3D Animation Program
3D AnimationLinks of InterestCoordinatorFaculty & StaffApply Now
About the Program
This program trains entry-level professional designers to work in a variety of career areas that include: 3D animation, film & special effects, and video game industries. Graduates also have employment opportunities flowing from the increased demand for 3D animation, simulation and visualization in the Aerospace, Life-Bio-Health Science, Defense, Tourism, Education, and Information Technology fields utilizing new methods of communication, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and video games...
What will I learn?Students will learn how to create 3D animations, develop characters to imitate life-like movements, and create environmental pieces and settings for the characters to interact. Students will develop their traditional art skills, including: drawing, painting, sculpting, and graphic design and technical art skills utilizing software such as Zbrush, Photoshop, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, and more. Students will also learn industry pipelines and hardware tools such as VR (Virtual Reality), and Motion Capture. |
What can I do with this course of study?This program prepares students to work for development companies that produce industry or commercial animation, visual effects & film, and video games. The demand for developing creative ways to communicate information, market services/products, and expression art is increasing globally. The response is due to the variety of marketing mediums that advertising firms are using in today's world and an increase demand for multi-media in professional training, higher education and the ever growing entertainment industry. |
What is special about this program?
The students will be using the same software and hardware tools that the industry uses to develop animations, effects & film, and video games. The course material, including processes and outcomes have also been developed to reflect industry standards and expectations to best emulate a studio environment and prepare students for their professional entrance into the great field of 3D animation. Careers Available: The following titles are examples of careers associated with the 3D animation degree:
- Animator
- Game Designer
- Game Developer
- Game Producer
- Game Programmer
- Graphic Artist
- Game Tester
- Special Effects
Current Awards
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Job Outlook
This program trains entry-level professional designers to work in a variety of career areas that include: 3D animation, film & special effects, and video game industries. Graduates also have employment opportunities flowing from the increased demand for 3D animation, simulation and visualization in the Aerospace, Life-Bio-Health Science, Defense, Tourism, Education, and Information Technology fields.
The demand for developing creative ways to communicate information, market services/products, and expression art is increasing. The response is due to the variety of marketing mediums that advertising firms are using in today's world.
Occupational profiles indicate an 13-18% growth for Multimedia Artists, Animators and Computer Programmers* by the year 2022 in the Alamo Region. (*When combining 3D Animation with Game Development). Estimated average hourly wage is **$23.87-39.10 in the Alamo Region. (Source: SOCRATES-Occupational Profiles-Alamo Region) **Note: Variations should be expected.
Careers Available:
The following titles are examples of careers associated with this program but not limited to: (please note titles also include Game Development Careers)
- Animator
- Game Designer
- Game Developer
- Game Producer
- Game Programmer
- Graphic Artist
- Game Tester
- Special Effects
About the Program Coordinator:
William Vanderburg, M.F.A
Career
3D Animation, Program Coordinator & Instructor at Northwest Vista, 2019-Present
Professor of Game Art and Design at the Art Institute of San Antonio, 2013-2019
Senior Principal Artist, 38 Studios Big Huge Games, EA (Electronic Arts), 2011-2013
Senior Environment Artist, Volition, Deep Silver/THQ, 2005-2011
William has over eight years of game industry experience working at two of the largest video game companies in the world (EA and THQ) as a senior artist on the Red Faction series, Saints Row series, Darksiders, and Kingdoms of Amalur developing environments, characters, animations and visual effects.
Teaching Philosophy
Higher education is, at its core, preparation for the professional industry in which the candidates (students) are applying themselves toward. This requires that the classroom must, regardless of topic, try to emulate that relevant professional work environment as best it can. This includes everything from project planning and scheduling (so that tasks can be tracked, completed, and iterated upon in the allocated time period), time off (so that absences will not stifle progress), and work expectations (by giving thorough review and evaluation based upon industry standards).
Education
Masters of Fine Art, Interactive Development and Game Design
Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA, December 2018
Bachelor of Fine Art, Game Art and Design
The Institute of Art, Schaumburg, IL, September 2004
Northwest Vista College
William was selected as program coordinator of the animation program in the game department on 1/18/2019. As a recent hire with extensive game industry experience as well as teaching experience, his goals are to enhance the animation program to meet the needs of both the students, the industry, and the institution.
Useful Links
Contact Us |
Billy Vanderburg Location: Phone: |
Emily Coppin Location: Phone: |
Adrienne Partida Phone: |
Vacant Academic Chair |