Introduction
My name is Justin Fitzpatrick, I am 28 years old and I have worked at Coforge for the last 6 years as a Pega Developer. Outside of Vertex School, I have gone to school for an associate degree in software development.
Prior to the Vertex School Game Development Program, all of my 3D experience was from personal projects in Blender and Unreal Engine, some Unity.
Interest in Game Development
I have a tendency to make projects 75% of the way and not complete them. I was looking to build my skills and learn how to get over the walls that I encounter as well to make a good step into the game development industry.
Joining the Game Development Program
I found Vertex School online through a Google search. My goal in life is to develop a game that I can be proud of. From the program, I plan on getting more skills towards developing AAA quality games, in all aspects of the workforce.
Best Part of the Program So Far
For me personally, the most helpful part of the game development program has been the mentors’ knowledge of tools and access to mentor information. For example, using Adobe Substance Painter, Mixamo and ZBrush.
Best Advice You’ve Been Given From Your Mentors
This is a hard one to narrow down because it’s the little pieces that you can ask for. However, when it comes to sculpting, learning about the build-up method as if it were clay completely changed the quality of the models I am able to produce.
Who Do You Recommend the Program To?
I would recommend this program to anybody who wants to get into 3d/level design or game development. The program could even be helpful to a manager just so they can understand the development process.
The Vertex School Experience
Overall my mentors have been extremely helpful and fast in responding to my various questions and concerns. Developing is and always will be a team process but they share their knowledge and level themselves to each individual’s level of knowledge.
I had 6 years of experience developing in Unreal Engine for personal projects and therefore had a lot more knowledge than others upfront. Still, my mentors were able to grasp my skill level and teach accordingly.