"My experience at VanArts was a huge eye opener into the world of art and 3d graphics. Before attending the Game Art and Design course at VanArts I was working hard to find my way into the videogame industry, but I didn't have the artistic or technical training I needed to get the job. I had always entertained the thought that I could learn everything I needed to know at home through research, studying hard every day and training DVDs from Gnomon or Digital Tutors. This definately helped me get closer to my goals, but not close enough to find work. After 3 or 4 years of studying 3D studio max and Maya I realized that I really wanted to be a professional artist, and nothing would stand in my way of achieving my goal. So I finally decided it was time to go back to school.

The teachers in the Game Art program at VanArts are definately the greatest asset at the school. They are all incredible people and experienced industry professionals. The classes were all well balanced between artistic and technical training, all geared in the direction that eventually leads to your very own demo reel. Without a professional grade demo in your hands, you aren't going to get a job anywhere in the game or film industry, and the Game Art program has most of what you need to get yourself in gear to land your very first job as a professional artist. Since studying at VanArts, I've worked at Electronic Arts twice, Radical Entertainment, and Stargate Studios.  I'm responsible for helping build environments for Crash Bandicoot, EURO 2008, Grand Slam Tennis, and I also designed and modelled the spacecraft 'Antares' for ABC's new TV series 'Defying Gravity'.  It sure beats washing dishes."

Dan Lupton - Environment / Hard Surface Modeller