Contact JoAnn Patel, Program Director
Email: jpatel@champlain.edu
Phone: 802.383.6683
Contact JoAnn Patel, Program Director
Email: jpatel@champlain.edu
Phone: 802.383.6683
Riley Morrissey on Industry Professors, the Senior Show, and the Importance of Hard Work and Dedication
Division
Communication & Creative Media
Major
Game Art
Hometown
Jericho, VT
Pronouns
She/Her
Studied Abroad
Montreal, Quebec
”It's been great having professors who are either currently in the industry, or formerly in the industry, to help me out.
What have you learned at Champlain that will help you in the game industry?
I definitely think one of the most important things I've learned is hard work. It's one thing to be good at what you do, but you also have to work hard in order to get to the place where you need to be. It's been great having professors who are either currently in the industry, or formerly in the industry to help me out with that because they know—more than anyone—what you need to be doing to best position yourself for getting a job after college. And I would also say that my time in Montreal has taught me a lot. Studying abroad was a great experience for a multitude of reasons, but the number one was we had people currently in the industry who would come teach us classes at night.
Can you tell us about the Senior Show?
The Senior Show is something that we work towards our entire time we're at Champlain, and that's where everyone gets together and shows off the games that we've been making for the whole year. We show our work off to not only our peers and faculty, but to recruiters and people in the industry as well, in hopes of getting interviews afterwards. The game that I'm working on specifically is a VR I-spy game where you're trying to find different objects around a room and take pictures of them. And that's been really fun for me so far. I've really been enjoying it.
What’s your advice for high school students thinking about going to the Game Academy program?
I would highly recommend it. I think it's important to know what you don't want to do as much as what you do want to do, so being able to try that stuff out beforehand rather than just going in head first, not necessarily knowing what you're doing, I think is super important. Quite a few of the people that I went to that camp with are also still going here, and we're still friends, so it's a great way to connect with other students or potential students. It's a great way to connect with the professors. It's a great way to see what a class at Champlain looks like. It's a great little snapshot of Champlain College.
Grace Magnant on Game Art, Organizing a Drag Show, and Post-Graduation Plans
Division
Communication & Creative Media
Major
Game Art & Animation
Specialization
Environment Artist
Hometown
Topsfield, MA
Pronouns
She/Her
Studied Abroad
Montreal, Quebec
Favorite Class
Bodies: Dance
Post-Grad Job
Junior Environment Artist at Raven
”I wanted a major that was challenging, something that pushed me to be better, and in some ways, something that would prove to myself that I could accomplish any task in front of me.
What made you choose your major?
I was at Champlain's open house, and I remember going to the Game Art and Animation presentation. They were very honest about what was to come if I wanted to be a game artist. The professor explained that Game Art was one of the toughest majors on campus, and that there would be very little free time if you chose to go down this path. My dad told me later he was listening to this thinking "oh gosh, that's a tough sell. Grace probably doesn't want this." But when he looked at me, I was inspired. I wanted a major that was challenging, something that pushed me to be better, and in some ways, something that would prove to myself that I could accomplish any task in front of me. I found that environment art combined the two things I love the most: mathematical problem-solving and art.
What was your favorite Core class experience?
I was able to create a drag show in my second year for a core class that questioned gender expression and how much confidence and self-worth ties into how one presents themself. I brought a bunch of friends together and had them take a series of surveys before, right after, and a few weeks after the drag show that asked about their mental state and self-worth during those times. It was incredible to see just how much self-worth and confidence can be tied to the way people present themselves and how opening the door to things like drag shows improved many people's self-confidence and self-worth. As an experiment, it also brought to life how dressing certain ways can put you into a box you may not be comfortable with and how, even if you find you like the way you present yourself currently, gender expression and fashion experimentation allow you to find a place where you feel the most confident with yourself.
What are your plans after graduation?
I have recently accepted a Junior Environment Artist position at a company called Raven, and will be moving out there this summer. I am excited to further my career from this point forward, and I am very grateful for the opportunities and growth I have gained at Champlain College.
Max Laudenslager on the Upside-Down Curriculum, Core Experiences, and Advice for Game Art Majors
Division
Communication & Creative Media
Major
Game Art
Hometown
Williston, VT
Pronouns
He/Him
Favorite Class
Advanced Seminar
”The most passionate and dedicated individuals who pursue this field will graduate from Champlain with all of the right tools, skills, and resources that the industry is looking for.
Can you tell us about your experience in your major?
Reflecting back on my time at Champlain, these past four years have been absolutely insane. Regarding my major in Game Art, from day one, students are taught the fundamentals and principles of art and design and the history of game development. Champlain College's Upside-Down Curriculum offers students the wonderful opportunity to explore their field of study from the very beginning. Students are pushed to go above and beyond, and to unlock their highest potential. The teachers and faculty from the different game majors work hard to provide students with the right resources and skills to prepare them for the industry, and after reflecting back on where I was four years ago in comparison to where I am now, I can certifiably say that the most passionate and dedicated individuals who pursue this field will graduate from Champlain with all of the right tools, skills, and resources that the industry is looking for.
How has Core changed your perspective?
It opened up my mind to a greater understanding of the unfathomable life experiences of others, which can be dramatically different from my own life experience. Karma is a collective experience, not just an individual one. Everyone is influenced by the way each of us shows up in the world. I grew to enjoy it, and I've learned an incredible amount about the world and current issues we're working through, on both a personal and global scale.
What advice do you have for students looking to get into Game Art?
First, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your teachers, your peers, and the Career Collaborative are all here to help guide you and support you on your journey to developing your skills, passions, and aspirations. Second, know your limits, and break those boundaries even when all seems hopeless. If you don't push yourself, you don't go anywhere. Fail when you can, and learn from those mistakes (just don't do it your senior year!). And third, there may come a time when you will ask yourself: "Do I have what it takes to make it?" The answer is yes. You CAN do this! Be bold, be daring. Love what you do, and learn how you can contribute and help others. In turn, they will help you to succeed.
Anders Lindberg on the Upside-Down Curriculum, Esports, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Division
Communication & Creative Media
Major
Game Art
Specialization
Animation
Hometown
Bedford, NH
Pronouns
He/Him
Favorite Class
Animation I
”What surprised me was how much potential I had within me, and how these classes could drag that potential out and allow me to do things I didn't think were possible.
How has the Upside-Down Curriculum enhanced your education?
The Upside-Down Curriculum has been so beneficial to me as a learner that I cannot imagine being in a program that doesn't utilize it. The amount of genuine experience I have received in my field has put me in a position that allows me to develop critical skills every semester starting right away.
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
My first semester at Champlain, I was given the opportunity to join one of the Champlain College Esports teams, and beyond that I have had a blast participating in student-run events such as Game Jams and movie showings. I enjoy these activities because they are run by students, for students. Therefore, everyone has the opportunity to influence these activities and make them exactly how they want them to be.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve found out about your experience at Champlain so far?
What surprised me about Champlain was myself. Oftentimes the first years come down with 'imposter syndrome,' and I can say that it hit me hard. I was afraid that I couldn't live up to the expectations. What surprised me was how much potential I had within me, and how these classes could drag that potential out and allow me to do things I didn't think were possible.
Michelle Lee on Creating a Portfolio, Advanced Seminar in Environments, and Studying Abroad
Division
Communication & Creative Media
Major
Communication & Creative Media
Specialization
Environment Art
Hometown
South Burlington, VT
Pronouns
She/Her
Studied Abroad
Montreal, Quebec
Favorite Class
Advanced Seminar in Environments
”The class size was so small. We each got a lot of attention and the professor was able to push us to our limits.
How has your Champlain experience prepared you for your future career, both in and out of the classroom?
Through the curriculum at Champlain, I've been able to create a portfolio that has landed me multiple job offers. The Game Studio hosts many company visits and mixers, through which I've been able to make connections and a mentorship with an industry professional. The mentorship helped me not only get a job offer, but also allowed me to learn from a professional who was currently in the field and apply the skills I've learned.
What is your favorite class you’ve taken at Champlain? What made it special?
My favorite class was Advanced Seminar in Environments, which I took during my semester abroad in Montreal. The professor was a tough industry veteran who worked at Ubisoft. It was the hardest class I've ever taken, but also the most rewarding. There were only 4 students in the class. The class size was so small! We each got a lot of attention and the professor was able to push us to our limits.
How was your study abroad experience valuable as part of your overall education?
I studied abroad in Montreal during the fall semester of my junior year. The courses were excellent because they were all taught by industry professionals who were still working in their field and teaching us during the night. The school also took us on many company visits, tours, and cultural events throughout the semester.
I was able to take an advanced French course, and it was great to finally be able to put what I learned to use when speaking to locals.
Adam Streeter on Choosing Champlain, Gaining Hands-On Experience, and Clubs
Division
Communication & Creative Media
Major
Game Art
Hometown
Milford, CT
Pronouns
He/Him
Internship
Lost Cosmonauts
Favorite Class
Arab Spring
Post-Grad Job
Valve Software
”I was especially interested in going to Champlain after hearing about the production sequence and actually getting to make real games.
What made you choose Champlain?
I knew I wanted a smaller school, and I also knew I wanted something game-related. Reading up on Champlain's robust game majors was very exciting! I was especially interested in going to Champlain after hearing about the production sequence and actually getting to make real games. What sealed the deal was the location. Having grown up in Connecticut, I knew I wanted to stay in New England. Sure it's cold, but in the fall it's less cold! And look at those trees!
Have you worked on-campus either in a work-study or part-time position?
I worked for five semesters at the Emergent Media Center, which gave me a lot of important experience working with actual clients on real projects, and taught me more about the production cycle hands-on! I've also been a Resident Assistant on campus for two years, which really helped me come out of my shell socially, built up my confidence as a leader, and introduced me to a lot of responsibility!
What extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I participate in the Champlayers drama club. It's a small group of people who I consider good friends, and they're incredibly supportive and talented. I love being able to get on stage and make people laugh and have a good time. I also attend Climb Champlain, which is a great way to get physical and hang around with a bunch of really passionate climbing folks.
Megan McAvoy on Internships, Campus Life, and Game Studio Professors
Division
Communication & Creative Media
Major
Game Art
Hometown
Sidney, ME
Pronouns
she/her
Internship
Game Art Intern at GameTheory Co. in Burlington, VT
Post-Grad Job
Art Director at Rad Magpie in Burlington, VT
”I went on seven tours of Champlain—I really cared about going to this school. I thought the campus was beautiful and everyone was super approachable and nice.
Have you had any internships?
I had the privilege of interning at GameTheory where I was a Game Art intern. When I started, I was just getting out of my first year at Champlain so I was really intimidated. I mostly worked in Photoshop making 2-D assets for mobile games. I was actually the only art intern, so I had a lot of control over what the games ended up looking like. It was a really big responsibility.
Can you tell us about the professors in the Game Studio?
Our professors are all really approachable. They're open about their office hours—if you go meet with them, they're 100% there, willing and ready to help you. That's why they're there. I once had a meeting with a professor and he was in tears because he cared so much about helping students learn and grow, cultivating the next generation of game developers. That really touched me.
What do you think of the Victorian-era residence halls?
I absolutely think that living on campus is integral to connecting with your fellow students. The people that I've met in my residence halls have really helped me connect with the Champlain community.
You live with these people, you're interacting with them all the time, you're learning about their life and then all of a sudden, you're meeting their friends on campus. You're expanding your social network just by living with new people.
Jen Carlin on Game Art Professors, Developing Professional Skills, and Working on Spider-Man PS4 During Her Internship
Division
Communication & Creative Media
Major
Game Art
Hometown
Huntersville, NC
Pronouns
she/her
Internship
Lighting Intern at Insomniac Games in Burbank, CA
Studied Abroad
Montreal, Canada
Post-Grad Job
Lighting Artist at Insomniac Games in Burbank, CA
”Champlain's Game Art program made sure I was ready to handle the workload of a major studio, even after only three years of education.
What is the best thing about the professors at Champlain?
The Game Art professors at Champlain are knowledgeable and invested in your future. They really go out of their way to help you whenever possible, but also make sure you develop the skills to help yourself. It's easy to build a one-on-one relationship with your professors since class sizes are so small. I still see former professors around from classes I had two or three years ago, and they always take a moment to catch up with me.
How has Champlain prepared you for the professional world?
Throughout my years at Champlain, I've really had a chance to practice networking at events like the Womxn in Gaming dinners, where students and alumni get a chance to mingle. You get a chance to develop soft skills as well as technical skills at Champlain.
Can you tell us about your internship?
I worked as a Lighting Intern at Insomniac Games in Burbank, California. I helped the lighting team on Spider-Man PS4 with elements of the game like open-world reflections, lighting cinematic cutscenes, and lighting the game's loading screens. Champlain's Game Art program made sure I was ready to handle the workload of a major studio, even after only three years of education. My internship led to me being hired as a full-time Lighting Artist with Insomniac after graduation.
Jocelyn Bedell on the Field of Game Art, Working on Rock Band Four, and Getting a Full-Time Job Offer From Her Internship
Division
Communication & Creative Media
Major
Game Art
Specialization
Concept Art
Hometown
Bristol, VT
Pronouns
she/her
Internship
Intern at Harmonix Music Inc. in Boston, MA
Studied Abroad
Montreal, Canada
Post-Grad Job
Junior 3-D Artist at Harmonix Music Inc. in Boston, MA
”Champlain is always tweaking its programs to keep up with industry trends in game art, which gives students an edge when they enter into the field.
What is the best thing about the Game Art major at Champlain?
Game art is always developing. There are new programs, new pipelines, and new methods. Champlain is always tweaking its programs to keep up with industry trends in game art, which gives students an edge when they enter into the field.
Have you had any internships?
I had a summer internship with Harmonix Music Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. I created assets for character customization in Rock Band Four and seasons rewards for character customization. Now, I will be working full-time for Harmonix after graduation!
How did Champlain prepare you for the professional world?
Without Champlain and the support of my professors, I would have never applied for my summer job at Harmonix. I would have never worked on Rock Band Four, and I certainly would have never been hired by them now.
Colton Orr on the Game Art Program, Champlain Professors, and Interning at an Indie Game Company
Division
Communication & Creative Media
Major
Game Art
Hometown
Lebanon, NH
Pronouns
he/him
Internship
3-D Character Artist at Tuque Games in Montreal, Canada
Studied Abroad
Montreal, Canada
Pots-Grad Job
Character Artist at Insomniac Games in Burbank, CA
”Our program is all about creating games with a purpose beyond just entertainment. We consider depth, and what makes a game matter.
What made you choose Champlain College?
I liked Champlain for a multitude of reasons, including the Upside-Down Curriculum, but I ultimately chose Champlain because of the Game Art & Animation* major. Our program is all about creating games with a purpose beyond just entertainment. We consider depth, and what makes a game matter. That's something other schools don't have, and we do it well.
*Program name changed to Game Art in 2019.
What is the best part about the professors at Champlain?
No matter what classes you take, your professors care about your success. There have been so many times when our professors stayed hours after class just to work with one student on something, not necessarily because that student was struggling, but because the teacher was inspired to help them. Champlain professors go above and beyond for their students.
Can you tell us about your internship in Montreal?
My internship was at Tuque Games, a small indie company. During the summer, I was working as a character artist creating monsters for a game I grew up playing. One of the most rewarding memories I have is the first time I got to play against one of the monsters that I made. I learned how to work on a team, practice new art techniques, and manage my time in a professional setting. The experience was amazing.