IT'S TIMETO BE BOLD

Meet Our Alumni

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  Devin Hipp

  Game Art & Design , 2014

  "My education helped to introduce me to the game art creation workflow. It helped to moderate the steep learning curve and daunting work load [of this industry]."

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  Devin Hipp

  Devin Hipp is a project manager and 3D artist at Red Leonard Associates in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company is one of the largest manufacturer's representative agencies in North America. He’s responsible for 3D asset creation, architectural modeling and design, and team task delegation. “I am always trying to introduce my team to new techniques and skills I have learned while performing my duties at work, or while practicing on my own time at home. We are constantly sharing new ideas and workflows with each other to try and become more proficient with our projects,” he says.
  
  After being promoted to a production manager position, Devin was given many responsibilities and tasks that he wasn’t familiar with—creating challenges that he learned to overcome with time and practice. “I felt overwhelmed and wasn't confident in my ability to perform my job adequately. I spent a lot of time asking questions, and even more time studying up on my new responsibilities. I now am much more comfortable and confident.” Devin adds that when opportunities arise, they should be embraced—even if they’re difficult. “There isn't much that can't be overcome with good old fashioned hard work.”
  
  Devin says that the industry is extremely competitive. “There are countless people wanting the same job you do. If you aren't fully committed to learning the craft and becoming better every day, it's going to be insanely tough to find a job.” To keep himself ahead of the curve, he spends hours of his own time each day learning and practicing game creation. “I came to the school hours early almost every day, sat in a lab, and worked on personal projects. I uninstalled every game I had on my computer to reduce distractions, and just kept my nose to the grindstone.”
  
  Devin, who in 2014 earned a Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, credits his strong portfolio, created in school, for helping him to find a position in the game design industry. He recommends that current students actively seek the help of instructors and peers. “A big advantage you gain by going to school is being surrounded by people with similar goals and skill sets. Use your time wisely and absorb as much knowledge as possible.”
  
  See http://ge.artinstitutes.edu/programoffering/41 for program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

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  Dylon Mellott

  Game Art & Design , 2015

  "The art field is entirely self-motivated. You have got to want it more than anything else."

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  Dylon Mellott

  Dylon H. Mellott is a 3D artist at Marxent Labs, a company that creates 3D virtual products platform for retail and manufacturers, in Dayton, Ohio. “Marxent is a really unique place. I work with people my own age on some really cutting edge [projects]. It’s the kind of place where you get to work with your friends—but you’ve got to be humble and a team player. It’s about not putting up any barriers,” he says.
  
  Dylon works to create immersive 3D reality for clients. Because this is a ground-breaking field, it is challenging. “After getting my position at Marxent, I was quickly thrust into a lot of unknowns. I reached out to a [friend] and asked for professional advice. I solved the issue by doing research and getting advice from a more senior artist.”
  
  The demands of his career are high, and he cautions current students to be prepared for long hours and continuing education. “The 3D game art field it not for everyone. You truly have to commit your life to it. You have to put the time in during work hours and then go home and put in more hours. If you only do the bare minimum, you will simply not stand a chance of being employable.”
  
  Dylon, who in 2015 earned a Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, says that his education provided the environment he needed to grow as an individual and an artist. “I was able to engage with faculty and my peers, which was incredibly helpful to me.” He mentions the value of a strong portfolio, created during his years in school. “I put a lot of time and effort [into it]. My last year of school, I went to the Game Developers Conference. It’s one of the highlights of my life. I got to meet some of my art idols and my work paid off when a few of them recognized me from my online portfolio.”
  
  See http://ge.artinstitutes.edu/programoffering/41 for program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

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  Jane Hallinan

  Interior Design , 2012

  "I play an active role in design kick-off meetings with each new client. I then collaborate with my architect co-workers on the solution from schematic design, through design development and construction drawings into final construction. I am involved in the entire process from A to Z."

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  Jane Hallinan

  Jane Hallinan is working as an interior designer at Fukui Architects in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She says that a typical day includes detailing construction drawings, sketching floor plans, participating in-house design meetings, selecting finishes, reviewing handicapped accessibility, field measuring, or drafting floor plans. “Each day, I could potentially be doing work for multiple projects including an outpatient facility lobby renovation, a restaurant, a corporate office building, or a local university.”
  
  In May 2015, Jane was given the honor of being named the International Interior Design Association (IIDA)'s 2015 Member of the Year. “This award was created to recognize and honor an IIDA member who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service through his/her commitment, passion, professionalism and dedication assisting IIDA as it advances the interior design profession and advocates for interior design excellence,” she says. Jane was an IIDA campus center leader as a student and accepted the position of IIDA Pittsburgh city center director within six months of earning her degree. “I have helped to organize meaningful, relevant, and fun interior design industry events in our area for the last three years.” She’s currently the IIDA Pennsylvania/New Jersey/Delaware chapter president.
  
  Jane, who in 2012 earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, says that she benefitted from the faculty’s extensive understanding of the value of participating and engaging in our ever-evolving industry. “They not only encourage, but also lead by example and promote professional events that students may attend. Instructors like Suzanne Sekula hold an impressive combination of current, real-work experience and the ability to educate the next generation of interior designers. [She] is a lead participant in extracurricular design events and networking opportunities.” Jane adds that her instructors inspired her to succeed in an increasingly competitive market with advanced certifications such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Associate. She says that interior design students need to make the most of opportunities—and seek them out on their own. “Become involved in the industry early and consistently throughout you school career and professional career. Join professional associations like IIDA and know that you can help individuals elevate their careers into those of industry leaders.”
  
  See http://ge.artinstitutes.edu/programoffering/49 for program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

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  Ryan Allen

  Visual Effects & Motion Graphics , 2014

  "[My education] did help prepare me [for my career] by teaching me what I need to know."

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  Ryan Allen

  Ryan Allen is a paint and composite artist at Toronto’s Stereo D, a company that works with major motion picture studios, directors, cinematographers, and VFX supervisors to bring their vision of 3D storytelling to life. “In short, I make up information that isn't there when a 2D film is brought in 3D," he says. Ryan’s career is extremely fast paced, with shots coming in one right after another. "Be prepared in this industry for long hours."
  
  He’s proud to have started in the industry at Stereo D and finds creative inspiration by looking at things with “a different eye.” Despite the long hours, he describes his workplace as a somewhat relaxing environment. “Yes, there are long hours, but there are still fun times like Nerf wars, team contests, and decorating your desk along with the office for holidays.”
  
  Ryan, who in 2014 earned a Bachelor of Science in Visual Effects & Motion Graphics from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, says that his education provided the foundation needed for his career. He encourages current students to always be open to new technology. “Each company has their own proprietary software so the learning never stops." Ryan also recommends that people new to the industry be persistent. “To get a job, you have to send out resumes every other day. Also network—find people in the industry and talk to them. Make a new friend [at work] because in-company references go a long way.”
  
  See http://ge.artinstitutes.edu/programoffering/56 for program duration, tuition, fees and other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info. Read More...