Foundations in Game Art and Design

Foundations in Game Art and Design

Preliminary program

  • Duration Oct 2026 – Feb 2027
  • Level Beginner
  • Language English
  • Format Online
  • Tuition fee € 1 500 (or in installments)

The Program

Foundations in Game Art and Design is a 5-month online program, designed for anyone who has an interest in games and wants to take the first steps in creating them. 

Its goal is to introduce you to the video game creation process – building exciting worlds (worldbuilding) and designing levels (level design). You will learn how to create the story and plot behind a game and get a glimpse into working with Unreal Engine. The training is practical, so every step is applied in a real project. 

The program includes first steps in basic digital drawing and 3D modeling – with Adobe Photoshop and Blender.

For Whom

Foundations in Game Art and Design is designed for gamers and for people who have a passion for video games and are looking for their place in the game creation process.

The program is for you if you:

  • love playing games and want to learn how to create them;
  • have creative interests, but you don’t yet know in what direction to develop them;
  • are curious to learn more about the Game Industry;
  • are looking for a way to turn your hobby into a profession;
  • need additional technical and creative training to begin specialized education.

Skills

  • Creative Skills

    Creating engaging stories and multi-layered characters for games.

  • Technical skills

    Working with Photoshop and Blender, knowledge of Unreal Engine capabilities.

  • Game design

    Understanding the basic principles of game design.

  • Project-Based Work

    Gain experience by developing your first independent creative projects.

Education

The classes combine theoretical preparation with practical application through projects and assignments. Instructors provide guidance, recommendations, and personalized advice to help participants grow their skills. They support students in building a portfolio and becoming confident in working with software and producing authentic artwork.

Schedule: 90 hours in total, over 5 months, with sessions twice a week (once on a weekday and once during the weekend). Note: depending on the season or holidays, some weeks may include three sessions.

Format: A mix of live online lectures, hands-on assignments, personal feedback, and access to lesson recordings.

Support: Personalized feedback from mentors. Additionally, participants have access to a dedicated Discord group where they can ask questions, share progress, and discuss ideas with peers.

Self-study: 2–4 hours per week to ensure steady progress. The 2 hours represent the minimum recommended time; participants are encouraged to dedicate additional time as needed based on individual pace and project requirements.

Curriculum

In this program, you’ll explore the key steps of game development and gain a clearer understanding of the roles and opportunities within the industry. Along the way, you’ll pick up essential skills in digital drawing and 3D modeling, helping you see game creation from different perspectives. This foundation will help you start developing your own creative projects and building a portfolio that showcases your unique strengths.

Module 1: Fundamentals of Game Art & Design

Get to know the game industry and how games are made. You will build a strong creative foundation by learning the basics of digital drawing, 3D modeling and character design using industry-standard tools.

  • The game industry and how it works
  • Introduction to Digital drawing
  • Introduction to 3D modeling
  • Character design

Module 2: Design, Development & Execution

Dive into the technical side of game development. You will explore game design principles, worldbuilding, level design, and user experience—all while learning how to work with Unreal Engine. You will finish the program by applying your new skills in a practical project for your portfolio.

  • Worldbuilding
  • Game design
  • Level design and UX/UI
  • How games are marketed and sold
  • Portfolio project

Continue your education at ARC Academy

In addition to helping you prepare yourself and your personal portfolio, the Foundations in Game Art and Design program gives you the opportunity to apply for the Game Design and Game Art (distance program) programs at ARC.

Game Design

Learn More

3D Art

Learn More

Upon completion of the Foundations in Game Art and Design program, mentors share their overall impressions of participants’ progress and project level. Based on this evaluation, graduates may receive a recommendation for direct access to ARC Academy’s specialized programs, without the need to complete an additional formal admission assignment.

Although the admission task is not mandatory for Preliminary graduates, it is offered as an optional exercise. Many students choose to complete it to practice their skills, assess their progress, and gain additional confidence before entering a specialized track.

Mentors

The program is led by professionals who enthusiastically share their knowledge and experience with you. The training is interactive and focused on practical work and mentors who monitor your development and provide personal feedback.

Gabriela Doychinova 2D Artist

Kameliya Dimitrova 3D Artist

Niko Mösonef Technical Artist, Game Designer

Zlatko Kostadinov Game Designer

Martin Chernogorski Game Designer

Konstantin Grozev 3D Artist

Got a question?

Book a free consultation

If you would like to find out more about preliminary, campus or distance learning programs, whether they are right for you and how they can help, contact us.

Contacts