A recent survey paints a picture of computer graphics (CG) professionals as energetic and happy folk who realize they need to take responsibility for their own development to secure continuous employment.
The survey – conducted by Escape Studios, a London, U.K.-based CG recruiting agency – polled more than 2,850 professionals, hobbyists, students and academics in October and November 2009.
The report says 80 per cent of CG professionals are happy working in their industry, and 59 per cent would recommend the career to others.
Despite this general satisfaction with their careers, CG professionals worry about job security and training.
The survey flags training and job security as key concerns for CG professionals.
42 per cent of respondents said they are worried about job security, while 62 per cent agreed they have had to do more training to refine their skills.
“Everyone is worried about their job and rightly so,” said Dominic Davenport, CEO of Escape Studios.
He noted that most CG professionals know they must keep their skills up to date if they are to remain employable, and expect to have to fund their training out of their own pockets.
“There is an opportunity here for the right organizations, offering the right training, to snap up the best talent.”
Davenport noted that the CG industry is still young. “We’re learning all the time, but companies that put employee development front and centre will be the ones to succeed.”
The Escape Studios report says professionals find working in CG creatively stimulating (77 per cent said this) and challenging (65 per cent of respondents said they enjoyed learning new skills on the job).
As many as 73 per cent said they are proud of the work they do.
However, half of those surveyed disagreed with the statement ‘I get enough training in my job’, compared with just over a quarter (27.5 per cent) agreeing.
“It is impossible to underestimate the value of training in our business,” said
Robin Shenfield, CEO of The Mill Group Inc., in response to the report. “We rely on highly skilled and talented people and it is incredibly encouraging to see such satisfaction amongst CG professionals.”
The Mill Group is a visual effects firm based in New York and London, U.K.
Shenfield said it’s vital that the CG industry ensure its people have “access to the best training.”
The Escape Studios CG Survey questioned over 2,850 professionals, hobbyists, students and academics in October and November 2009.
Source: Digital Arts Magazine
