Video Game Art Directors

High School

A bachelor's degree is a requirement for video game art directors. A variety of high school courses will give you both a taste of college-level offerings and an idea of the skills necessary for video game art directors on the job. These courses include art, drawing, art history, graphic and digital design, illustration, and computer science. Other useful courses that you should take in high school include business, math, technical drawing, and social science.

Postsecondary Training

Video game art directors often have degrees in art, design, game design, or related fields. A growing number of schools offer courses or degrees in game design and other gaming areas.

It is essential for video game art directors to have a thorough understanding of how computer animation and layout programs work. In smaller companies, the art director may be responsible for doing some of this work; in larger companies, staff artists, under the direction of the art director, may use these programs. In either case, the director must be familiar with imaging software and how to use it to best create the intended visual effect.

In addition to course work at the college level, many universities and professional art and design schools offer graduates or students in their final year a variety of workshop projects or internships. These opportunities provide students with the chance to work on real games, develop their personal styles, and add to their work experience.

Other Education or Training

The International Game Developers Association offers webinars for new members on a variety of game-related topics, as well as workshops at industry events. The IEEE Computer Society, Women in Games International, and other associations at the national, state, and local levels also provide continuing education opportunities.