justintime1

Hi folks.

This is kinda more of a question to the American 3d visualizers.

I’m presently facing a bit of a dilemma. I have a wonderful job working for one of the Uk’s top architectural l visualisation firms.

Iv got nearly four years experience working in the industry.

All is hunky-dory you might think, but Just recently My girlfriend has been offered a once in a life time chance to live and work in the US. Columbus Ohio to be specific.

I would dearly love to go with her, I am left wondering just how possible you might imagine it would be for me to find a job over there.

Iv contacted a hand full of architects but have as yet to hear anything.

I know the visa obstacle is my main hurdle and for that I need to sores my self a job. I am just wondering just how likely it is that a US based firm would employ me?

Any advice or suggestion on this would be hugely appreciated.


Many thanks

Matt.

Brian Cassil

In general, if you have a good portfolio and some experience than finding a job shouldn't be too dificult. However, finding one in Columbus could be a challenge not because the market is weak there but only because demand for viz work varies GREATLY around the US. I'm not familiar with Ohio at all so I can't speak to that. Sorry.

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martin walker

Hi Matthew

I've been through a similar process, though it was 7 years ago, and I was in the video games industry.

The visa is the real stumbling block, I obtained a H1-B which I guess you will be after aswell. I had to jump through a lot of hoops, and luckily I had a job offer from a US company that I had connections with, so they paid my legal fees and were my offical sponsor and sorted everything out.

I dont want to put a downer on things, but the likliehood of a US company going to the effort of bringing you over, paying your visa fees etc etc is very small, unless you are a shit hot visualiser with bags of experience. (which you may well be

I'd suggest going over on a fiance / tourist visa and then finding a job while you are there... then you can apply for your H1. Sooner than later though,as far as I can remember the visa floodgates open in April.

good luck mate !

justintime1

HI everyone.

Thank you very much for the advice. It has been a grate help in clarifying the system a little more in my mind. Everything is rather up in the air presently.

I will take a note of you various screen names and in the future if I need to ask a question I will be in touch.

Thank you ever so much for you time,

Matt.

Brian Smith

i think you're best bet would be to find a drafting position temporarily because every decent size town with architects needs tons of drafters. you'll probably find that your animation experience lands you a higher salary but it would at least give you money close to what you want/need and it would give you time to find that perfect job. i would be shocked if there weren't at least 3 or 4 positions available in firms around columbus.

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BrianKitts

hmmm.... I'll definately agree the market for viz jobs in columbus is pretty slim (isn't it everywhere....). It took me three years of working in a small piddly firm before I got a viz job at a really good large office.

I'd be willing to bet you could probably land a job.... I haven't heard of anyone specifically that's hiring, but that doesn't mean that there's isn't anyone. And depending on your background I have a friend from college who just landed a job doing CAD work, then when they saw the viz he could do, they started to throwing him more 3d stuff. You could also try that angle if your cad skills are strong.

(in case you didn't notice... I'm in columbus)

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