Student work by Yolac Yurekli
CG Spectrum’s game art course gives you a solid foundation in 3D modeling and game animation, which you can use to make your own video games! Your mentor will guide you step-by-step through character and environment design, so you can start creating your own incredible art.
Why study game art at CG Spectrum:
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The gaming world is growing rapidly and it's a great time to get into the industry. CG Spectrum's game art & animation program is the best introduction to the exciting world of game art. It teaches you how to create high-quality art and realistic assets - even if you're a beginner.
As an Unreal Academic Partner, CG Spectrum works closely with Epic Games to provide high-quality educational opportunities with an experienced faculty, proven curricula and resources to foster personal and professional growth.
Gain confidence using industry-leading software like Maya, Substance Painter and Unreal Engine, learn the latest studio techniques, experiment with different styles, and graduate with original work for your portfolio!
Certificate
9 months
40 hrs weekly
Beginner
Basic computer skills & min. computer specs
Weekly online classes, feedback and support
Maya, Substance Painter, Unreal Engine
May 1, 2023
Our expert-led online game art programs prepare you for an exciting career in the industry. Unleash your creative potential while building practical job skills studios are looking for.
Plan your studies around your work and family commitments
Learn from mentors who have worked on best-selling video games
Build practical, relevant job skills that studios are looking for
Options to help you pursue your passion and start working sooner
Learn game art essentials starting with 3D modeling and animation exercises using Maya, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine. Practice setting up a professional workflow–a vital skill you’ll use throughout your career. Create game animations using the 12 Principles of Animation, then move on to building game assets. Finish with portfolio pieces ranging from animation walk cycles and combat actions to 3D models of stylized props or weapons.
Animation Foundations (Stream A)
3D Modeling Foundations (Stream B)
Animation Foundations (Stream A)
3D Modeling Foundations (Stream B)
Test your new skills with more complex projects! Practice animating characters interacting with their surroundings. Next, learn how they deal with physical force so you can start animating combat actions commonly used in video game production. Jump into a human anatomy lesson, using it to create a 3D character with clothing plus accessories. Finally, using a concept design, create a realistic 3D environment with buildings, trees, rocks and props.
Intermediate 3D Modeling (Stream B)
Intermediate Animation (Stream A)
Intermediate 3D Modeling (Stream B)
*Curriculum subject to change based on industry input
In this real-time term, you'll start with the fundamentals of Unreal Engine, learning how to set up animated characters in the engine, along with a wide variety of features, plus rigging and motion capture basics. Developing a good foundation in this area is essential for moving on to the more advanced Real-Time 3D & Virtual Production Course where you'll apply your new skills to creating a film-quality cinematic shot.
*Curriculum subject to change based on industry input
To be the best, it helps to learn from the best. Game art classes are taught by industry mentors who have worked with major game developers.
Alex is a highly experienced senior animator and supervisor whose credits include: The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Monsters Vs. Aliens and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Dept. Head of Foundations
Known for The Adventures of Puss in Boots
Hong is a Principal Lead Character Artist at Blizzard focusing on character and creature art. He also worked as an artist at Google and Amazon, and a 2D/3D artist at Atari.
Read full bioMentor of 3D Modeling
Known for Overwatch 2
With almost 2 decades in the industry, VFX Supervisor Jorge has more than 50 credits to his name including Game of Thrones, Wonder Woman and Tomb Raider.
Read full bioMentor of Foundations
Known for Umbrella Academy
Mentor of Foundations
Known for Bleeding Edge
For the past 7 years, Billy's been a resident artist at Luma Pictures, working on films like Godzilla vs Kong, Spider-Man: Far from Home, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and Deadpool.
Read full bioMentor of Foundations
Known for Godzilla vs Kong
Justin has brought dozens of games to life in his 2-decade career. Credits include Tony Hawk, Mortal Kombat, and other AAA titles like Singularity and Stranglehold.
Read full bioMentor of Foundations
Known for Mortal Kombat Franchise
Nick's held lead positions at major game studios Relic Entertainment and Phoenix Labs. Credits include Dauntless, Dawn of War 3 and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City.
Read full bioMentor of 3D Animation
Known for Dauntless
Mark has held lead positions at Rainmaker, Sony and Weta Digital working on films like Avatar, The Adventures of Tintin, and Night at the Museum.
Read full bioDept. Head of 3D Animation
Known for Avatar
In his 25 year career, Dave's worked as a 3D artist, and concept artist, art and creative director at studios like Framestore, LVTHN, EA and clients like Disney, Marvel, Nickelodeon to name a few.
Read full bioMentor of Foundations
Known for Tony Hawk Ride
The most affordable way to learn from top industry mentors in a fun, collaborative environment, while still getting plenty of personalized feedback.
Progress faster and enjoy more flexiblity with private mentorship. Ideal for busy schedules, career-changers, or artists upgrading skills or changing specialties.
(9 x payments)
Save 10%
(3 x payments)
Save 25%
(1 x payment)
(9 x payments)
Save 10%
(3 x payments)
Save 25%
(1 x payment)
For this game art course, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).
Students can sign up for an educational license for Maya, Substance Painter and Unreal Engine.
Hardware:
You will need a dedicated graphics card and a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Autodesk Maya, Substance Painter and Unreal Engine.
No, our mentors do their best to get you up to speed in a reasonable amount of time; however, some experience does help you get started.
This course is extremely versatile and can lead to a diverse range of career paths. It gives you an excellent understanding of game art and animation fundamentals and depending on your level of commitment, skills, and portfolio pieces, you may be ready to start applying for entry-level artist positions.
However, to increase your hiring potential, consider specializing further with the Real-time 3D Technical Art & Virtual Production Course, Advanced 3D Animation Course, or Advanced 3D Modeling Course.
The advanced courses cover more complex techniques and include an entire term dedicated to career development and portfolio preparation to get you industry-ready. You will have a wider set of skills and a stronger portfolio to show employers.
Some students choose to continue along the game design or game programming study pathway instead.
Depending on whether you chose Stream A (Animation) or Stream B (Modeling), some of the junior game development jobs you could pursue after completing the full study pathway include:
Discover more about these game development jobs, tips, and salary expectations on our careers page:
With a focus on portfolio preparation, we help students build their competitive edge with high quality work that gets noticed. See what they are creating.
I couldn't be happier that I started my 3D art journey here.
I progressed in just 9 months from being a complete beginner to creating work I am actually proud of showing. My mentors showed interest in my progress and I received honesty and kindness in their critique that pushed me to become better. Even after graduating, they are still there if I need help. One of my favorite aspects is the community, full of like-minded people willing to see your work and share feedback. You get access to that community for life!
The career program was invaluable.
I knew changing careers would have included things such as resumes, applications, networking, etc. But the biggest thing I needed to understand was the nuances of the animation industry, etiquette for approaching recruiters, and what type of roles (fixed-term or permanent) there were. These sessions really helped guide me, and explained how to approach my showreel and the subsequent application processes.
CGS ultimately led me to my first opportunity as an animator at Sony Imageworks.
I was able to create a demo reel and build connections with professionals. I have to give a HUGE shout-out to CG Spectrum’s Career Development Manager, Maxine Schnepf. She was the person who guided me through the entire application process. I honestly believe I would not have gotten this opportunity without her help.
I highly recommend signing up with CG Spectrum!
I was looking for a final push to bump my skills and finally start applying for jobs as an artist. Shortly after finishing my Advanced 3D Modeling Course I landed my first job as Junior Environment Artist, which was my dream!
If you're considering a career change for the CG Industry, try CG Spectrum. You won't regret it!
I wanted to give special thanks to Maxine, for all her time and guidance. Maxine will go out of her way to help guide you! She will take the time to listen to your specific drives, needs and weaknesses, then help you set your goals and craft methodologies to fulfill them. I am really thankful to Maxine for all her unconditional help!
I'd like to thank Maxine for how genuinely dedicated she is, and her helpfulness and attentiveness towards students.
Recently, not only did Maxine set up a well organized career info session for the students, she went above and beyond to take very thorough notes on the entire presentation for students to refer back to. All the staff and students in the CG Spectrum community are super friendly, responsive, and supportive. You can always find the help you need.