What is Game Art Outsourcing?
Before diving into our list of top game art outsourcing companies and studios, it’s important to understand what game art outsourcing is and how it works. Simply put, game art outsourcing refers to the practice of hiring a third-party artist or studio to create game art for your project. This can include anything from character models and animations to environments and props.
There are many reasons why development companies choose to outsource their game art needs. For one, it allows them to access specialized talent without having to invest in expensive hiring and training processes. It also allows them to scale up or down depending on the needs of the project, which can be especially useful for smaller studios with limited resources.
However, outsourcing game art also comes with its own set of challenges. Communication and collaboration are crucial when working with an outside team, as are quality control measures to ensure that the final product meets your standards. In this article, we will explore some of the top game art outsourcing companies and studios that can help you overcome these challenges and deliver high-quality game art for your project.
Top Game Art Outsourcing Companies and Studios
1. Blind Mole
Blind Mole is a popular game art outsourcing studio based in Poland that has been delivering high-quality artwork since 2015. They specialize in creating characters, environments, and props for games, and their team consists of experienced artists with expertise in a variety of styles and software.
One of the things that sets Blind Mole apart is their focus on communication and collaboration with clients. They work closely with you to understand your vision for the project and provide regular updates and progress reports throughout the process.
2. Artstation
Artstation is a network of independent game art contractors and studios that allows developers to easily find and hire top talent for their projects. With over 10,000 artists from around the world, Artstation provides a wide range of options to choose from, including 2D and 3D artists, animators, and illustrators.
One of the benefits of using Artstation is the flexibility it offers. You can hire individual artists or contractors for specific tasks, or work with a larger studio on a project basis. This makes it easy to scale your team up or down depending on your needs.
3. Udemy
Udemy is an online learning platform that offers courses and tutorials on a variety of topics, including game art. They have over 2 million students from around the world and offer a wide range of courses covering everything from beginner to advanced levels.
One of the great things about Udemy is the ability to learn at your own pace. You can take courses whenever you have time and work on your own projects alongside the lessons. This makes it an ideal option for those who want to improve their game art skills but don’t have access to a dedicated team or studio.
4. Tuts+
Tuts+ is another online learning platform that offers courses and tutorials on game art, as well as a variety of other topics. They have over 18 million students from around the world and offer a wide range of courses covering everything from beginner to advanced levels.
One of the great things about Tuts+ is the ability to access high-quality video content that includes step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks. This makes it an ideal option for those who want to learn game art in a more hands-on way.
5. Unity Asset Store
The Unity Asset Store is a marketplace where developers can buy and sell assets, including game art, for their Unity projects. With over 100,000 assets available, the store provides a wide range of options to choose from, including characters, environments, and props.
One of the benefits of using the Unity Asset Store is the ability to easily import and use assets in your project. This saves time and resources compared to creating assets from scratch, and it also allows you to access high-quality artwork that may be beyond the capabilities of your own team.
FAQs
1. What are some common challenges when outsourcing game art?
Communication and collaboration can be challenging when working with an outside team. It’s important to establish clear communication channels and provide regular updates throughout the process.
Quality control measures are necessary to ensure that the final product meets your standards. This includes reviewing progress regularly and providing feedback to the artist or studio.
1. How do I choose the right game art outsourcing company or studio?
Consider factors such as experience, expertise, communication skills, and pricing when choosing a game art outsourcing company or studio. It’s also important to look at their portfolio and see if their style aligns with your project vision.
1. Can I outsource all of my game art needs?
While it may be tempting to outsource all of your game art needs, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your project. Some tasks, such as character design, may require more specialized skills that can only be found within your own team.
1. How do I ensure that my outsourced game art integrates seamlessly with my project?
Communication and collaboration are key when integrating outsourced game art into your project. Provide clear guidelines and expectations upfront, and communicate regularly throughout the process to ensure that the final product meets your standards.
1. Can I outsource game art to a company or studio based in another country?
Yes, you can outsource game art to a company or studio based in another country. However, it’s important to consider factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, and time zone differences when working with an outside team. Clear communication and regular updates are especially important in these situations.
