Young artists need to be more than best in class

If a young artist wants to break into the gaming industry the key is a ‘just do it’ mentality, says Adi Granov.

The artist behind Square Enix’ Heroes of Ruin, Granov began his training at the age of 15 in what was then the Republic of Yugoslavia.

Though he didn’t take his first years of trade school very seriously, Granov found his stride when he went to University in the US at 18, and realised that just being best in class wasn’t good enough.

"Companies like Square Enix aren’t going to go to my class and say, ‘we’re gonna choose the best in this class,’ they’re gonna look for the best throughout the world," said Granov in a video interview on the Square Enix blog.

To make it as a professional, an aspiring artist must look at what’s out there in the market, and make that his competition.

So what’s the secret to being competitive with experienced professionals?

"The most basic answer to that," said Granov,"is just to do it."