2D and 3D art.

2d and 3d art and design in games relies on a workforce that need to be capable of creating life from nothing on a canvas, scrapbook, or computer. A role often overlooked and thought to be inferior to the 'Lead Artist' job role, the 2d and 3d artist's job is absolutely necessary for any development team.
2d and 3d artists are required to have a knowledge of anatomy and architecture, must work well in teams and independently, as well as having a creative and imaginative mind.

2D Artists:

2d art is used in almost every game out there, especially in triple A titles such as Fallout, Assassins Creed, and Call of Duty. Every texture the player can see had to be designed by an artist, the ground, walls, vehicles, and other characters.

Although it has its own role, concept art is often done by the 2d artist, often using it to build upon a finished sprite. More advanced concept art can depict the full environment of a game, and if it doesn't it can give the team ideas.

    Uncharted concept art.

3D Artists:

3d art leans towards the modelling aspect of games, animation, and VFX, and its usual for most 3d artists to work in teams. 3d artists are also often consulted on the development of the storyboard to get a keen idea on what they are exactly making.

Artists have a say about the creation on the fly, if they feel something different would look better they can easily make multiple models with different characteristics, leaving the team to pick the most suitable.

Out of the games industry 3d art is used for VFX such as fight scenes in movies for example, but the possibilities are almost endless so long as the artist knows what he/she is doing.

Essential:

It is essential that 2d and 3d artists have an expertise in Maya/3DS max, and vast knowledge in Photoshop, or equivalent software. Willingness to adapt to constructive, artistic criticism.


Outlook:

The outlook of 2d and 3d artists are positive on the whole, with the median salary of a 3d artist being $61,000/£41,000, while 2d artists make around $47,000/£31,000 on average.

On the job you are expected to have a thorough understanding of photoshop or equivalent for 2d art design, and a similar understanding in a main modelling program for 3d art design, while the 2d/3d artist is expected to know a decent amount about both types of programs. You also must have a passion for games in most large companies.

Hours differ from company to company and from time to time, expect altering work periods in and out of the workspace.