Cherese Schoombee Uys

Certificate Student Profile: Game Art

For South-African born artist Cherese Schoombee Uys, the Sessions College Game Art certificate program was the perfect way to apply her fine arts skills to the world of 3D modeling and animation.

1. What motivated you to pursue a certificate program in Game Art?

I selected the game art field because I love the idea of "art" interacting with people, shaping environments and characters, and ultimately creating alternate realities to escape into. The field is exciting because it is rapidly changing with innovations in hardware and software technologies.

My Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Pretoria in South Africa is the ideal background for game art. The Sessions Game Art certificate program focuses more intensely on the required Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk Maya skills for the game development industry. I felt that it would augment my degree beautifully, and give me a greater springboard into the industry.

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2. Why did you choose an online program at Sessions College?

Although studying at "real life" campus might be a more social and one-on-one interactive experience, Sessions College offers me the benefits of working around my schedule. Online programs also have the advantage of being flexible especially if you move.

3. What's the most fun about studying game art design?

It's exciting to take art from conception into the digital space, and satisfying seeing the final result of your hard work and creative problem solving. Learning about the game art industry is also fascinating as well as playing and analyzing computer games.

4. How do you manage program deadlines alongside work, family, and other commitments?

I keep up with the deadlines by attempting to completing more than one of the easier lessons within a week. This allows me more time for the Maya lessons which are more challenging and labor intensive. Luckily program extensions are offered in case they are required.

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5. What's the biggest difference you've seen in your work so far?

The lessons in Autodesk Maya have greatly improved my modeling skills. This is a factor of the complexity of the lessons and exposure to the package. I've acquired the knowledge of what it takes to interact with game programmers using industry standards.

6. Goals after graduation:

I've started my game art career in the indie game industry and would like to expand my horizons from there. I want to improve and expand my portfolio with my new enhanced skills, and ultimately be part of the making of legendary games.

» Go to the Game Art certificate program.

Game Art student Cherese Schoombee Uys is enjoying the challenge of creating art in 3D.