© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Cañada College Women in 3D Animation and Video Game Art

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science What Type of Work is 3D Animation and Video Game Art ? The work is artistic and creative, and involves problem-solving. Although much work is done using computer software, basic pen and paper drawing skills may be required in some positions or to develop and describe initial concepts. The work involves team work and collaboration with others, and may involve long hours and deadlines during rush periods.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Career Path Graduates of the certificate and AA degree programs with strong portfolios may be hired into job titles such as:  Video Game Tester  Photo Artist  Production Assistant  Character Animator  Modeler

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Career Path Advancement Once graduates have proven their skills and dedication at a company, many opportunities for advancement exist. Some graduates go to work for large companies, where they can progress to jobs with increased responsibilities and/or on to management positions. Many graduates in the game development field work as independent contractors and freelancers.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Labor Market Approx. Starting Salary: Video game testers may earn $11-15 per hour; intern positions for artists may go up to $24/hour. Average Salary:$60,000 - $80,000 (for experienced worker) Average Wage at Placement: $40,000 - $55,000 Placement Rate: Since this program started in 2007, several students have already been placed in local companies such as Electronic Arts and Expresso Fitness as they continue their studies. Labor Market: The entertainment field and, in particular, the video gaming industry has grown rapidly in recent years. Two of the largest 3D animation and video gaming companies, Electronic Arts and PDI Dreamworks, are located in Redwood City. Numerous spin off and support companies have proliferated in the region adding to the demand for highly qualified employees. Students with a degree or certificate who can demonstrate their skills through a solid portfolio are highly competitive.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Industries Employing Graduates of this Program  Animation production companies  Video gaming companies  Educational products/software  Corporate training products  Web animation companies  Web-based application developers  Military training (“serious games”)  Television stations  Film and video production companies

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Career FAQs Are employers hiring for jobs in this area? Yes, definitely! The entertainment field and the video gaming industry have grown very quickly in recent years. Employers are always looking for candidates who have a solid portfolio and educational background. The San Francisco Bay Area has several large companies in this industry. Two of the largest 3D animation and video gaming companies, Electronic Arts and PDI Dreamworks, are right in Redwood City. Pixar Animation Studios and LeapFrog, an interactive educational product designer, are located in Emeryville. Dozens of spin off and support companies have proliferated in the region adding to the demand for highly qualified employees.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Career FAQs cont’d Can I pursue a career in this field without a background in technology? Yes, you can. However, it may help to be comfortable using a computer and to have some basic skill with a graphics software program when you enter the program. Will employers hire women into male-dominated technology areas? Absolutely! The employers in the gaming industry who serve on our industry advisory council tell us they would like to hire more women because of the unique perspective they bring. And the demand for games directed toward women has increased, so women are also needed to help meet that demand.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Course Information  Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree: 3D Animation and Video Game Art  Certificate of Proficiency: 3D Animation and Video Game Art

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Class Hours  This program includes classes offered during the day, evening, and occasional Saturdays.  Some courses are offered online.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Academic FAQ  The certificate program requires 34.5 units. Some students complete the certificate program in one year (two semesters), but others spread out coursework over a longer period due to family, work, and other obligations. The AA degree requires 60 units, which can be completed in two years, but again many students spread their classes over a longer time period to meet their personal needs. How long will it take to complete the Gaming program?

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Role Models If They Can Do It So Can You!

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Dani Castillo Associate Professor, Multimedia Employed by Cañada College “Having a balanced and well- rounded team when developing games or animation content is very important. Women bring many ideas to the table that appeal more to other women and give the games and stories a greater thematic and visual depth. Women also have a different aesthetic perception that can make the games original and different from a lot of what’s already out there.”

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Dani Castillo cont’d  In high school, Dani Castillo loved playing video games, and she gravitated toward technology.  In school, she had the opportunity to work on hands-on projects with similar deliverables and expectations to those you would have in a work environment. Salary:$42K - $90K Years in Field:15 years City/State:Foster City, CA Education: B.A. Degree in Mexico M.A. Degree in Mass Media and Communications with a minor in Multimedia, Cal State University, East Bay. M.A. Degree in Interactive Design and Video Game Development, Savannah College of Art & Design

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Dani Castillo cont’d On working with men: Dani has found common ground with her male co-workers through her love of video games. “It’s easy for me to sit down and talk with a guy about them. Keep it really professional and talk to them just as you would to any other co-worker. They’re more than happy to have women working with them.”

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Women in Gaming Organizations  Game Girl Advance - Weblog and online journal that brings alternative and women’s perspectives to videogame culture.  Girlz of Destruction - International organization and competitive all-female PC gaming team with online forums and gamers’ blogs.  Grrl Gamer % woman-made and operated gaming site with online interviews, game reviews and message boards.  Video Game Girl Ring - Ring of sites by and for fans and women who play video games.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Women in Gaming Organizations cont’d  Women in Animation - Non-profit organization with a San Francisco chapter offering scholarships, local chapter meetings and a weblog for women in all areas of animation.  Women in Game Development - Conferences and events, mailing list and online discussion forums for women hosted by the International Game Developers Association.  Women in Games International - International membership organization offering workshops, mentoring group, career center, regional conferences and networking events to support women in game development.  Womengamers.com - Website offering game reviews and online discussion forums for women. Also establishes scholarship programs and offers consulting and lectures on careers in game development.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Women in Gaming ListServs  Women in Game Development Forum Unmoderated discussion forum by women professionals in the interactive entertainment industry, from the International Game Developers Association.  Latinas in Computing List An online community that promotes leadership and professional development among the current and next generation of Latinas.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science Cañada CalWomenTech Website Features  Find an e-mentor  Read real women’s success stories  Check out news articles about women in the field  Find out information about the Gaming program  See our list of women in Gaming career associations  Take advantage of industry articles and listservs  Join WomenTech Talk Visit us at:

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science WomenTechWorld.org The on-line home for women technicians to connect with each other. Whether you are a Network Engineer, a Mechanic or a Sound Tech or a female student in a tech major, you'll want to visit WomenTechWorld.Org where you're not alone anymore.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science WomenTechWorld.org WomenTechTalk This listserv has more than 500 women technicians and students participating in an discussion group. It serves as a source of support and inspiration where women help each other with questions and topics such as:  How do I effectively handle negative comments by classmates or coworkers so I can focus on my class or job?  Finding a Job in Your Male-Dominated Field  Getting Promoted in Your Male-Dominated Field

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science WomenTechWorld.org E-Mentoring  E-Mentors exists to connect female students in technology/trades with women successfully working in male-dominated fields  Women new to traditionally male jobs can find guidance and support from women who have been there

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science WomenTechWorld.org E-Jobs Connect with employers who are actively seeking female job applicants in typically male-dominated professions. E-Jobs offers you:  Free, current listings in Video Game Art and 3D Animation  Auto Notify, which gives you notices when new jobs meeting your criteria have been posted  My Checklist feature to save your favorite job opportunities for easy reference

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science CalWomenTech Project 8 California community colleges receive expert support and technical assistance from the Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science to help recruit and retain women into technology programs where they are under-represented.

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science CalWomenTech Project cont’d  Cañada College –Video Game Design program  City College of San Francisco –DHTI Program  San Diego Mesa College –GIS program  El Camino College –Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program

© 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science CalWomenTech Project cont’d  Evergreen Valley College –Hybrid-Alternative Fuel Program  Irvine Valley College –Electronics Technology Program  Las Positas College –Automotive and Welding Programs  San Jose City College –Facilities Maintenance Technology Program