Full Sail
Industry Feedback Helps Shape Game Art Curriculum
How Full Sail’s Game Art Program Advisory Committee supports students looking to launch careers in the game art industry.
Full Sail University’s approach to education is centered on providing real-world experience and accelerated learning to help prepare students for careers in their dream industries. To help ensure that future graduates are entering the workforce with the tools they need to succeed, curriculum is developed with the input of Program Advisory Committees (PACs). Students studying game art require a wide range of industry knowledge on subjects including animation, motion capture, and sculpting, and Full Sail’s Game Art PAC provides valuable feedback to keep course content relevant.
Committee members seated on the Game Art PAC hail from companies across the games industry with positions at AAA developers and independent studios such as Blizzard Entertainment, SuperGenius Studio, and Valve, along with game engine developers and tech companies like Unity Technologies and Sony. The PAC, which meets throughout the academic year, provides feedback to instructors and program directors on the curriculum while sharing their insights on the tools, programs, and workflows that help them succeed in their respective fields.
For Valve Software Artist and Program Advisory Committee member Ricardo Ariza, his role on the PAC provides an opportunity to help influence the next generation of game artists.
"Seeing [students] as they begin and witnessing their trajectory is rewarding, especially considering that early on, they know nothing, and the jump in their trajectory happens really fast. Being a part of that journey and being able to help in any way I can is fulfilling."
With advisory committee members from a range of disciplines within the field – including Full Sail Hall of Fame inductee and Unity Senior Technical Artist Caris Baker, Senior Outsource Artist John Kuraica, and University of Florida Professor Dr. Sarah Giuliani – the committee is able to provide a diverse perspective on student’s learning.
“It goes beyond my own experience and my instructors’ experience,” shares Program Director Chad Kendall. “We've got people that work in outsourcing, we've got people that work in tech art that's beyond games. We've got people who work directly in AAA stuff. Being able to see all of those different pieces I think really helps out because that way we don't get maybe too focused on one type of job that's out there.”
Taking their advisement to the next level, many members of the PAC connect with students through a university-run Discord server.
“We have a lot of regular interactions with our PAC members that are part of our Discord,” says Chad. “There are even a couple that do monthly guest speaking appearances and courses virtually.”
"I'm very active on the Discord group," shares Ricardo. "Tim Bowser [and I] run the bi-weekly Modeling Club. We invite all people on the server, from those who've never installed the program, to alumni, to people who have been in the industry for a while. We host guest speakers, play some music, and sculpt for about an hour or two. It's a lot of fun."
In an industry where connections can lead to new opportunities, networking with PAC members can be a great starting point for new graduates looking for work.
"I've managed to connect several students with various friends in the industry. Some of them have secured internships, which is great. A few of them ended up with really good jobs," says Ricardo.
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