#admin:keana

[ask-sgd]

How long did it take to make your portfolio? I didn't realize how many requirements there were, and I have to complete it by the end of Feburary, so I've only got about a month and a half to do it.

It really depends on the person. It took me around 2-3 months, but I had a little advantage because I had works that fit some of the requirements from previous projects. It really helps to look at the Game Design program’s sample portfolio requirements beforehand – they might be slightly different than the portfolio requirements you will be sent after you apply, but they are a really good reference to get you an early headstart.

[ask-sgd]

Hello, I wish to study in Sheridan game design but I'm currently studying diploma in animation. I would like to ask if for the enrollment portfolio there is needed to have a prototype game or whether I can do without it and whether there are other factors they look out for in portfolios. I found accepted Sheridan animation portfolios online but I can't seem to find game design ones. Sorry for being so wordy. Any advice would help. Thank you! :)

(Copypasting from the FAQ)

This is a sample of what the portfolio requirements look like. Take note this is just a reference for the general format, since the portfolio requirements may change a little bit from year to year.

When you apply, you will receive a PDF with the exact portfolio requirements. This will also include instructions on how/where to pay for the review fee and submit your portfolio.

[ask-sgd]

I want to thank you all sooooo much for starting this blog!!! On a side note, what are some advice/tips and tricks that you’d like to share for Sheridan’s VGD bachelors? Thank you in advance :D

No problem!

The 2 biggest pieces of advice I always like to talk about are (1) be a team player, and (2) remember you aren't making your dream game.

1. A lot of times, within and outside of school, you'll be in teams that are less than perfect. Maybe too many people have the same skillset, or maybe nobody has the one skillset your team needs. Maybe all of your team has strong opinions and loud voices. Learning to adjust your work ethic accordingly is REALLY important, and being a team player (no matter the team) is a difficult but amazing skill to have.

2. In the program, we make a lot of little games. We make games in any length of time, from 2 days to 8 months. Either way, it's not the 2+ years you need for your dream game, especially after classes and electives. I like to think of the program as training to get me into the workforce, and once I'm here, I can make my dream game on the side -- but that's just me. :)

[ask-sgd]

Hello! I'm deciding if Sheridan's Bachelor of Game Design program is right for me. I love learning about most topics surrounding game development, especially theory, programming, writing and production. However, I'm somewhat new to art - I have some sketching experience, but I wouldn't exactly describe myself as an artist. Will this be a major problem for me during the program? Is it possible to succeed in the program's art-focused courses with some practice and instructor guidance? Thank-you!

hi! it won’t be a major problem at all!!

art is not weighed any heavier than, say, programming or writing. this is because our curriculum is designed to teach us a little bit of everything in game design, & we’re not expected to be good at all of the things we’re taught! rather than focusing on how to be a good artist or programmer, it’s mainly about how to be a good designer. 

it’s a general, well-rounded program, so don’t worry if you’re not confident in art! a good number of students here don’t even consider themselves artists at all. as long as you work hard & practice, you will definitely succeed in art no matter what your skill level ^^

-Viv

i just want to add! being a game designer is essentially designing a game, then knowing how to convey your ideas to each department in the team (eg programming, art). so it’s good to know each field since you can understand the language, possibilities, and limits of the field! i hope that made sense. the program curriculum is easier to understand with that context

speaking of curriculum: you can see how much weight art+programming+etc have in it on sheridan’s website

- keana

Also want to add :P I was neither a programmer nor an artist when I entered this program. I was more focused on design and writing, but I still managed to do well. You might need to put in some extra effort in some areas but I’m sure you’ll be fine. :D

-Jen

[ask-sgd]

Do you know about scholarships, especially for interested applicants from other countries?

sheridan itself hosts several scholarships/bursaries specifically for international students which are there every semester (as far as i know). they also have listings of external scholarships as well, but this list changes from time to time. all information regarding international scholarships can be found on their website!

a thing to note: most of the scholarships/awards on the site are ones that i think you have to apply for as a student of sheridan (since you have to fill out a form via Access Sheridan, which iirc only enrolled students have access to), so i’m unsure about the process for new students :( hope this helped a little!

-keana

[ask-sgd]

What are the profs like? What are their credentials? How are lessons taught?

first of i’d like to say that although i haven’t met all of the faculty, i love our profs!!!

they’re really approachable! if you’re working on a side project and need help with something specific, you can go to them and they’ll give you really helpful tips! they’re usually really happy to share their knowledge

what’s great is that they either used to work in the industry or actively work in it (when they’re not teaching). we have profs that’ve worked in AAA companies like Rockstar, and others that are currently developing indie games with their team/studio – so we definitely know that our profs know their stuff

the way lessons are taught depend on the class, but they have a lot of hands-on things. we rarely ever get quizzes/exams (probably twice a year at most), which makes sense because the best way to learn an art is to actually do it! there are still lectures though (like in history class) but it’s mostly for either theory or a programming demo.

- keana!