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 2D and 3D styles, and graduate with original work for your portfolio!
Certificate
9 months
40 hrs weekly
Intermediate
Basic computer skills & min. computer specs
Weekly online classes, feedback and support
Maya, Substance Painter, Unreal Engine
Aug 1, 2022
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
Learn more about the prerequisites for this course and the game development careers you could explore in the future. For general questions about studying at CG Spectrum, visit the main FAQ page or contact us.
For this game art course, you will need basic computer skills and a computer that meets the minimum specifications (see next question).
Software:
Students can sign up for an educational license for Maya and Substance Painter.
Hardware:
You will need a dedicated graphics card and a computer that meets the minimum requirements for Autodesk Maya and Substance Painter.
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:
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.
Simon has been working in the game industry since 2005, and was credited as the only technical cinematic animator for Batman: Arkham City at Rocksteady Studios.
Read full bioDept. Head of Real-Time 3D
Known for Batman: Arkham Knight
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
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
The Willoughbys co-Director brings 17 years of industry experience from Nerdcorps, Bardel, Rainmaker and Lucasfilm where he worked on Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Read full bioMentor of Foundations
Known for The Willoughbys
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
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)
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.
Our commitment to job-outcomes and focus on career development has helped graduates find work at studios all over the world.
I was hired by Ubisoft!
It’s your career success that matters. I applied to some companies with my updated reel and got hired by a studio named Dwarf-Labs where I did some animations for a CG commercial. Then I was hired by Ubisoft where I worked on one of their biggest franchises, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate!
Getting access to industry mentors is huge.
There's a world of information out there, but nothing really compared to talking to someone in the know. When I first committed to specializing in animation, I approached it with tenacity. I sought out information wherever I could find it. CG Spectrum was one of those places. I really liked the 1 on-1 format. It was the first time I had an experienced animator open my scene file. It was what I needed to get over a couple of technical hurdles.
I’d take the course again if I could!
I can’t praise CG Spectrum enough for the quality of teaching and dedication to their students. Mark was by far the best mentor I’ve ever had. He really took the time to help design the course around what it is that I wanted to get out of it. I’ve studied other animation courses in the past, but none even come close to the depth and speed of development as CG Spectrum.
Study options for all skill levels, from short introduction courses to full industry programs.