Hi, Gaians!
Well, it's that time again. With the new year comes new responsibilities, and I am looking to expand the off-site Gaia art team.
The gist of it is the same as last time, but we have several new positions beyond sprite art available, so please check them out! If you qualify, we want you!!!
mrgreen Applicants who applied last time do not need to apply again - your information has been saved and will be resubmitted into the hiring group for reconsideration. However, if you have produced new artwork since then and would like to update your resume and portfolio, please feel free to do so - just make a note that you applied last time so I can update your files.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to respond to this journal entry, and I will answer your questions as soon as I can.
There are two types of positions available. You can apply for one or the other, or even both! There are some essential requirements that must be met before you consider applying. Please read the information below thoroughly - any applications that do not fit these criteria will be dismissed.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS1. You must be at least 18 years old, and a United States citizen. We do not have any work visas available. You are eligible if you are a U.S. citizen living outside of the United States, but priority will be given to applicants living in the U.S.
2. You must be able to commit to at least 20-25 hours to Gaia work per week - this is equivalent to a part-time position. Working on weekends will be necessary every so often. You may apply for this position regardless of other jobs you currently hold, but it is your responsibility to juggle your responsibilities efficiently.
3. You must have above-average competency with computers: knowledge of how to use browsers, email, chat, FTP, etc. is absolutely required. You must also know how to avoid malicious software/spyware and keep your computer secure, as you will be handling sensitive materia frequently.
4. Freelancers are expected to be fully equipped with the proper tools and equipment at the time of hire - this includes a decent personal computer that is not shared with others, and a graphics tablet. You will also need a legitimate, valid copy of Adobe Photoshop CS or higher - we cannot use anything under Photoshop CS, due to some of the features that we utilize frequently in newer versions. There is no exception to this rule.
5. Because you will be working off-site from Gaia HQ, efficient and consistent communication is vital. You need to have a stable internet connection, with frequent access to email and the Internet. You also need to provide phone number by which you can be reached often, in case of emergencies or reminders.
6. This is not an internship or workshop - it is a legitimate job in which you will be compensated for your services. You must have strong work ethic - being a responsible professional is just as important as having strong technical skill.
Previous freelance work experience will work largely in your favor, but not required. However, please keep in mind that individuals with more work experience will be prioritied over those without. Gaia art production is very fast-paced, and may be overwhelming for artists with lesser experience.
7. This is for an off-site position only - you may work from home or your current location as long as you have a stable internet connection and can keep in touch frequently. We do not have any full-time in-house positions for Art Team open at this time.
8. It is preferred that you are an active Gaia user, or have had at least some experience with Gaia, as it is difficult to teach Gaia's culture to those without personal experiences with our site and community. However, we are flexible of this rule, as creativity can be found anywhere and everywhere.
If you are an active Gaia user, your online reputation and public conduct around the Gaia community will also be reviewed. Any applicants found with questionable conduct or any violations with the
Gaia Terms of Service will be immediately disqualified.
Because the art team works closely with each other, all applicants need to present the ability to be a team player. Any applicants who are found to have poor cooperative skills, unprofessional methods and behavior, or express exceedingly hostile attitudes within the Gaia community, to other users, or to moderators and staff will be disqualified.
Finally - applicants should be able to take criticism and guidance in a professional and constructive manner; they should come with the mentality of expanding their skills and experiences, and have a positive and energetic outlook to this opportunity.
If you qualify with all of the above, please read below for more information about the various skill sets I am looking for.
1. Sprite Art ProductionWe are looking to expand our team with creative and driven individuals who could bring a new and fresh look to Gaia items. My current sprite team is involved in the production of most item types, including Gold Shop, Monthly Collectibles, RIG items, sponsorship items, and game items. Being a Gaia sprite artist will give you the opportunity to share your ideas and express yourself through all of the available avenues.
You do not have to know how to make sprites or have experience with pixel art in order to apply - the Gaia sprite creation process is very specific and will be taught to you once hired. If your portfolio is approved but does not include sprite art, you will be given a sprite test for which you will be paid upon completion.You will be paid for this test even if you are not accepted.
Specific Criteria for Gaia Sprite Artists are as follows:1. You must have extensive knowledge and experience with Adobe Photoshop CS or above - you cannot use any other programs for sprite creation, since we often share files and it is the most efficient to have one standardized file type.
2. Sprite training takes approximately 3 weeks and may be intensive, especially in the beginning. You must have a reliable and fast internet connection, as all training will take place online.
3. It's very possible to be good at sprite art, even though you are not an actual artist or illustrator. However, applicants with an artistic background are preferred, as there is a certain eye for aesthetics that can't be taught.
Portfolio Requirements for Sprite Contractors:Please prepare your portfolio with 2 portions: a resume outlining your work experience and skills, and a portfolio containing your 10-20 best pieces.
1. Resume: your resume should list your various levels of education as well as your work experience - this can include any short-term freelance gigs as well as any publications, if you have them. It should also list your strengths, knowledge of various software/materials, and any other relevant information that you think will help us get a better understanding of you as an artist, and why you think you'd be a good fit as a Gaia Sprite Artist.
Please prepare your resume as either a .PDF or .DOC. If you have it available on a website, please send us a working URL.
2. Portfolio: You don't have to prepare anything fancy. If you already have an online gallery (ex: DeviantArt), that is sufficient. If you send us a link to your DA, though, please create a separate gallery section with your best work so we can view it easily.
If you have Gaia avatar edits, please choose your 10-15 best pieces, and zip them up and upload them to a place where I may download them, or send us a working URL if it's already available online. Once again, please collect your best and list them in a separate section so we may view it easily.
Some Tips: the pieces you choose for your portfolio should reflect your greatest strengths as an artist, whether that be illustration, comics, animation, or graphic design. You do not have to be an illustrator to be a sprite artist - in fact, all of my current artists are all varied in their primary interests - most of them did not know how to make sprite items when they were hired.
Try to choose a wide variety of pieces for your portfolio, so we can get an idea of your interests - this way we can also think about what types of projects you'd be ideal for in the future.
2. Flash/Illustrator/Vector Artists: Outside of sprite production, Gaia Art Team has to produce a wide range of other art assets, ranging from illustration, graphics for ads and banners, and vector/Flash objects. We are looking for strong, creative individuals with extensive knowledge and experience with Flash animation and vector art.
If you are primarily one or the other (ie: Flash animator or vector artist), I urge you to apply. You do not have to know both if you are very strong in one particular area. The only exception is Photoshop, which all applicants need to be familiar with.
Specific Criteria for Gaia Flash/Illustrator Artists are as follows:1. You must have a legitimate copy and extensive understanding of the following programs (pertaining to the position you are applying for):
- Adobe Photoshop CS or above
- Adobe Illustrator CS or above
- Adobe Flash 8 or above
2. If you are a Flash animator, a basic understanding of ActionScript is required. This position is not for back-end Flash programmers - we are looking for artists who focus on visuals and animation. Basic knowledge of optimization and post-production is required.
3. If you are a vector illustrator, you must know how to use Adobe Illustrator efficiently.
Portfolio Requirements for Flash/Animation Contractors:Please prepare your portfolio with 2 portions: a resume outlining your work experience and skills, and a portfolio containing your 10-15 best pieces.
1. Resume: your resume should list your various levels of education as well as your work experiences - this can include any short-term freelance gigs as well as any publications, if you have them. It should also list your strengths, your knowledge of various software/materials, and any other relevant information that you think will help us get a better understanding of you as an artist, and why you think you'd be a good fit on the Gaia Art Team.
Please prepare your resume as either a .PDF or .DOC. If you have it available on a website, please send us a working URL.
2a. Portfolio (Animation): Please submit your best animated work. They can be as big as films or as small as animated gifs and casual Flash games. We are looking for any and all types of Flash talent.
2b. Portfolio (Vector Art/Illustrator): If you have an online gallery with your current best work, please send us the URL. Otherwise, please compile your best Illustrator/vector art pieces and upload it to a place where we can download.
Try to choose a wide variety of pieces for your portfolio, so we can get an idea of your interests - this way we can also think about what types of projects you'd be ideal for in the future.
Other Important InformationGaia Contractors are paid on a per-project basis, unless stated otherwise. You will be paid in United States Dollars (USD).
We cannot accept volunteer work. All work will be compensated.
All resumes and portfolios will be reviewed by myself and several senior-level members of the Gaia Art Team, including our creative director. You will receive notification and status reports regarding your application regardless of the outcome.
Currently, there are 6 sprite artist slots available. There is currently no set limit to Flash/Illustrators. All applications that are sent in will be thoroughly reviewed, but the positions will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis based on the highest-qualifying applicants from the entire group. If you do not qualify for the first round of slots, your information is still kept in the case another position opens up in the future - applicants who applied during the last hiring wave do not need to apply again. If you are a past applicant and you are no longer interested in these positions, please let us know so we can remove you from the group.
The hiring process will take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. If you have more pressing opportunities, I urge you to take them - please do not wait for us, because we could get delayed in finishing the hiring process.
Resume and Portfolio Contact/Submission InformationIf you've read all the above and agree with the terms, please prepare your work and send it to the following email address, with "GAIA FREELANCE POSITION" in the subject line:
contractor-jobs[at]gaiaonline.comYou may attach the contents of your portfolio and resume to your email, in the following formats:
Images for Portfolio: .JPG, .GIF, .PNG, .BMP. Please do not send PSDs or Illustrator files. Please also resize any large images to a reasonable size.
Please also zip all of your portfolio images - do not send them as individual attachments.
Resume: .PDF, .DOC, .RTF, .TXT. You may also send us a link to a webpage if your resume is available there.
The review process is anticipated to take between 2-3 weeks, out of the 4-6 week hiring process. Please be patient - you will hear back from us, regardless of the outcome!
Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and apply! I look forward to looking at many lovely portfolios. Good luck!
mrgreen 
