Career-Ready Program

Tech Art Program

Become a job-ready Technical Artist with expert mentorship and real-world projects.

12 months100% onlineBeginner-friendlyStarts January 18, 2027

Studios need technical artists who can bridge the gap between art and code. Learn from industry experts, master tools like Unreal, Houdini and Maya, and build the technical and artistic skills for a career in Technical Art.

4 terms12 weeks each
Art + codeShaders, VFX, procedural tools
1:1And small group mentorship
From $1,295/moFlexible payment plans
Our students & mentors work at
Curriculum

From game art foundations to production tools

Build a strong art and environment foundation first, then spend two full terms on shaders, procedural tools and real-time effects, preparing for roles supporting Environment, Effects and Pipeline teams.

Term I12 weeks

Game Art Foundations

Establish an art foundation and understand how assets move from creation to engine.

    Capstone: Game-Ready PropTake an asset through the full pipeline and present it in a portfolio-ready breakdown.
    Term II12 weeks

    Environment Art in Unreal Engine

    Take your art skills into full game environments in Unreal Engine.

    Shared with the Game Art Program's Environment Art track, so you learn alongside environment artists.

    Why it matters for Tech ArtTechnical artists build the shaders, tools and systems that environment teams use every day. Understanding how environments are made first means you'll build tools that actually work for artists.
    Term III12 weeks

    Technical Art Fundamentals

    Build the algorithmic and graphical foundation of shaders and real-time rendering.

      Capstone: Shader or Procedural EffectDevelop a custom Unreal material, Shadertoy shader or Houdini HDA demonstrating multiple math-driven effects.
      Term IV12 weeks

      Advanced Technical Art & Tools

      Extend mathematical and algorithmic foundations into advanced production contexts across Unreal, Substance Designer and Houdini.

        Capstone: Procedural Art Tool or Shader SystemCreate a production-ready tool or shader-driven system, such as a Niagara library or a Houdini terrain scatter tool.
        Apply now Next cohort starts January 18, 2027
        Program overview

        How you'll learn

        Program delivery

          Topics covered

            Time commitment

            20+ hrs
              In their words

              What our students are saying

              Tuition

              Flexible ways to pay

              A more affordable, more up-to-date alternative to a traditional degree.

              Pay in full$13,200

              Save when you pay in full.

              Best value
              6-month plan$2,450/mo

              Pay over 6 months.

              9-month plan$1,675/mo

              Pay over 9 months.

              12-month plan$1,295/mo

              Pay over 12 months.

              None of these work for you? You can discuss other payment options during your Admissions call.

              Apply now
              Already a 3D artist?

              Our 18-week Tech Art Bootcamp is designed for experienced 3D artists looking to specialize and upskill faster.

              Compare tech art paths
              Unreal Engine
              We are an

              Unreal Authorized Training Center

              You'll gain skills from trusted Unreal Engine experts, with industry-standard techniques and real-world applications, knowledge valued by top studios and employers.

              Next cohort and final day to enroll

              January 18, 2027

              Apply and schedule your call as soon as possible to secure your spot.

              1

              Submit your application

              A quick online application covering your background and goals.

              2

              Schedule your interview

              An easygoing call with Admissions to discuss your application, walk through the program and answer your questions.

              3

              Enroll

              Complete enrollment with your Admissions Representative and get ready for the start of your program.

              Apply to the Tech Art Program

              Takes about two minutes. No commitment.

              Next, you'll complete page 2, then book a call with Admissions.

              Questions? Email admissions@vertexschool.com

              FAQ

              Questions, answered

              Still deciding? Try a free live event and watch an instructor work.

              See free events