2D Environment Design Program

Learn the roles of an Environment Designer

There are few roles quite as liberating as that of the environment designer. This is a discipline where artists have the freedom to conjure up their own visions for entire worlds. Drawing on an understanding and appreciation of nature, architecture, illustration, photography, cinema, and more, environment designers weave together the images that breathe life into a story and set the visual tone for all subsequent art development. In the world of film, visual development artists are tasked with mapping out the locations that--regardless of whether they’re ultimately built physically or digitally--will work hand-in-hand with performance and script to draw the audience in, enhance the drama, and incite specific emotional responses as each scene requires. Additionally, video game environment design involves the unique opportunities and challenges afforded by an interactive medium--one where the player’s actions, perspectives, and gameplay journey must all find a home within the artist’s worldview. Our Environment Design Program has been designed to give artists the skills and know-how necessary to tackle this discipline in any medium, featuring classes that cover all key aspects of natural and solid-surface environment design, matte painting and sketching, narrative illustration, and composition. Upon completion, certified students will be well placed to pursue a career as a concept artist, environment designer or visual development artist.