What does a Visual Artist do?
A visual artist in the gaming industry plays a pivotal role in bringing video games to life through their creativity and technical skills. These professionals are responsible for crafting the stunning visuals that define the gaming experience, from the characters players control to the immersive worlds they explore.
This page describes and explaines the key roles within visual arts in gaming.
What can you become with a degree in Visual Arts?
With a degree in Visual Arts, you can embark on an exciting career in the gaming industry, working for game development studios, animation companies, or visual effects firms. You may also find opportunities in related fields such as film, television, or digital media.
Depending on your interests and skills, you can choose a role that focuses on creating stunning visual content, optimizing the player experience, or even directing entire creative projects. Below are a few examples of potential career paths.
- Character Artist at Guerrilla
As a Character Artist at Guerrilla, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Horizon Zero Dawn series, you would be responsible for designing and sculpting highly detailed and realistic 3D models of characters. You’d work closely with the Art Director and animation team to ensure that every character fits seamlessly into the game’s rich world, adding depth and personality that enhances the player’s connection to the story.
- Environment Artist at CD Projekt Red
In this role at CD Projekt Red, the creators of The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, you would bring expansive game worlds to life by designing and constructing stunning 3D environments. Whether it’s a dystopian cityscape or a lush, medieval forest, your work would immerse players in richly detailed and believable settings that drive the narrative forward and enhance gameplay.
- Technical Artist at Ubisoft Annecy
As a Technical Artist at Ubisoft Annecy, known for their work on the Assassin’s Creed and Tom Clancy's series, you would play a crucial role in optimizing game assets and implementing cutting-edge visual effects. Your expertise would help bridge the gap between the creative vision and technical constraints, ensuring that the game not only looks spectacular but also runs smoothly on all platforms.
- UI/UX Designer at Housemarque
Working as a UI/UX Designer at Housemarque, the studio behind Returnal and Resogun, you would focus on crafting intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces that enhance the player experience. From creating sleek HUDs to designing engaging menus, your role would be to ensure that players can navigate the game effortlessly while maintaining a strong visual identity that aligns with the studio’s signature style.
View all Visual Arts job profiles
Visual Arts Alumni
From BUas to Guerrilla
Meet Arjo Munnik, an alumnus from BUas. Arjo shares his journey from his time at BUas (then NHTV) to his current role at Guerilla, offering valuable insights and advice for aspiring gaming industry professionals.
Alumni in the spotlight: Sule Nur Karaaslan
Graduating from Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) in 2022, Sule Nur Karaaslan's journey from student to game design professional is impressive. Discover more about her story in this interview.
Choose Visual Arts at BUas
If you choose for Visual Arts, you will be prepared for a role as a 3D modeller, animator, character artist, or environment artist in the film or games industry. You will learn everything about building virtual worlds.
A master’s programme after Visual Arts
After earning your bachelor's degree in CMGT Visual Arts, you have the option of attending a master's programme at BUas or at another university. For further specialisation.
Frequently asked questions about Visual Arts
If your question is not among the ones listed below, ask your question in the chat. Our students will surely be able to answer it.
- What is Visual Arts
Visual Arts in the gaming industry involves creating the visual elements that define a game, from characters and environments to user interfaces. This field blends creativity and technology to craft the immersive worlds, detailed characters, and engaging visuals that make games both visually stunning and enjoyable to play.
- Can I pursue an international career after graduating from CMGT Visual Arts?
Absolutely! A degree in CMGT Visual Arts equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the global gaming industry. With expertise in areas like character design, environment creation, and animation, you'll be well-prepared to work at leading game studios around the world. The gaming industry is highly international, and your qualifications will open doors to exciting opportunities across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond. Whether you aim to join a top studio or freelance globally, your career prospects are truly international.
- What are my job prospects after completing the CMGT Visual Artist programme?
Graduating from the CMGT Visual Artist programme offers strong job prospects in the rapidly growing gaming industry. With a solid foundation in visual arts, you'll be qualified for various roles such as Character Artist, Environment Artist, Animator, or UI/UX Designer at game studios, both in your home country and internationally. The demand for skilled visual artists is high, and your specialized training will make you a competitive candidate in the job market, whether you aim to join established studios or explore opportunities in emerging markets.