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With the tight focus of the 3D Game Artist diploma program, you’ll be ready to apply for a job such as 3D Background Artist, 3D Artist, or Environment Artist – in just 52 weeks!

In this feature-packed program you'll learn the 3D techniques and technical aspects required in a real live job, such as creating low-poly and high-poly models based on provided concept artwork and model sheets while adhering to the polygon & texture budgets established for the production.

At the end of this program, you will be able to prepare your models to accept your custom game-specific textures with UV maps. You'll know the technical aspects of how to use normal mapping & texture baking to bring your high-poly detail into a low-poly game setting and how to import your 3D assets into a game engine. Finally, you'll learn how to set up and display your work in an online portfolio for employers.

Pre-Requisites: Basic Computer Skills

The skills learned in this program might help you find a position at a company creating games for the PC or for independent gaming platforms such as the PS3, DS, Wii, PSP, and more.

In development of this program, we took our cue from the game industry itself, building a program that would ensure successful graduates a shot at entry-level employment. The curriculum is therefore based on the requirements listed in actual employment ads for these jobs from companies such as Bioware, Blizzard Entertainment, and the Walt Disney Company.

The sheer number of game studios (250+ in Canada, 650+ in the United States) and the ever-increasing demand for new games, especially with the release and explosion of the third-generation consoles this past year (for instance, there are over 18 million XBOX 360s sold), seem to ensure a requirement for this type of junior game artist for a long time to come.

“Canada is home to over 260 videogame and digital entertainment studios, an ecosystem of more than 60 universities focused on gaming studies, and boasts extensive business ties to Asian and European development communities.

“The Canadian employee count grew 30% year-on-year, according to the 2009 Game Developer Research study, showing Canada’s growth as an international hub for entertainment and business development.

“The industry’s top publishers & studios are located in Canada, including Bioware, Ubisoft, EA, Eidos, Disney, Radical Studios (Activision) and Relic Studios (THQ). And home to some of the hottest and most critically acclaimed games – Dragon Age, Assassins Creed 2, Mass Effect 2, and the upcoming Prince of Persia and Deus Ex 3 blockbusters.”

- Rafael Vallin
Global Education Sales Representative
The GDC | Gamasutra | Game Developer Magazine | GameCareerGuide

Salary Expectations

In the category of Game Art & Animation, the leading Game Industry Salary Survey results are as follows:

Average salary for less than 3 years experience: US $42,672

Average salary across all experience levels: US $65,107

Career Guidance Program

CD-ED is committed to helping you find employment in the field of your choice. In fact, we’ll start before you even begin as a student! If you call us today, your personal admissions representative will research the job market for this career in your city, and help you decide if this program is the right path for your future.

After graduation, we’ll help you find an interview with your prospective employer in the job market. And of course, your new up-to-date skills will put you at the top of any interviewer’s list!

Below: a section of a proprietary ZBrush tutorial created by the instructors at DArTT

If you follow our registered course outline and put in the required hours, we guarantee your success. Below are some of the ways we ensure that you will graduate successfully.

 

Unlimited Instructor Support

You will have unlimited one-on-one instructor support via email, chat, online classroom webinars and toll-free phone calls throughout your entire program - and beyond. Our instructors have industry experience and can help you understand how to conquer the job market before you go out into it.

You're never a number at CD-ED - our instructors and guidance counselor will take a personal interest in your progress and will be in touch with you constantly throughout the year, making sure everything is going well with your program and whatever of your home life you wish to share.

Learning Materials Included

Unlike traditional classrooms, you don't need to go out and buy your own textbooks. As part of your tuition, when you become a student you will have all textbooks and registered software shipped directly to your door. A full set of instructions and tutorials will be included, along with access to your customized online learning management system.

We include a “How to Study At Home” learning package free with your materials, and along with our exclusive Student Tracking System it will help you schedule your time to ensure a successful student experience.

Equipment Options

You have the option of a brand-new desktop computer on loan to facilitate your education. A computer is simply a tool, and we make sure you have the best tools available, running smoothly to allow you to learn under optimal conditions. And, as a graduation gift, the computer you choose will be yours to keep on the successful completion of your program. NOTE: Accepting computer equipment from CD-ED is optional – not mandatory.

3D Game Artist students also receive a Wacom graphics tablet to allow them precise and artistic control over their designs.

More info about What You Get »

A game scene modeled, UV mapped and textured by Lauren Braden, Student

 

Duration: 52 weeks, 1300 hours (Based on a 25-hour work week)

Weeks	# of Weeks	Hours/ Week	Total Hours	Subject
1	1	25	25	The Game Industry
2-8	7	25	175	Introduction to 3ds Max
9-18	10	25	250	3D Modeling for Games
19-24	6	25	150	UV Mapping
25-32	8	25	200	3D Game Textures
33-41	9	25	225	ZBrush
42-47	6	25	150	Normal Mapping & Texture Baking
48-50	3	25	75	Technical Knowledge
50-52	2	25	50	Portfolio Development

The Game Industry

An introduction to the workings of the gaming industry to give you an idea of the different roles in the industry including art lead, environment artist, design lead, etc. You will explore the path of your future in the industry and will learn how this program will prepare you for employment.

Introduction to 3ds Max

An introduction to using the 3ds Max software in preparation for entering the more advanced modules ahead. Through an overview of modeling, texturing, lighting and rendering you will be prepared for the game-specific modules ahead. Experimentation and student-led exploration are encouraged at this early stage.

3D Modeling for Games

A comprehensive undertaking of the game-specific modeling techniques used in a game studio. The correct workflow is emphasized while you learn to model props, tile sets, vehicles, low- and high-poly characters, and evironments. A heavy focus on instructor-led video tutorials will help visual learners.

UV Mapping

This module will allow you to break down and prepare any type of organic or mechanical model for UV mapping and texturing. A focus on the workflow is stressed while learning UV Layout, Unwrap and Pelt Mapping. A final exam allows for a continuing portfolio-level project.

3D Game Textures

You will learn to paint and prepare textures using a Wacom graphics tablet. You will learn basic Adobe Photoshop techniques while learning how to create textures for props, special effects, different environments and vehicles. Again, a final project allows for portfolio development.

ZBrush

A comprehensive introduction to working with ZBrush for creating highly detailed character and creature models such as those used in promotional materials. This module is delivered via video tutorials on DVD, supplemented by a hands-on proprietary tutorials lab designed to give you the correct workflow for high-poly modeling with ZBrush, along with a final project.

Normal Mapping & Texture Baking

Normal Maps give low-poly models the appearance of high-poly models. You'll be able to take your high-poly props, characters, vehicles and other models and project them onto smaller-file-sized low-poly models to save processing time. A final project allows the student to create an original project.

Technical Knowledge

A comprehensive content theme which teaches the specific technical details required in the gaming industry. This module includes how to place and preview assets created earlier in the program – models & textures – within the 3D game engine included with Unreal Tournament III.

Portfolio Development

A step-by-step presentation of guidelines and real-world inspiration for creating an online portfolio of work, geared towards earning you employment by showcasing your talent. You will learn how best to render and display your models, and upon graduation you will have a professional website for your own portfolio.

 

A portion of the portfolio module, showing finished art from a proprietary tutorial.

 

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Stephanie Bilby, Graduate

• “I like that you can schedule your own study time and that there is help anytime you need it. I'm very pleased with my marks and how great of an instructor I have.”

Edwin Long, Graduate

• “We checked your school out with the NB and NS departments of education and the Better Business Bureau. Your school passed with flying colours. The other school I was considering didn't.”

 

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