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LIVE ONLINE COURSE
LIVE ONLINE COURSE
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BECOME A TECHNICAL ARTIST

Dates: 15 OCT 2024 - 10 DEC 2024
DURATION: 8 WEEKS
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
5 PM PST / 8 PM EST
RUBEN HENARES
EX-BLIZZARD, RIOT & APPLE
LIVE ONLINE COURSE
LIVE ONLINE COURSE
LIVE ONLINE COURSE
LIVE ONLINE COURSE
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LIVE ONLINE COURSE
LIVE ONLINE COURSE
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LIVE ONLINE COURSE
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LIVE ONLINE COURSE
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LIVE ONLINE COURSE
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LIVE ONLINE COURSE
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LIVE ONLINE COURSE
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LIVE ONLINE COURSE
ON TECHNICAL ART
DATES:
15 OCT 2024 - 10 DEC 2024
DURATION:
8 WEEKS
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
5 PM PST / 8 PM EST

Master 3D game engines. Build a portfolio-ready project. Break into the gaming world.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, gain a solid foundation in technical art with practical insights from Ruben Henares, who boasts 20+ years in computer graphics.

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU, IF...

  • YOU WANT  TO BREAK INTO THE GAME INDUSTRY

     

    Learn the essential skills to bridge the gap between art and programming, a highly sought-after role that's constantly evolving. No prior experience is needed, just a basic familiarity with 3D game engines.

  • YOU WANT  TO EXPAND YOUR SKILLS AS A MID-LEVEL TECH ARTIST

     

    Want to enhance your game or team? Grow your talent in scripting, prototyping, shaders, or VFX with practical experience to advance your career. Elevate problem-solving, attention to detail, and expand your creative mindset.

  • YOU WORK ON GAMES AND WANT  TO TRANSITION TO A TECH ART ROLE

     

    If you have some technical art skills but seek a deeper understanding of the game development pipeline, this course will guide you through demos, examples, and visual breakdowns.

YOUR ASCENT STARTS HERE

Combine creativity & tech expertise to earn over $100K a year.

Learn to automate tedious tasks using Python or Blueprints, master shaders to craft stunning visual effects, and optimize game performance for engaging player experiences.

Learn directly from the industry expert behind Diablo IV & Far Cry 4.

Our LIVE online course, led by a top instructor, not only equips you with essential hard & soft skills but also offers personal guidance, Q&A sessions, and opportunities for networking & recommendations.

 
ABOUT  THE COURSE / WHAT YOU'LL DO
01
PRACTICAL LEARNING

You'll tackle seven diverse assignments, from writing scripts and tools to building interactive assets using Blueprints. Understand the difference between vertex & pixel shaders to create impressive effects.

02
DEMOS & WORKSHOPS

Through 13 hands-on demos, 3 in-depth case studies, and interactive workshops, you'll learn to write procedural tools, design object-oriented applications, and solve complex problems using computational thinking.

03
PORTFOLIO BOOST

You'll create a unique interactive puzzle game, focusing on your chosen technical art area, and compile a portfolio piece that showcases your work and decision-making process. Plus, you’ll gain valuable feedback from an industry expert.

INSTRUCTOR
RUBEN HENARES LinkedIn Profile
  • Technical Art Director, ex-Blizzard, Riot, Ubisoft, Apple
  • Leverages over 20 years of expertise in computer graphics and real-time engines.
  • Worked on cutting edge technology such as the Apple Vision Pro & released open source software and hardware projects.
  • Built and led technical art teams working on world class IPs, developing long-term solutions in a co-development environment.
  • Contributed to 5+ AAA titles shipped on multiple platforms, including major titles like Diablo IV, Tom Clancy’s: The Division, Far Cry 4, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, Monkey Island: Special Edition.
syllabus
01
TUE (10/15), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Introduction to Technical Art

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
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02
THU (10/17), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Problem Solving

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.

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03
TUE (10/22), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Python I: Intro to Python

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.

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04
THU (10/24), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Python II: Structure and Flow

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.

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05
TUE (10/29), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Python III: Modules and Packages

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.

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06
FRI (11/1), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Python IV: Programming Paradigms

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.

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07
TUE (11/5), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Version Control

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
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08
THU (11/7), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Blueprints: Intro to Blueprint Scripting

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.

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09
TUE (11/12), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Rendering

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
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10
THU (11/14), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Shaders I: Vertex Shaders

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.

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11
TUE (11/19), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Shaders II: Pixel Shaders + Guest Speaker

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.

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12
THU (11/21), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Prototyping

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.

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13
TUE (11/26), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
VFX: Intro to Particle FX + Guest Speaker

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

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14
TUE (12/3), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Procedural Systems: Intro to Procedural Systems

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.

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15
THU (12/5), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
UE5  Tools

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
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16
TUE (12/10), 5 PM PST/8 PM EST
Career Guidance

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
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INSTRUCTOR WORKS
Diablo IV
Tom Clancy's: The Division
Far Cry 4

What our students say

Caris Baker
"Aaron’s presentation was methodical, concise, and interesting, and he always took time to answer questions. I want to thank him for his encouragement and for opening my eyes to the depth a Technical Artist can have. I’ll always remember his lessons."
Allison Botkin
"Aaron helped me discover the perfect balance between structured learning and artistic freedom. This course equipped me with technical skills I have already implemented professionally, and it bolstered my confidence creatively. I highly recommend Aaron Aikman’s course."
Carlos Andres
BECOME AN ART DIRECTOR
"The group activities, they allow us to interact and exchange ideas, plus the way it is structured is challenging and mind twisting as we collaborate in different parts of the ideation."
Hayley Smith
BRANDING 101
"Overall I'm impressed with the level of detail and explanation around particular topics and subjects. There's a real depth to each module which for learning allows the information to stay in your brain."
Rebecca Kouwe
HUMAN RESOURCES ANALYTICS
"I really enjoy the format of the course. Lectures with real life examples and an ongoing case study. Also built in 20 minutes at the end of each class for questions is helpful."
Courtney Fulton
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
"I enjoyed the structure of the class. I like how we learned about a topic and practiced it in the workshops. It’s helped me to apply what I learned!"
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