Pre-College profile: Harrison Walsh, Game Design

Harrison Walsh received his BFA from the Cleveland Institute of Art and is an adjunct faculty member in CIA’s Game Design Department. His interests include 3D modeling, game design, graphic design, and film work. Recently, he answered a few questions for us about art, design and his Pre-College course.

What would you say to a student who is excited—but a little nervous—about taking your Pre-College class this summer?

I know exactly how you feel. I was a student in CIA’s Pre-College program back in 2003. I remember I was excited about the program but also hesitant to leave my friends and go into a new environment where I didn’t know what to expect. But by the end of it, I had had one of the most enjoyable experiences of my young life, made close friends, who I still talk to 15 years later, and grew as an artist. By the end of the program, I remember a lot of us were wishing it would go on for another week. So as both an instructor and a former student, I would say just be ready for a really awesome and potentially life-changing experience.

What do you love about your specific discipline?

One of my favorite aspects of game design is that it really fuses my love of art and technology. Also, technology is constantly improving, which forces you to continue to learn and grow.

What do you think it means to be a real artist?

I think being an artist is about passion and conveying that passion. There are many ways to convey it, whether through media, subject matter, or the drive to complete your work.

Tell us about one moment or event when you were aware of feeling really successful or happy in your work?

One of the proudest moments for me was sitting in a movie theater and watching my name scroll by on the credits of a major motion picture for the first time. The feeling never gets old, but the first time will stick with me forever.

What’s the most difficult thing about being an artist?

For me, I would have to say that it’s trying to find the time to work on personal projects or games.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were in high school?

I wish I had been able to get into game design, digital and 3D art at a younger age. When I was in high school, game design wasn’t even considered a college major, and there weren’t a lot of resources available to someone who was interested in learning more about it. Luckily for students now, that has really changed over the past decade.

To learn more about Pre-College, including the Game Design course, click here.