Video game and design

[Calypte]

I've read several threads concerning the AI schools, and admitably I was intrested in attending either AI of Portland or AI of Seattle. Since then, I've heard many negative things about that string of schools.

I wish to major in video game art and design and possibly go to work for either Microsoft or Nintendo, as both are stationed near me in Redmond, WA. I'm wondering if there are any art schools any of you could recommend that excel in this field.

I'm a senior in high school in Issaquah, Washington. Time nor location are a problem for me. Suggestions are appreciated.

-Calypte

PS: My life-long dream is to move to Japan and help design RPG's for Squaresoft. o_O;a

[SeraphSword]

AI programs seem to be the most abundant in that field, you might try digipen, although they may be more programming-oriented, I'm not sure. One suggestion I have is get a copy of gmax or Maya PLE (both free) and start working now, there are plenty of tutorials floating around the internet, and it can't hurt to get a head start. After all, you get hired on the basis of your demo reel, not your degree.

As for the Square thing, I'm the last person to tell anyone that something is impossible, but I'll tell you that would be one helluva uphill climb. From what I know, most japanese video game companies rarely pick up western artists for their games. However, I'm an advocate of the "anything is possible" school, so if that's your goal go for it and good luck.

Just remember: "To be the best, you have to work the hardest." - me :cool:

[pvrhye]

Ball State university were I go to school here in Indiana just got a digital media minor in its Tcom department. It's designed for people who are into working on video games and the such. I don't know a ton about it exactly though.

here's a link

http://www.bsu.edu/dmm/courseinfo/

[Calypte]

I only said that working for Squaresoft was my dream. I'm probably either going to wind up at Microsoft or Wizards of the Coast (I have a friend who has connections that could probably get me a job as a card artist in the future). Thanks for the suggestions.

[mhaner]

I have been looking in this area as well, (just moved to area) I have found some schools that have classes, certificates, and degrees.
My problem is I have not found any feedback of current or former students of these schools. There are a ton of Tech colleges in the area, almost every exit off I5 has a sign for one or more.
So these might help, and if you find out anything let me know.

Lake Washington Tech: (Kirkland, WA)
http://www.lwtc.ctc.edu/future/programs/list/mmdp.htm
Has an "animation/Game design cert." course.
--------------------
Clover Park Tech: (Lakewood, WA)
http://www.cptc.ctc.edu/cptc/PAGES/MediaDesign.html
AAS degree, with courses in 3dmax and game lvl design.
--------------------------
University of Washington:
Arts and Media: http://www.outreach.washington.edu/ext/certificates/gan/gan_gen.asp
game animation
----------------------------
Henry Cogswell College: (Everette, WA)
BA in digital arts
http://www.henrycogswell.edu/academics/academics_da.html
------------------------------------
Puget Sound Center
http://pugetsoundcenter.org/splash.html
Discreet Training center
------------------------------------------
Pierce College-Digital Design
http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/DigDesign/Frames.html
Associate in digital design degree
-------------------------------------------
DigiPen
http://www.digipen.edu/main.html
-----------------------------------------------
Mesmer
http://www.mesmer.com
-----------------------------------
List of Colleges and Universities of WA:
http://u101.com/washington.shtml
-------------------------------------
Canada, BC
----------------------------
Gamer College- college of interactive Arts- Vancouver, BC
http://www.gamercollege.com/home.htm
------------------------------

mhaner

[JkooXL]

I am an 8 year veteran of the video game industry in both Seattle and Tokyo, I have done animation, character design, environment design and game design. Even with all the skills I have aqquired I am going back to school to get a proper 4 year education, to really focus on the basics and get the absolute best drawing and conceptual skills I possibly can.

I had a long talk with a younger friend the other night who really wants to get into game art quickly and I told him, GET A GOOD EDUCATION. DO NOT TAKE SOME QUICKIE ONE YEAR CG COURSE AND EXPECT TO BE A WICKED ARTIST ALL OF A SUDDEN.

Bust your ass, take the time necessary to really get a solid education, a solid foundation that will serve you your entire career, a foundation that it will be much easier to add to the top of instead of filling in the gaps.

I recommend a school that focuses at least its first couple of years on just drawing and painting fundamentals, without those any CG skills will be weak. Learn to draw like a mofo and then learn CG to complement your kick ass drawing skills or you WILL be left behind. With technology steaming ahead as it is, more and more Hollywood talent people will be contributing to the game industry and people with weak drawing skills and a 3D degree willl suffer, its beginning already.

My advice to my other young friend was to work a part time job and take as many drawing classes as possible at like Seattle Central Community College, (one of the most respected and CHEAP programs in the area) along with lots of life drawing (available almost every day of the week in Seattle) and maybe even some classes at the School of Visual Concepts, get yourself a tight portfolio demonstrating that you understand the basics and then apply to one of the GOOD schools. Many of the life drawing sessions in downtown Seattle are full of game industry people who are great connections AND can teach you a lot about drawing if you will but ask.

Some of the best schools in the nation charge just about as much as some of the worst (Art Institute!) but the cost to you personally is much more if you come out of it all without the skills to keep you competitive.

This is a very important decision in your life, research the HELL out of all the schools, track down graduates through the net and ask them how it was, where they are working etc. Best of luck.

[Chile]

The best School in Canada by far is the Sheridan Institute:

http://www.sheridanc.on.ca/

A little closer to home for you, but on the Canadian Side of the border as well, try Emily Carr:

http://www.eciad.bc.ca/eciad/

[kwshipman]

I am currently attending Henry Cogswell College. Their link is above. HCC is big on traditional arts, meaning that we spend a lot of time doing drawing and such before we get into CG. Its a small school so everyone is close. The professors are excellent and very knowledgeable.

The only other school that I would recommend in Washington is Digipen. They are more game focused than HCC which also teaches film making and high level animation.

if you have any other questions about HCC just let me know, I'll be glad to help.:thumbsup:

oh, and about AIS, I have heard good things about other AI schools but I haven't heard any good comments about the Seattle school. It seems that their 3D/graphic arts majors aren't that important to the school. Their main focus is on the culinary and music.