Phone: +1 (506) 635-3000
GAME ART & DESIGN
Program Details
Program Name: Modeling, Texturing, and Lighting
Code: CAMMTL
Credential: College Diploma
Method of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Starting Months: September
Domestic Tuition: $10,178.97 **
Location: Saint John Campus View on Map
Program Details
Semester | Domestic |
|---|---|
Fall 2025 | Open |
Fall 2026 | Not Available |
Fall 2027 | Not Available |
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Modeling, Texturing, and Lighting program provides a specialized focus on the artistic and technical aspects of 3D asset creation for industries like film, gaming, animation, and visual effects. This program is designed to develop the skills needed to craft realistic and stylized 3D models, apply detailed textures, and implement advanced lighting techniques that bring scenes to life.
Students will learn to create high-quality 3D assets using industry-standard tools such as Maya, Blender, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. The curriculum emphasizes efficient UV mapping, realistic material creation, and the use of rendering engines like Arnold, V-Ray, or Unreal Engine to achieve stunning visual results.
The program also delves into the principles of lighting design, color theory, and composition, enabling students to create immersive environments and enhance storytelling through visual aesthetics. Hands-on projects and collaborative team experiences mimic real-world production pipelines, allowing students to develop practical expertise and problem-solving abilities.
Graduates of this program will emerge with a professional portfolio showcasing their work in modeling, texturing, and lighting, prepared to take on roles such as 3D modeler, texture artist, lighting artist, or environment artist in a variety of creative industries.
Technology Requirements
You will have access to the latest technology on campus, essential for completing this program.
Educational Pathways
Opportunities to receive transfer credits toward further study to attain a degree are available.
Alumni Impact
We take immense pride in the global impact of our alumni, whose contributions span major sectors such as construction, entertainment, and industry, shaping the future in Canada and beyond.
Term | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|
Semester 1 | 15 | This semester offers a hands-on introduction to 2D digital production, animation, sound design, and game engines. Students will gain essential skills in multimedia creation, interactive storytelling, and digital workflows. Key areas of focus include designing 2D assets, mastering animation principles, exploring sound editing and integration, and working with game engine technology for real-time rendering and interactivity. By the end of the semester, students will have a solid foundation in digital media, preparing them for advanced studies in animation, game design, and interactive content development. |
Semester 2 | 15 | This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of digital sculpting, 3D modeling, texturing, shading, and compositing, equipping them with the skills necessary for careers in animation, game development, and visual effects. Students will master high-resolution digital sculpting in Z- Brush, hard surface modeling for mechanical and architectural objects, and character modeling techniques focusing on anatomy and topology. They will also explore texturing and shading to enhance realism through UV mapping and material creation. Additionally, the course covers the art of compositing, where students will integrate 3D elements into live-action or digital scenes using industry-standard techniques. |
Term | Credits | Description |
|---|---|---|
Semester 3 | 15 | This course expands on foundational 3D skills, focusing on creature modeling, environment design, advanced texturing, rigging, and compositing to equip students for careers in animation, visual effects, and game development. Students will explore creature modeling and sculpting, mastering techniques to create realistic and stylized characters. They will refine their texturing and shading skills, applying complex workflows for detailed surfaces and realistic materials. Character rigging fundamentals will introduce essential techniques for creating dynamic, animation-ready models. Additionally, students will design immersive environments for production, optimizing assets for animation and VFX pipelines. Finally, advanced compositing techniques will enable seamless integration of CG elements into live-action and digital scenes. |
Semester 4 | 15 | The final semester of the Modeling, Texturing & Lighting program is designed to prepare students for professional careers in animation, visual effects (VFX), gaming, and digital media production by bridging the gap between academic training and industry demands. This phase focuses on advanced 3D asset creation, portfolio development, and real-world industry experience, ensuring graduates are job-ready and competitive in the field. Students will develop a high-quality, industry-standard portfolio, showcasing their expertise in 3D modeling, texturing, shading, lighting, and rendering. Their work will highlight detailed character and environment models, realistic material applications, and optimized lighting techniques, meeting industry expectations for studio roles, freelance opportunities, and independent projects. Additionally, students will gain hands-on industry experience through internships or cooperative placements, allowing them to apply their skills to real-world projects, collaborate with professionals, and deepen their understanding of studio workflows, production pipelines, and industry-standard tools. |
Adobe Photoshop
Figma
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Premier
Adobe Express
Tuition
Term | Domestic Tuition |
|---|---|
Per Semester | $10,693.97 * |
Fees / One time
Fee Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | C$ 75.00 |
| Confirmation Deposit (non-refundable) | C$ 1000.00 |
| Late Payment Fee | C$ 25.00 |
Certificate/Diploma (per copy) | C$ 25.00 |
Transcript Fee (up to 5 copies) | C$ 25.00 |
Additional Costs
** The listed amounts are estimated totals for tuition, materials, student services, and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs beginning in Fall 2025. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2026 or later. All fees are subject to change without notice. Please note that these estimates do not include the cost of books, which must be purchased separately by the student.
Financial Assistance
At CAM Institute of Design, we understand that financing your education is a crucial aspect of your academic journey. Here are various available options for financial support.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty.
All tuition & fees are charged and refunded in compliance with the CAM Student Contract
Career Opportunity
Graduates of the Game Art and Design Program are equipped with specialized skills to excel in creative and technical roles within the gaming industry and related fields, such as animation, film, advertising, and virtual production. Career opportunities include:
- Game Artist: Develop assets and visuals tailored for interactive gaming environments, including characters, props, and user interface elements.
- 3D Modeler: Create detailed and optimized 3D models for characters, environments, weapons, and in-game objects.
- Texture Artist: Design realistic or stylized textures and materials that enhance the visual quality of in-game assets and environments.
- Environment Artist: Craft immersive and visually stunning 3D game environments, such as landscapes, cities, and interiors.
- Lighting Artist: Implement lighting setups to create mood, atmosphere, and realism in gaming worlds, ensuring an engaging player experience.
- Character Artist: Design and develop high-quality, expressive characters for games, focusing on anatomy, proportion, and artistic style.
- Material Artist: Create complex materials and shaders tailored for game engines, optimizing them for real-time performance.
- Level Designer: Design and construct engaging, interactive game levels that balance gameplay mechanics, challenge, and visual storytelling.
- Technical Artist: Serve as a bridge between artists and programmers, ensuring game assets are optimized for performance and visual appeal within the constraints of game engines.
- VFX Artist: Create dynamic in-game visual effects, such as explosions, weather systems, and magic spells, to enhance player immersion.
- Motion Graphics Designer: Design animated user interfaces, HUDs (heads-up displays), and motion graphics for in-game cinematics and menus.
- Virtual Production Artist: Work with real-time rendering tools, such as Unreal Engine, to create game cinematics and immersive virtual environments.
- Freelance Game Artist: Offer specialized services in modeling, texturing, lighting, or concept design to gaming studios or indie developers.
- Concept Artist: Develop initial artistic concepts for characters, environments, and props to guide the production process.
These roles provide opportunities to collaborate on cutting-edge projects in the gaming industry, contributing to visually stunning and interactive worlds that captivate players. With the gaming industry’s growth, graduates of this program have ample potential for creative and technical success in this dynamic field.
Criteria for Selection
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- High school graduate or equivalent **
- Completion of relevant courses in art, design, or computer studies is an asset.
- A portfolio showcasing creative work, such as sketches, 3D models, or digital artwork, is encouraged to demonstrate interest and aptitude will be an added benefit.
- Basic knowledge of 3D software or design tools (e.g., Blender, Maya) is a plus but not mandatory.
- A brief statement outlining your interest in the program and career goals. **
- Mature student status (16 years of age or older) **
- Students must go through 3 phases of tests. **
- Studio Test
- Aptitude Test
- Final Interview
- Ability to complete college assignments on time.
- Openness toward learning
- Ability to do team workshops
Please note that CAM is dedicated to supporting applicants in achieving success in their chosen program. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as higher grades than those specified may be necessary for acceptance.
Course exemptions
College credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Game Art & Design Program will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Design High-Quality Game Assets Create detailed, accurate, and optimized 3D models, textures, and environments tailored for interactive and cinematic gaming applications.
- Apply Advanced Texturing Techniques Develop and implement realistic and stylized textures using industry-standard tools such as Substance Painter, Photoshop, and game engine-compatible workflows.
- Master UV Mapping and Material Creation Efficiently unwrap UVs to create seamless textures and avoid distortion, while designing complex materials and shaders to enhance visual fidelity in gaming assets.
- Develop Effective Game Lighting Use advanced lighting techniques to create mood, atmosphere, and visual focus within game environments, ensuring both artistic and technical accuracy.
- Understand Game Engine Workflows Work proficiently within game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity to create and implement assets, lighting, and effects for real-time applications.
- Optimize Assets for Real-Time Performance Balance detail and efficiency in modeling, texturing, and lighting to meet the performance requirements of real-time game engines while maintaining visual quality.
- Apply Principles of Visual Design Utilize color theory, composition, and light behavior to create visually compelling game assets and environments.
- Create Immersive Game Environments Design and build game-ready environments that enhance gameplay and storytelling, incorporating elements such as terrain, architecture, and interactive props.
- Collaborate in Production Pipelines Work seamlessly with game designers, animators, programmers, and other team members in a collaborative production environment.
- Develop Portfolio-Ready Projects Produce high-quality, portfolio-ready game assets and levels that demonstrate expertise in design, modeling, texturing, and lighting.
- Integrate Emerging Technologies Stay current with advancements in gaming technologies such as real-time rendering, procedural asset creation, and PBR workflows.
- Solve Creative and Technical Challenges Apply problem-solving skills to overcome technical and artistic challenges in game art production.
- Simulate Realistic and Stylized Elements Create photorealistic or stylized materials, characters, and environments, depending on the artistic direction of the project.
- Enhance Gameplay with Visual Storytelling Use game art assets, lighting, and environmental design to support narratives, evoke emotions, and engage players.
- Understand Industry Standards Ensure all game assets, textures, and lighting setups meet professional standards and technical requirements for gaming platforms.
- Adapt to Industry Trends Stay updated with evolving tools, techniques, and trends in game art and design, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications.
- Manage Projects Effectively Deliver high-quality game assets and designs within deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and adhering to project scopes.
- Foster Inclusive and Ethical Practices Apply ethical design principles that respect diverse audiences, cultures, and perspectives in game art.
These outcomes equip graduates with the creative and technical skills to succeed in roles such as Game Artist, 3D Modeler, Environment Artist, Texture Artist, Lighting Artist, or Technical Artist, contributing to high-profile projects in the gaming and entertainment industries.
