This program is an advanced diploma program teaching all forms of art related to the gaming industry. You will create a digital portfolio, using original pieces generated throughout the program, to help you in your job hunt.

This course covers drawing, the gaming industry, digital painting, storyboarding, character design, 3D lighting and rendering, as well as game texturing & modelling.

Video Game companies require teams of artists to design a game's characters and landscapes, present art to producers, create the marketing art, and work closely with the developers to create the look and feel of the game. Game Artists can work in teams or individually, but usually they work under the direction of an Art Lead - and that could be you!

Pre-Requisites: 3D Animation Diploma Program
(or equivalent), + Traditional Art Portfolio

Equipment Full multimedia, Internet-ready computer that meets or exceeds the requirements of the newest industry-standard software; yours to keep on the successful completion of your program. Software Each Video Game Art & Illustration student receives personally registered educational versions of the software required for this program, which includes Windows XP, 3dstudio max, Adobe Photoshop, and Corel Painter. Click here for more details

The skills learned in this program might help you find a position at a company creating the art necessary for PC games or for independent gaming platforms. Art lead, concept artist, texturer, production modeller, storyboard artist - all these are possible, and more.

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Duration: 65 weeks, 1300 hours (Based on a 20-hour work week)

Week	Hours	Assignment	Exams	Subject (Click for more detail)
1-3	60	3	-	The Gaming Industry
4-12	180	8	1	Drawing
13-17	120	5	-	Digital Painting
18-31	280	17	1	Character Design & Painting
32-39	160	14	1	Storyboarding
40-44	100	10	-	Lighting & Rendering
45-49	100	8	1	Game Textures
50-59	200	11	-	Creating Game Arts
60-65	120	12	1	Portfolio Development

The Gaming Industry 3 weeks; 60 hours; 3 tests This module is a brief introduction into the world of Gaming and Game Design, with a focus on the artist's place in that world. We'll discuss job opportunities, and how to break into the business. » Back to Program Time Table

Drawing 9 weeks; 180 hours; 8 assignments; 1 exam This module will teach you how to draw using traditional methods. Assignments will be drawn using pencil and paper following steps from the book, and submitted online using a scanner to digitize the artwork. » Back to Program Time Table

Digital Painting 5 weeks; 120 hours; 5 assignments An introduction to the Corel Painter software, which emulates the experience of working with traditional media in a digital setting. Assignments will be original paintings based on teacher instructions, using tools learned using the book. » Back to Program Time Table

Character Design & Painting 19 weeks; 280 hours; 17 assignments; 1 exam An in-depth exploration into designing likeable characters. This module also has advanced Corel Painter tutorials specifically for painting characters. Character creation is one of the biggest facets of the game design industry. » Back to Program Time Table

Storyboarding 8 weeks; 160 hours; 14 assignments; 1 exam An in-depth course covering the history and theories as well as the practical applications of drawing storyboards, the backbone of any animation, film or game. » Back to Program Time Table

3D Lighting & Rendering 5 weeks; 100 hours; 10 assignments Game artists are required to create promotional materials as well as in-game art. This module will teach you how to create attractive high-quality promotional renderings, as well as the traditional theories of composition, light and colour, to be applied to all art. » Back to Program Time Table

Game Textures 5 weeks; 100 hours; 8 assignments; 1 exam An exploration into the various types of textures most commonly used in game design. Step-by-step tutorials in Photoshop will show you how to create these textures, as well as give you ample room for creative expansion and adaptation. » Back to Program Time Table

Creating Game Art 10 weeks; 200 hours; 11 assignments A course on creating all different types of game art, including textures, models, lighting, special effects and the user interface. Includes theories and explanations as well as step-by-step tutorials. » Back to Program Time Table

Portfolio Development 6 weeks; 120 hours; 12 assignments; 1 exam All artists need a portfolio as proof of their skills. This short module will help you to decide which area of game art you are most proficient and interested in, decide which companies you would like to work for, and finally, how to develop a portfolio of the original work done throughout this program to best get a job in your chosen field.

Now What?

You've seen the benefits. We've proven the value. Now you should harness the power of an education and apply online, immediately, below.