a concept artist in a small game studio in Thailand. The main challenge was creating western-style art, which was not Lunar's passion, leading to stress and dissatisfaction with their work.

How did Lunar's second studio job impact their career?

Lunar’s second job at a studio specializing in artwork for Japan's mobile game market was a pivotal moment. It allowed Lunar to work on projects for Japanese game companies while still based in Thailand. The exposure to different art styles and training from a Japanese art director helped Lunar’s skills grow significantly.

What led to the layoff of most artists at Lunar's second studio, and how did it affect them?

The decline in demand for game artwork, resulting from the saturation of the mobile game market in Japan, led to layoffs at the studio. While Lunar wasn't dismissed, the atmosphere changed as many friends lost their jobs, and Lunar no longer felt satisfied with the work they were doing.

What was the key factor that led to Lunar quitting their studio job in 2014?

Lunar quit their studio job in 2014 due to a lack of creative freedom and dissatisfaction with the work they were producing. This led to their decision to become a freelance artist, despite having no backup plan or guaranteed success.

How did Lunar's friend help them transition into freelancing for the Japanese game industry?

Lunar's friend, who had left the same studio and started freelancing for a Japanese art agency, called Lunar with the opportunity to join the agency. Lunar submitted their portfolio, and after passing the selection process, they began working on projects for Japanese clients.

What role do Japanese art agencies play in the freelance art market?

Japanese art agencies act as intermediaries between freelance artists and clients, such as game companies or publishing houses. They help artists secure projects by showcasing their portfolios and handling communication, often translating work instructions between English and Japanese.

What lessons did Lunar learn from their journey as a freelance artist?

Lunar learned that becoming an artist requires relentless hard work, networking, and a lot of luck. They also discovered that pursuing a passion, even if it’s not immediately financially rewarding, is crucial. Art isn’t just a job for Lunar; it's a calling that has guided their career.