Subscribe to the Pencil Kings Podcast: | iTunes | Stitcher
CG artist Brandon Martynowicz believes anyone with the right drive
and determination can have a successful creative career
“As long as you’ve got the drive and passion to create the best work you can, the rewards should come!”
CG Artist Brandon Martynowicz had an incredible start to his career when he landed a job at LucasArts before he’d even graduated. But there’s no big secret to his success – just hard work, passion and a real determination to make the best art he can.
Since then, he’s gone on to work at Image Movers Digital and Blizzard Entertainment, before moving on to become senior environment artist at Treyarch. During this time, he’s even managed to fit in some teaching at Otis College of Art & Design in LA!
However, no matter where works takes him, his commitment to art remains the same. In fact, he says: “I could never be in a position where I didn’t have time to make art!”
So how did he get started? And just how did he land that first dream role at LucasArts?
“I never thought I was particularly bad-ass at school or anything,” he explains. “I just think that there weren’t that many other artists doing what I was doing – environmental art – at the time.”
Brandon Martynowicz on Passion and Drive
Brandon Martynowicz says he knew early on that he wanted to be an environment artist. With this focus in mind, he soaked up as much knowledge as he could, and had a passion and drive to learn as much as possible.
He also had a friend in the year above him at school who’d gone to work at LucasArts as a junior concept artist. And, when they were looking for artists, Brandon’s friend was happy to put his name forward.
Did he ever have any doubts about his ability?
“Nope,” he says. “I had nothing but drive and confidence. In fact, I was so much into my work, I didn’t even have time to think about doubting myself or getting distracted.
“I remember seeing a kid in class looking at MySpace instead of concentrating on the lesson. I just thought to myself: ‘ What a huge waste of time!’
“I’ve always believed that as long as you’re staying focused and doing the best you can do, then the rewards will come.”
So what does he look for in the work of other artists?
“I always look for quality rather than quantity,” he explains. “I look for technical skills, good textures, and anything that’s been created with love, rather than just relying on preset effects etc.”
These days, he leads a small team of artists, and says he wouldn’t change a thing. Although some of his time is taken up with meetings, he gets to do what he loves the majority of the time.
“I’m always happiest when I can lead as well as contribute,” he explains, “and I’m more than happy to continue in the path I’m at right now.”
Listen to this week’s podcast and learn:
- Why determination is so important for a successful art career
- How making connections can help you land your dream role
- Why quality is more important than quantity in your portfolio
- Why passion, drive, and focus will always win out
People on this Episode:
Mentioned in the episode:
Brandon’s Website
Brandon on Twitter
Brandon on Instagram
Listening options:
Subscribe via iTunes.
Listen on Stitcher Radio.
Android users can grab our RSS feed here.
Right-click and “save file as” for direct download.
Thanks for listening to our show! We’ll be back next Wednesday morning 8AM EST.
Cheers,
Mitch
PS, there is also Pencil Kings content on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.