Red Engine Studios

For the price, Red Engine is a great place to learn how to be a concept artist, matte painter, and do some 3D. The instructors all work in the video game /​art /​movie industry and some are well-​known. It’s certainly a huge step up from things you would learn in regular colleges, which cost just about as much if not more. You’re essentially learning mostly «the skills» here. It’s not as pricey as let’s say, Gnomon School of Special Effects (many instructors also teach there as well).
Most of the classes are held once a week after 7pm on weekdays (because the instructors work in the daytime), and on weekends, classes are held in the daytime as well. The courses go on for eight weeks for $ 500 or so. It’s taught on a projection screen. With that said, you will only learn if you are willing to put the effort in. You will need your own laptop and already have your program installed somewhere.
Surrounding areas are various wine bars and a French restaurant (Church & State), a liquor store, and a gym. Overall, a good bang for the buck in what you’re learning here.

I don’t usually write reviews unless there’s something worth writing about and Red Engine Studios + School speaks volumes! I took a couple classes the first session that they started and I was amazed by the value and the kind of cutting-​edge design they teach. My undergrad is in Studio Art, have a Masters in Landscape Archictecture, and am now currently working, and I just wanted to brush up on some of my skills at Red Engine. The teachers are all working professionals and they are able to teach amazing tricks, tips and techniques on all different mediums. I took the Intro to Environment Design and Intro to Rendering and learned so much about art and design that it put my past educational experiences to shame! Highly recommend this school! Plus they have an awesome space in the arts district in downtown with a nearby liqour store to grab some food and they’re right above a new little wine bar! Tres chic!

From coming from design background, I’m pretty damn picky for picking a great Art school, but I was very satisfied with Red Engine. My sister is currently attending and only says great things about it. Great teachers, location (art district in downtown), experienced students from industries, and lastly prices are great. I’d highly recommend to students and people from industry who like to polish their skills.

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