BECOME A TECHNICAL ARTIST

Let the games begin! In this first class, we aim to set a foundation for your journey in the industry by exploring what technical art is, and its different specializations.

• Course overview
• What is Technical Art?
• Specializations within Technical Art
• The game development pipeline

In class 2, you will get hands-on with a workshop on using computational thinking to solve complex problems. Learn to effectively solve problems with decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking.

• Decomposition
• Pattern recognition
• Abstraction
• Algorithmic thinking
• Demo: Designing a procedural building tool

Workshop #1: Use computational thinking to solve a complex problem.

Start using Python efficiently to solve problems. Dive into the essentials of programming by navigating variables, inputs & outputs, and get practical experience in writing a unit conversion script with your first assignment.

• Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
• Demo: Transforming a log file
• Variables
• Input & output
• Coding style
• Demo: Converting bytes to megabytes

Assignment #1: Write a unit conversion script.

Understand how to control the flow of execution using Python. Master core concepts of flow control by learning conditionals, loops, and functions.

• Conditionals
• Loops
• Functions
• Demo: Creating a script to generate asset paths

Assignment #2: Write a tool to generate texture names.

Delve further into the capabilities of Python by learning how to organize your code for reusability and how to use third-party libraries.

• Built-in packages
• Third-party packages
• Custom packages
• Demo: Automating the creation of folder structures

Assignment #3: Create a Python script that will batch rename files.

In class 6, we will introduce objective-oriented programming and its use throughout game programming. Discover how OOP principles can help manage intricate game systems.

• Intro to object-oriented programming
• OOP programming principles
• Functional programming principles
• Demo: Designing a class structure

Workshop #2: Design an object-oriented application.

Understanding how to use version control systems is crucial for effective teamwork on a project. Learn the ins and outs of Git, Git Desktop, Perforce, and P4V to optimize collaborations.

• Intro to version control
• Git and Git desktop
• Perforce and P4V
• Demo: Setting up and using Perforce

In class 8, we will teach you how to add logic and interactivity to assets. Dive into variables and data types, conditionals and loops, components, and more.

• Intro to blueprints
• Variables & data types
• Conditionals and loops
• Components
• Functions, macros, and events
• Demo: Creating a three-light setup

Assignment #4: Create an interactive asset using blueprints.

Examine how game engines render pixels to the screen, from shaders to rendering techniques, and even get a sneak peek into rendering in UE.

• Render pipeline overview
• Transform spaces
• Shaders
• Rendering techniques
• Intro to rendering in UE

Explore how to manipulate vertices using shaders to create dynamic effects. This is just the beginning of creating breathtaking visual experiences.

• Vertex shader basics
• Transformations
• Noise
• Textures and UVs
• Vertex colors
• Demo: Mesh deformation effects
• Case Study: Elden Ring

Assignment #5: Create a mesh deformation effect using a vertex shader.

Get an inside look at the game with a fascinating case study and a special guest speaker. Take shader effects to the next level by modifying pixels.

• Pixel shader basics
• Textures and UVs
• Basic math functions
• Demo: Creating a dissolve effect shader
• Case Study: Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Guest Speaker: Graphics Tech Artist
Assignment #6: Create a dissolve effect using a pixel shader.

Bring together your newly developed skills in blueprints and shaders to create a unique interactive asset, and get a demonstration on creating an interactive puzzle.

• Materials
• User input
• Cameras
• Case Study: Animal Well
• Demo: Creating an interactive puzzle.

Course Project Introduction: Create a unique interactive puzzle game.

Step into the vast and complex world of visual effects. In this class, we will introduce fundamental concepts and techniques for creating visual effects in Unreal Engine 5, with sprites, lights, timing, and payloads.

• Intro to Niagara
• Sprites
• Lights
• Timing
• Payloads

Guest Speaker: VFX Artist

Learn to design systems that can scale to create content efficiently and get a practical demonstration of building a procedural asset and its applications.

• Overview of procedural content creation in UE
• Blueprints, geometry scripting, and PCG
• Static vs real-time generation
• Demo: Building a procedural asset

Workshop #3: Discuss how you would create a given procedural asset.

Discover how to streamline tasks in Unreal Engine 5 by creating specialized tools. Explore editor utility Blueprints, editor utility widgets, and Python scripting to unlock custom workflows and automation.

• Editor utility blueprints
• Editor utility widgets
• Python scripting in UE5
• Demo: Creating custom tools in UE5

In our final class, we will focus on cultivating a stellar portfolio and applying your skills to the interview process. A successful career awaits you!

• Career trajectory and growth opportunities
• Building a strong portfolio
• Interview preparation and techniques
• Continued learning and skill development
• Tips on presenting a product to a customer