Studying Art and Design: Turning Creativity Into a Career
Clichés often hold old kernels of truth, but they seldom describe situations with complete accuracy. An interest in graphic design, gaming and mathematics might seem to hold few practical benefits because of stereotypes. Yet creative "nerds" build new computer technologies, design artistic interactive media and move from playing games to designing compelling video games for an increasingly demanding market.
People with a natural aptitude for graphics and design can increase their skills by studying and practicing in ways that stimulate creativity, strengthen organizational skills and help them use tools to enhance their abilities. Today, there are educational resources for almost any specialty, and many gamers never realize they could pursue game art degrees at art schools and programs that specialize in designing and troubleshooting video games. These programs give artists, graphic designers and dreamers the tools they need to move from thinking and tinkering to creating real products.
Building practical skills
Game artists work in all parts of the gaming industry, and art degrees in gaming open up many career possibilities. Practicing graphic skills and gaining the technical know-how to turn ideas into working applications lets students build portfolios to show potential employers. Many students also earn industry certifications in widely used design software. Typical topics include 3D animation, character development, texture mapping, designing environments for each game level and different drawing techniques.
Theory and practice go together
Intellectual and practical skills are not so different, and each depends on the other for success. The best tennis players know the rules, but practical training is what lets them return volleys automatically. In the same way, communication skills give people the tools to express ideas in ways others can understand. This applies to speech, writing, art and game design alike. Game design programs often include courses in sequential art, interactive media, and copyright and fair-use rules.
Students can develop their talents and creativity with practical training, just as athletes and artists do. Almost anyone can play video games and imagine alternate scenarios, but education gives people the tools to build, protect and market their own games.