OK, this is a bit personal and very embarassing. I am asking this here, because this is the friendliest potentially relevant forum I know, but if this is not the right place to discuss such questions, please delete this thread. (Or let me know and I'll delete it myself if I have the rights to do that)

Here is the situation: I would llike to switch my career and become (eventually) a production designer/art director for film, video, tv, etc.

The fun bit is that my present profession, education and official working experience is in programming.

I have some artistic education. My Carrara/3d/digital graphics skills (which may or may not be relevant) can be seen in my gallery here. And recently I did production design for 2 very small video projects (for friends). Both projects are still in production/post-production.

I would like to find some people who could help me realistically evaluate my options and skills. I need to know what skills I'm missing and what I need to be learning/studying/perfecting. It would be even better if someone could refer me to places/positions(or position searching sites), which would help me get relevant experience and learn the skills that I'm missing. I need to know what positions I can be eligible for, what types of resumes/CV's/portfolios such positions normally require, etc. In short, I have a lot of questions and no answers at this point.

I would very much appreciate any answers. Or if you know people who could have the answers I'm looking for, please help me get in touch with them (I live in NYC, if that's relevant), since I don't have any contacts in the industry whatsoever.

Thank you. (And please let me know if this topic should be removed from this Forum)

I don't think that there is a person here who wouldn't mind making some money in visual arts. That's why we are here in the first place!

This type of work is part of what I do professionally. Contact me via site mail if you'd like to start a dialogue. 

Mark

Find a good school and learn the basics of production. Get involved in as as many projects as you can (paid or gratis).  Read the trade mags and sites to stay current.

Watch TV, see as many movies as possible (it does not matter what, study how things are done. What works, what doesn't)

Most importantly, NETWORK with other people in the business!  User groups, trade shows are good starts)

In this business it's who you know, not what you know, that will help get your foot in the door.

Good luck to you!

I know someone who helped at the ground level with Pixar. The biggest thing she learned was that you have to dive in. Live, eat and breathe graphics.

A successful route for her was inventing her own internship.

Mark: Thank you! This is very much appreciated.**
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animajikgraphics: Thank you for the advice! I am working along these lines already, and you are witnessing me start networking :) I am familiar with the 3d and graphics periodicals such as 3dWorld, 3D Artist, ImagineFX, Carrara 3D Expo and read them regularly. Did you have a more video/film production design oriented publication in mind? I would appreciate some pointers in that direction.

Sueposer: Thanks! I am looking for such opportunities.**
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Antaran -

Try signing up for Createsphere, they'll hook you up with quite a few  online and paper pubications, such as "DV Magazine", "American Cinematographer", etc. Also, they'll send you info on upcoming expos and events. The Entertainment Technology Expo in NYC is coming in Sept - good free seminars, I attended the same expo just recently in Hollywood, CA) http://createasphere.com/

CreativeCow.net is a good resource and also has an online/paper publication.

Also check out some of the usergroups in your area. I know several are held at B&H Photo/Video in your area (NYC).

animajikgraphics, thank you! These links are super helpful!

Do I understand correctly that the registration of the September NYC event is not open yet? Or is it done through some special registration (just for members or something like it)?

Antaran -

They'll announce when it's open for registration several months ahead, and it's free for the basic expo pass. They always have seminars by well-known people iin the industry and you get to see the latest "stuff" out there.

I usually go to a couple of user group meets every month in my area, LAFCPUG (Los Angeles Final Cit Pro User Group) and DMALA (Digital Media Artists of LA) in Hollywood. a great place to meet people in the industry and stay current.  A good place to show off your work too. Both of these have groups in other areas (or something similar)  Have actually gotten work through these meets (as animator amd editor)

animajikgraphics,

Thank you! I'm imressed that it's free, too. And I will definitely check out the user groups in my area. Thank you!**
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You're welcome!  Best of luck in your new career!

Thank you! I'll try my best.