How to Find Your Passion No Matter How Niche
Believe it or not, your artistic origin story is similar to any steamy romance novel or cheesy rom-com film. Think about it, the story of your creative journey is full of passion, hardships, drive, and hopefully some comedic relief.
Unfortunately, we sometimes get so wrapped up in our professional and personal endeavors that we forget to look back and see how far we’ve come. But it’s absolutely worth it. So we talked to some of our incredible instructors and students, who shared how they fell in love with art, including:
1. Super Odd Odd-Jobs
Experiential Designer Luc Steadman had never heard of his current industry while growing up or studying illustration. When he moved from Idaho to California for college, he started taking different work opportunities in carpentry, illustration, and any other gig that would make use of his skills. He ended up working with an interior designer to create unique visuals for home improvement projects. This included a home theater completely decked out in Star Wars design. Check out Luc’s interview to see photos of the theater-turned Millennium Falcon.
Check out Luc Steadman’s CGMA course Themed Environment Design.
2. Rooftop Escape
Artist Patrick Jones first fell in love with drawing as a kid in Belfast, Ireland when the city was basically a war zone. He found his peace and quiet on rooftops throughout the city, reading comics and drawing as much as possible. From those summers on, Patrick never considered creating art as a job or practice. To him, it was always a joy. Watch Patrick explain how a love for art is a lot like being in a relationship.
Explore Patrick Jones’s CGMA course Figure Drawing: Anatomy of Style.
3. Action Figure Practice
Concept Artist, Sculptor, and Instructor Christian Nacorda has had an art tool in his hand as far back as he could remember. But he does remember his first models: action figures. Even though Christian didn’t have other artists in the family, his dad’s passion for comics rubbed off on him. The two would sit down with the Super Friends Action Figures and trace their outlines onto paper. Watch Christian describe the other ways family and comics launched his lifetime love for art.
Enroll in Christian Nacorda’s CGMA courses Analytical Figure Drawing and Head Drawing and Construction.
4. Cakes and Murals
Senior Environment Artist Ben Keeling grew up playing games, but he found his artistic spark long before. Though neither of his parents had jobs in the creative industry, his dad was an artist-at-heart. Ben grew up watching his dad design amazing cake decorations and paint murals on Ben’s bedroom walls. No matter what the tools or medium, Ben’s dad knew how to find a creative flair. Watch Ben explain how he took this passion for art and found his way to game design.
Learn more about Ben Keeling’s CGMA courses Fundamentals of Substance for Environment Art and Advanced Substance for Environment Art.
5. Adam Sandler Movies
As a kid, 3D Environment Artist Hugh Trombley enjoyed building things, drawing, computers, and video games. But (like any normal child) he had no idea that these interests could all combine into his future career. That is until he watched two very different things. First, he saw a How it’s Made episode about creating the Prince of Persia video game series. Then he saw the Adam Sandler movie “Grandma’s Boy” which is pretty much Adam Sandler’s take on the video game industry. After seeing that film, Hugh felt like he could belong to a culture made up of nerds working together to create something awesome. Watch Hugh explain his next steps post-Sandler.
Check out Hugh Trombley’s CGMA course Shading and Material Creation in Unreal Engine.
6. Pen Pals
Character Artist Nate Wragg first found his love for drawing during a winter break in primary school. One of his friends sent him a letter that contained an illustration of one of his Christmas presents. Nate, excited, sent back his own drawing. Back and forth, the two traded letters with doodles that improved with each correspondence. Watch Nate discuss what drawing meant to him then and now.
Don’t miss out on Nate Wragg’s CGMA courses Art Direction for Character Designers, Character Design For Production, and Character Design For Animation.
As artists, you're always looking forward, ready to grow and explore. But every so often, it doesn't hurt to reflect on your own artistic origin story and remember why you fell in love in the first place.
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CGMA provides comprehensive instruction for Art, Games, and VFX industries in a variety of courses for a range of students, from 2D and 3D artists looking to supplement their college studies to industry professionals looking to stay up to date on emerging trends and techniques in the field.
RELATED LINKS
Check out Luc Steadman’s CGMA course Themed Environment Design.
Explore Patrick Jones’s CGMA course Figure Drawing: Anatomy of Style.
Enroll in Christian Nacorda’s CGMA courses Analytical Figure Drawing and Head Drawing and Construction.
Learn more about Ben Keeling’s CGMA courses Fundamentals of Substance for Environment Art and Advanced Substance for Environment Art.
Check out Hugh Trombley’s CGMA course Shading and Material Creation in Unreal Engine.
Don’t miss out on Nate Wragg’s CGMA courses Art Direction for Character Designers, Character Design For Production, and Character Design For Animation.
