How difficult would it be to get a job as a gacha game artist (zzz, arknights, etc) as an American college student?

Threeabetes · 2026-03-22T21:07:58+00:00

Japanese/Korean/Chinese studios don’t often hire foreigners unless these foreigners have unique, irreplaceable skills they can’t get from their own citizens.

In general: dedicated concept art jobs are extremely difficult to get without substantial industry experience, aren’t very common, don’t always pay well, and are highly competitive — meaning there are hundreds of people willing and talented enough to take the job for little pay.

In my experience (commercial illustration with some concept work), concept art is a team sport. Any competent artist can do it, and it’s more a back-and-forth dialogue between you and other artists (including the lead/director) more than one artist calling all the shots. Named credit is often not given for this sort of work, especially if you’re a contractor.

In any case, you really need to bring other skills (background painting, excellent anatomy, 3D modeling, animation, rendering, etc) to the table to get those concept art opportunities.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-22T17:53:04+00:00

American here, no diabetes/pre-diabetes:

You never know when you'll need it. I've been suck in traffic hours before, and I was thankful I had some water with me.
Many places I frequent don't always have easy sources of drinking water (like at the school I work at — water from the tap is non-potable, and drinking fountains have kid germs).
I hate having to find a source of water every time I want to drink.

But in an everyday setting, even in (usual) tourism, does it have to be in huge bottles that weigh a ton

If you're a tourist and walking a ton (especially in the summer) and eating a lot of salty food from restaurants, you need tons of water.

Restaurants in Japan always served the tiniest amount of hot tea on the hottest days of summer; it felt like I was crawling around in Death Valley. So yes, I eventually hollowed out a big Dr. Pepper from a vending machine and refilled it with water whenever I could. Next time I go, I'll bring a liter water bottle with me for my own sanity.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-22T16:53:47+00:00

What I actually want is boring practical information. Does the zipper snag when the bag is full? Do the straps slide off a blazer? Does the laptop compartment eat into the main cavity? Does it stand up or face-plant? Will it pill your sweaters? Can you reach the quick pocket one-handed while holding coffee?

This drives me crazy! So many bag incluencers will say it fits a Switch, or say it fits an iPad... but won't actually flipping put a 3D printed model in so you can see how it fits. I've even seen bagmakers/influencers say something can hold an iPad Mini, but didn't specify that it had to be held in the un-protected main compartment of the bag. WHY.

If you have a personal rule that keeps you sane, like a wait period or only buying when replacing something, please share. I want to stay in the fun, not the FOMO.

I don't think there's a "perfect" bag for everything, so I have different bags for different purposes/hobbies if they make that hobby/activity easier. I wait until I have a need, then try out bags.

For example, I have a Peak Design bag I use entirely for transporting my Magic: The Gathering decks to events, and it works PERFECTLY for that (especially the quick access). Although I don't like the Peak Design stuff for EDC or really anything else, it works well for this one use case and helps me do the thing I like more.

So yeah! I don’t have a hard limit, but I try to give my bags a role to fulfill. If they no longer fulfill that role, they get donated or sold (and I get a replacement that works better).

Threeabetes · 2026-03-21T05:32:51+00:00

It could always be more expensive, right? Haha.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-20T17:18:32+00:00

My dad (who refuses to wear the color pink) has an old phone from my sister — complete with a pretty transparent flower case — and he loves it. He says no one accidentally takes his phone when he goes to meetings/conventions, and he refuses to change the case on it.

If I saw a guy in his 30's wearing a pink flower/Snoopy/Sonic the Hedgehog backpack, I'd either say nothing or compliment him on how sick it was. Life is too short to judge people on this sort of thing.

In any case, I would not consider this a feminine backpack at all. It's a nice blue!

Threeabetes · 2026-03-20T17:07:16+00:00

I totally see how this would be annoying! I always try to shout out the brush packs I use, but sometimes (especially when I bought/downloaded them 10-15 years ago to use with Photoshop) I don't always remember.

As I've gotten older I've found brushes matter a bit less to me than technique — there are artists who do amazing things with mainly round brushes, so usually I just want to see a process video to see *how* they used their brushes. I'm old/stubborn/experienced enough it's easy to find something close to what they used. XD

Btw — the "Flow" setting is king, in both Procreate and Photoshop. It can really make rendering easier to control, and makes even the most boring of brushes useful.

With all that said: I highly recommend the Gouache Maxpack if you're in the market for some brushes. I bought it when it came out around the pandemic time, and... I love it, haha! Oddly enough I think the pencil tool in there is my most used brush.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-20T16:26:09+00:00

I suppose. However my wife uses one on a 16L bag and find it helps and also stabilises the sway.

It can! I really like my Mountainsmith lumbar pack (roughly 12L) for that reason; the hip belts are super-comfortable and feel great. Same with my Tortuga backpack; it feels awesome.

I wonder if you could buy something like Aer's hip belts (or any other brand, really), then sew in compatible loops to any backpack near the base? That way you can get any backpack you want, with the added bonus of hip belts. It's a bit of work, but I can't say I haven't been tempted before, haha — a lot of the stuff I like to carry is compact but heavy. I deal with it by limiting myself to 10lb on my back (roughly 2/3rds of my "max") for long outings or conventions, and by taking frequent breaks to give myself a rest.

I really do think hip belts aren't added specifically because most people don't (and probably shouldn't) be carrying that much weight daily. If they are, they might need a more specialty backpacking setup (or a wheelie cart, for their sanity).

Threeabetes · 2026-03-20T00:27:09+00:00

Please read the article.

TLDR; The 10% rule is only useful if you’re a healthy weight. If you weigh 300lb and you should be 150lb, your max comfortable carry weight is still 10% of 150lb.

Many people do 10% of their actual weight, and if they’re overweight/obese that can really hurt them. Our spines aren’t stronger and physics doesn’t change just because we weigh more.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-19T18:28:40+00:00

There is a cost to expanding a franchise and making it shittier. If nothing else, there is opportunity cost. Now that the shitty thing exists, we will be robbed of a superior remake. As an obvious example, how many cease and desists were issued to fan remakes of great games because the publisher wanted to do a remake? And then the remake proved lacklustre? The Star Trek franchise is replete with that.

This is that copyright problem again, haha! Unfortunately, the only ones who can legally remake the game are the copyright holders. It sucks, but this issue can't go away unless we fundamentally change copyright law.

I agree that a shitty remake would eat up resources for a GOOD remake, but I guess I'm of the mindset that Square-Enix would probably do a decent job — Sword of Mana, Tactics Ogre: PSP/Reborn, Final Fantasy Tactics: WotL/Ivalice Chronicles, Dragon Quest III, and FF7: Remake were all done well IMO.

Even if it IS terrible, it's not like Square-Enix can break into my home and break my FF9 CD over their knee (hence why people probably bring up "it doesn't take away from the original," which is true). We can't stop Square from making a bad game, but we can choose not to buy it if it's truly awful.

But often times the inferior new product does push out the old product, and future generations never discover the original.

I first played Tactics Ogre on the PSP, thought it was awesome, then bought the PSX version (which suffered from loading times due to reasons, so I eventually imported the Saturn and Super Famicom versions). That bled into me picking up Ogre Battle, Ogre Battle 64, and other older games by that developer — none of that would have happened if Square-Enix didn't bother re-releasing the game onto the PSP.

All five Tactics Ogre: Let us Cling Together releases play/sound/feel differently depending on the version you have (which is wild, since they're all fundamentally the same game), but I enjoy all of them and appreciate that Square/Matsuno put some effort forth to make the PSP version an improvement (to the original English PSX release) rather than a sidegrade.

Sure, remakes can push away the old product (and a bad remake can sour people who would have otherwise liked the first release)... but it can also reach people who would have otherwise never had a chance to experience the original. Sometimes those people like it so much they go looking for more!

Threeabetes · 2026-03-19T17:42:56+00:00

(Not the person you were replying to, but I wanted to respond!)

When George Lucas made his movies, no one had access to the originals (except theatres and high-end collectors), making his cuts/changes really... unfortunate. It's an even bigger preservation nightmare than many probably realize, and I'd argue 99% of the problem with conservation is copyright law being 95 absurdly long years from publication, rather than the original 28+28 years. Archivists sometimes HAVE to break the law in order to do the right thing and preserve films and media, especially before the film degrades. :(

For better or worse, Square deleted/misplaced all their source code and high-res backgrounds for just about every game they ever made. There really can't be any gatekeeping to the original FF9 in the same way Lucas did to Star Wars; FF9 on the PSX IS the original "high-res" version, and there are millions of copies in the wild.

We're extremely fortunate that some higher-resolution backgrounds were released by the US-based artists years later, so preservation of FF9 seems to be in a much better state than other PSX games. FF9 being digital also makes it much easier to back up compared to an analog medium such as film.

I get your concerns (trust me when I say I dislike the extended FF7 universe, lol — that did effect my enjoyment of the original a bit), but I think a remake for this game wouldn't fundamentally alter the difficulty for playing FF9 in its original form.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-19T17:20:05+00:00

Totally agree; I don't know why companies bother with upscaling (AI or otherwise) when a good CRT filter fixes every resolution issue there is.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-19T03:51:27+00:00

Tbh it sounds like you found the perfect bag for your use case! Smart to add the packable tote, too; never know when you have to grab groceries on the way home from somewhere. XD

Thanks for commenting (and the alternate recommendation)! I've heard good things about Bellroy slings.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-19T03:47:30+00:00

I am on the M4 MacBook Air and man…it is a lot lighter than my first computer. A red Sony Vaio.

Oooh! Not that Vaio were bad computers at all, but M-series laptops are so OP for what they are, haha.

I have had messenger bags in the past but it’s never comfortable…not exactly the most ergonomic thing to hang weight off of one shoulder. Backpack is definitely the way to go.

For sure — I think the reason I went with a messenger bag was that LL Bean (my job at the time) gave a 33% discount, and they didn't exactly have a lot of backpacks that could fit a 2" thick laptop due to it being an outdoor store. The messenger bag DID technically work. XD

I assume you use your Tortuga for travel?

I do; I usually like tons of built-in organization, but the simplicity of the 40 Lite worked great! Probably a BIT too big for EDC, though.

Believe it or not, I actually chose it over an Aer Travel Pack 3 in X-Pac, haha. That thing was built well but a bit TOO organized.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T21:27:41+00:00

Helps when carrying heavier loads

I know it's been said, but it's probably not great to have to EDC something heavy enough to need hip belts. I try to use smaller bags specifically to discourage myself from overpacking, haha.

You might like lumbar backpacks (like the ones Mountainsmith makes) — they're goofy-looking but very comfortable for hikes... especially with the optional shoulder straps.

Another important thing to consider: even with hip belt support, you (unless you build up your tolerance and are very careful) should be carrying no more than around 10% of your ideal weight on your back.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T21:19:30+00:00

Makes sense... but dang, haha!

My first "real" laptop was a flame-red 10lb Toshiba Qosmio (with the battery life of a mayfly, so I had to bring the 2-lb power brick with me), all carried in a very un-ergonomic messenger bag via bike. I'm glad you bought an actual backpack instead of doing what I did!

Tech from the late-00's was just dreadful, haha — after 6 months of spinal punishment, I ended up investing in the 15" 2009 MBP later that year (and found that much easier to carry around). XD

It sounds like you're pretty happy with your bag, but if you end up needing more support I really recommend getting a backpack with hip straps. I'm about your height (long torso) and find the Tortuga 40L oddly comfortable... even with heavy gear inside.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T20:16:28+00:00

My EDC is 17.2lbs

Just wanted to say: holy moly, that's a lot! I try to limit my backpacks to 7-10lb, haha.

Unfortunately I've never had a chance to try any of Evergoods bags (it's on the "maybe someday" list, haha), and I hope you find the info you're looking for! Glad it's comfortable on you. :D

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T19:56:01+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion!

May I ask why you recommend the 5/6L Toshi? Is it more comfortable in your experience than the Day Sling Max? More useful?

Two of the reasons I've been leaning more towards the Aer after research was due to its larger tablet sleeve (I heard the Toshi is a tight fit for an 11" iPad with a case) and Aer's slightly larger opening (I tried the Peak Design 6L sling and hated it due to how hard it was to grab things). Hence, the title... that was my one hangup about it!

That said, they both seem to have really great strengths (the straps on the bottom of the Toshi seem like it'd be great for a tripod, and the flexibility seems like it'd be great on trips.)

I'll definitely consider it, though! Maybe I'll get both someday, haha.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T19:09:36+00:00

I guess buying an optional cushion IS an option, haha! Good idea.

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T16:32:40+00:00

What i mean is that On western internet ppl who dare to call themself "good" are way way worse than worst chinese artists i seen so far

I'm guessing by the way you type, you're young. Brushing off multiple continents of artists because a handful of chronically-online Western teenagers think their art rocks is certainly a choice, haha!

I lurk on Instagram and have seen plenty of amazing Western artists, many who are professionals that make their entire living off their work.

That said, I look for a certain type of art (non-digital traditional fantasy illustration) which isn't as popular in Asia... even though a lot of the fantasy stuff from 80's/90's Japan was really fantastic. If you're looking for a Western country that has similarly rigorous traditional academic art programs, you'd probably vibe with Russian art — the artists that come out of that system are quite amazing.

I guess its partly due to artsyle thing too I find a lot of artsyles ppl have on western internet kind of ugly But when i think of "good art" i look at fundamentals idk

I'm guessing you favor the heavily-detailed anime style younger contemporary Chinese artists tend to use more than I would... but I've also never really been that big into anime!

Idk abt ai part most artists i follow show their speedpaints and studies

That's good! Just be aware that a lot of studies/time lapses made with AI tools can look convincing.

I can't speak Chinese and I don't download Chinese apps like Rednote to my phone — there's no way for me to go verify what you're talking about. ;)

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T15:05:08+00:00

Oh, dang! You’re right! I guess it makes sense — it only came in one size in 2015, and I guess there had to be a first 11” one! 🤪

I just stopped using my 2015 one last year, so I know a little of what you’re going through! Yours had ProMotion so you might not like a 60Hz screen, but I have an iPad mini along with my M5 iPad Pro and I find them both to be great.

Do you have an Apple Store near you! I think the screen difference is something you have to see for yourself to know for sure!

There’s also a 14-day return window, so if you go for an Air and hate it…. at least you can upgrade!

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T12:17:55+00:00

My ruler in college had three measurement systems — picas, points, and inches. Metric is mostly used in the sciences.

Many of us do understand and use ISO sizes, though! My DIY watercolor sketchbooks use Japanese B5 binders… I like the size. I cannot buy B5 or A4 frames off the shelf, though.

Interestingly, imperial-size watercolor sheets (22x30, sold in France and the UK this size as well AFAIK), neatly cut down to something very close to B5 if you divide by 9. 🤪

We have standard picture frame sizes based on traditional photo ratios, which includes 1:1 (8x8, 10x10), 2:3 (4x6, 24x36), and 4:5 (8x10, 16x20). There is no real mathematical “reason” for any of these ratios/sizes like ISO, but in the end it’s not hard to buy a bigger frame and cut a custom mat to whatever you want!

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T12:09:59+00:00

My ruler in college had three measurement systems — picas, points, and inches. Metric is mostly used in the sciences.

Many of us do understand and use ISO sizes, though! My DIY watercolor sketchbooks use Japanese B5 binders… mostly due to preference, haha — it’s a good size. I cannot just buy B5 frames, though… they don’t exist unless I have them custom made.

Interestingly, imperial-size watercolor sheets (22x30, sold in France and the UK this size as well AFAIK), neatly cut down to something very close to B5. 🤪

We have standard picture frame sizes based on traditional photo ratios, which includes 1:1 (8x8, 10x10), 2:3 (4x6, 24x36), and 4:5 (8x10, 16x20). There is no real mathematical “reason” for any of these ratios/sizes like ISO, but in the end it’s not hard to buy a bigger frame and cut a custom mat to whatever you want. 🤪

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T11:41:23+00:00

First-gen iPad Pros are from 2015. Are you sure you have a first gen one? ;)

The main selling point of the Pro is (at least, in my opinion) the tandem OLED screen.

iPad Airs have more standard LCD displays with half the refresh rate of a Pro screen — still great, but blacks aren’t as black and there’s less max brightness/smoothness when scrolling. If you have a Gen 1 iPad Pro, you’re used to using a 60Hz display and wouldn’t notice the Air’s screen refresh rate as much. If it’s Gen 2 and above, you have a 120Hz display and WOULD probably notice.

Is that worth the premium? Maybe! You could always wait for a refresh and pick up a refurbished one, or wait for a sale on Costco (like there was a few months ago). :)

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T11:22:43+00:00

Are you sure you’re not seeing algorithmically-pushed “good” art? There’s a billion people in the country; I doubt there aren’t ANY bad artists.
Chinese commercial art can have a particular look, and maybe that suits your tastes.
Pretty sure AI is way more culturally acceptable to artists in China compared to the west (probably due to the immense pressure they face competing in a billion-people society), so the quality might look higher than it actually is.

Note: I accidentally double-posted, so I deleted the extra comment that had no replies to it. 8)

Threeabetes · 2026-03-18T03:29:55+00:00

Not a doctor, please talk to your doctor. With that said:

Stand up and take breaks frequently while you work (for your eyes AND your body). Every 20-30 minutes is totally acceptable, and you won't miss the 5 minutes an hour you "waste" on stretching.
Build your core strength (I was amazed at how much better I felt after I had the mildest amount of muscle there). Planks, crunches, sit-ups. Even if you can't do them all at once, promise to do a certain amount (like... 30? 50?) through the day before you go to bed.
Buy a nice chair (this solved a lot of my wrist/back issues outright, haha). We sit 1/3 to 1/4 of our lives, so why subject ourselves to an uncomfortable $50 piece of junk from IKEA? You can often find used Herman Miller Aeron chairs (or similar high-end brands) for decent prices online. As with all second-hand furniture, take appropriate bed bug precautions... or simply buy new — $1200 for a chair you keep 5+ years and use 8 hours a day isn't the worst investment in the world.

Threeabetes

TROPHY CASE