Hi A friend of mine loves games and drawing. She''s currently graduating from high school and is thinking about what to do in University. Since she''s into games, I suggested that she considered this as a possible "work area". However, since I''m more of a programmer, I have no idea on what degree should I advise her to follow. Is it better to choose something linked to arts or to computers? For example, in my University there are three degrees that she could take: Painting, Computer Engineering or Multimedia and Communications. The first one is directly connected to art, the second one is to programming (it''s where I am) and the third one is into multimedia, internet and web-design (and other similar topics). Which one would be best for her? Or are there any other options? Thanks in advance for any possible replies. Pedro

quote: Original post by pamaro
Is it better to choose something linked to arts or to computers? For example, in my University there are three degrees that she could take: Painting, Computer Engineering or Multimedia and Communications. The first one is directly connected to art, the second one is to programming (it''s where I am) and the third one is into multimedia, internet and web-design (and other similar topics). Which one would be best for her? Or are there any other options?

If she wants to make art for computer games, she''ll want to get major in an art related subject. What art degree she goes for depends on what type of art she wants to do. If she wants to do 3D modelling, she may want to look into computer animation and 3D modelling classes. I''m not too familiar with what''s offered in that field since I''m studying drawing and painting only.

Most game companies seem to focus mostly on 3D art, so there''s a limited amount of 2D art jobs. Concept artist and art director are perhaps the most common. I personally would suggest getting a painting and drawing degree from a college that teaches traditional art instead of something like computer illustration. I''m actually not familiar with what computer illustration degrees entail, so I could be wrong.

She might want to check out the forums at conceptart.org. There''s a place there where people can ask questions about education. The people there are also a lot more knowledgable than me.