| Study level: | bachelor’s degree |
| Recommended high school specialisation: | Artistic ou Scientific |
| Employability: | Fair |
| Starting salary: | € 2,500 |
| Salary after experience: | € 3,750 |
| Mobility: | Correct |
| ROME code: | L1506 |
| FAP code: | U1Z80 |
A rigger’s responsibilities
Rigging is a technical profession. Their know-how makes them increasingly sought after by studios. During the production of a game, they intervene ahead of a 3D animator based on specifications. Its role is then based on:
- The development of the mobile areas of the model in order to be able to animate them
- Installation of checkpoints
- The creation of an ergonomic interface for a 3D animator
- The addition of new features, new expressions
- Bug tracking and correction
The qualities of a rigger
Beyond their mastery of technical aspects, the rigger has qualities that make them a centrepiece in creating a video game. They must be:
- Rigorous and precise
- Organised
- Knowing how to work in a team
- Listening and attentive
- With a certain sense of observation
Essential skills
It is a sought after job, because a rigger is an outstanding technician, able to provide careful work to the 3D animator. So, they master several essential tools as well as some knowledge, such as:
- Rigging tools
- 3D animation software (3DS Max, Maya, Blender, etc.)
- Scripting (C ++, Python)
- Anatomy, the science of movement
- An artistic sense
Among the software to be used by the rigger, there is Blender, a 3D animation software
The pros and cons
Among the advantages of a rigging job are:
- Very technical profession sought by some studios
- Recognised skills
- Significant international mobility
On the other hand, the job has some drawbacks:
- Low employability
- Average salary in France
Valentin Sabin adds: « It’s a technical job above all, you have to like to solve problems! In addition, in large studios, often most riggers are « makers »: they use the auto-rig and skin the character. The technical part is therefore reduced because it is automatic. This is where it is advantageous to know how to script because you can then participate in the creation of tools or even in the improvement of the auto-rig already in place. «
The level of study needed to be a rigger
To become a rigger, it is better to have studied for a few years. First in high school, choose a technical high school diploma or a general high school diploma specialising in mathematics, science or the arts. Then opt for a bachelor’s degree in order to learn the basics of video games and their components (techniques and graphics).
A master’s degree is also possible with a teaching axis focusing on management and project management. At the end of this diploma, positions of responsibility will be more easily accessible.
Access to this rapidly developing position requires a solid background. This requires quality training like the one offered by our G. Art school. Based in Lyon, we choose to immerse you in the exclusive world of video games and give you all the skills required by professionals. First in a bachelor’s degree, then by following our MBA development program.
We, therefore, offer three degrees, namely:
The 2D / 3D Graphic Designer bachelor’s degree – Game art. It is about game design, programming languages, software, game engines, etc., and video game culture and artistic practice (gaming culture, concept art, graphics, etc.) over three years.
Then our MBA in technical artistry and MBA in game artistry gives a more specialised education. The first is in computer development and game art. The second is in production methodology and software, as well as game art.
We also focus our pedagogy on concrete productions and internships in companies at the end of the year of study.
Do a rigging internship
As for all careers, besides following quality education, doing internships allows you to confront workplace realities and practice and use your knowledge on concrete projects, even on future successful games. This is why we attach the greatest importance to each student following several internships throughout their course.
The periods range from two months in the 1st year of the bachelor’s degree to a full year of both internship and fixed term contract for the last year of the MBA.
How much does a rigger earn?
As a junior, a rigger can earn more than 30,000 euros and reach 45,000 euros per year over time. Obviously, it depends on factors such as the studio, employer or the (independent) status.
In Montreal, a rigger’s annual salary is around $ 60,000, the lowest being at $ 50,000. In the United States, we note that the salary can amount to more than 100,000 dollars.
Where can you work?
It is not the job that has the most job offers. Not all studios have riggers among their teams. The biggest ones, such as Ubisoft, Ankama or Quantic Dream, have this profession, especially in large productions.
It is also possible to work as a rigger on behalf of image, animation and digital companies.
The career of a rigger
It can be in France or abroad in video game capitals like Montreal for example. With experience, a rigger can take on responsibilities and become a lead rigger or even become an artistic director.
Become a freelance rigger
It’s a possibility. Becoming a freelance rigger is quite possible for anyone who wants to work in complete freedom. It will take a high technical level, good organisation and a sense of negotiation to be able to work in this way. The advantage is being able to choose your projects, your clients and manage your schedule.
In summary
How can you become a rigger?
As the rigging profession is on the rise, there may be many more riggers in the years to come. The discipline is in vigorous development. Therefore, you will begin by following a quality training course (bachelor’s degree and MBA) at our G. Art school to acquire knowledge in graphics, computer development and anatomy, and body expression.
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