This blog post chronicles the author's journey from a banking career to becoming an artist, detailing the challenges, learning experiences, and eventual transition into the game industry. It emphasizes the importance of networking, self-discovery, and the ongoing struggle with artistic burnout, while encouraging readers to embrace their own journeys and learn from each other.
In this blog post, I want to share my journey as an artist, detailing how I transitioned from a career in banking to becoming an illustrator and concept artist. This journey spans from 2011 to 2019, highlighting the challenges I faced, the lessons I learned, and the changes that shaped my career trajectory.
In 2013, at the age of 26, I made the bold decision to quit my banking career to pursue art. This was a significant change, as I had been working in a field that was stable but unfulfilling. I began training myself in illustration and concept art, immersing myself in courses on digital painting and sculpting. However, I soon realized that my artistic journey was not just about technical skills; it was also about understanding my own creative identity.
Throughout my early years as an artist, I often found myself copying the works of others rather than creating from my imagination. This fear of making mistakes held me back, and I spent years honing my skills through imitation rather than original creation. It wasn't until I began to understand that art is a way to experience the world that I started to break free from this cycle.
From 2014 to 2016, I dedicated myself to mastering the fundamentals of art. I studied perspective, composition, and lighting, often through the lens of observation. I also began to share my learning journey through a blog in Brazilian Portuguese, which helped me connect with a community of fellow artists. This period was crucial for my development, as I learned to appreciate the process of creating rather than just the end result.
In 2015, I began working as an illustrator and concept artist in a small game studio in Brazil. This experience taught me the realities of creating artwork for a living, but it also made me realize that commercial art was not my true calling. I felt a growing desire to focus on education and sharing knowledge rather than pursuing a traditional artistic career.
In 2017, I attended the CTN Expo in Los Angeles, where I explored various educational institutions and met industry professionals. This experience solidified my decision to shift my focus towards education. I started creating educational content on YouTube, sharing my insights and techniques with aspiring artists.
By 2019, I transitioned into the game industry as a recruiter. This role allowed me to leverage my networking skills and the connections I had built over the years. However, I also experienced artistic burnout during this time, as the pressure to produce and perform took a toll on my creativity.
As I look back on my artistic journey, I realize that every experience, both positive and negative, has contributed to my growth. I learned the importance of connecting the dots between my experiences and understanding how they shape my identity as an artist. I also recognized that it is never too late to pursue a new path, even if it comes with its own set of challenges.
Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to connect with many talented individuals who have supported and inspired me. I encourage readers to seek out their own communities, share their experiences, and learn from one another. The artistic journey is often filled with ups and downs, but it is through collaboration and connection that we can grow.
In conclusion, my journey from banking to art has been a transformative experience filled with valuable lessons. While I continue to navigate the challenges of artistic burnout and self-discovery, I remain committed to exploring my passion for art and education. I invite you to reflect on your own journey and share your experiences, as we can all learn from each other in this creative community.
