Guitar Hero Panel
Attributing their career successes to The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles’ quality education, hands-on learning environment and impressive faculty, graduates Dan Savage, Sean Watson, Chris Boltz and Justin Parish share their real-world insights and experiences as creative professionals within the highly competitive video gaming industry.
Alumni Profiles
Dan Savage – B.S. 2008, Game Art & Design
A transplant from Canada, Dan Savage moved to the United States to attend The Art Institute of
California – Los Angeles to pursue the ‘American Dream’. He kicked off his career as a Prop Artist
for Neversoft shortly after graduation. Landing this career opportunity has enabled him to work on
numerous projects including Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Guitar Hero World Tour, Guitar Hero: Metallica
Guitar Hero Smash Hits, Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero. Providing students with a word of advice, Dan says,
"Keep a level head in school, and know that everyone in class beside you is not only your competition for
your entry to the gaming industry but also a partner who may open doors for you. Putting in the hours now
and working hard will pay off in the long run."
Sean Watson – B.S. 2008, Game Art & Design
Sean Watson is a graduate of The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles. A creative thinker and problem
solver, he credits his skills in formulating innovative solutions that he acquired from The Art Institute
of California – Los Angeles. He is currently employed at Neversoft as a Motion Capture Technician / Jr.
Character Artist. There, he has worked for high profile gaming projects including Guitar Hero: Aerosmith,
Guitar Hero: Metallica, Guitar Hero: Van Halen, Guitar Hero World Tour, Guitar Hero 5, Guitar Hero Smash
Hits, Band Hero and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. When asked to provide words of encouragement, Sean
advises students to "Learn to do everything and don’t get a big head. Always be available to help anyone
that might need it, but never make it seem like you’re doing them a favor. Instead, do the opposite and
make it as if they are doing you a favor by helping you."
Chris Boltz – B.S. 2008, Game Art & Design
Chris Boltz is alumnus at The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles. Post-graduation, he has been working
as a Level Artist for employer Neversoft. He admittedly loves his job, which involves designing the staging
environment video game characters perform on. While at Neversoft, Chris has had the opportunity to work on
projects including Guitar Hero 5 and Band Hero. For students pursuing a career in the gaming industry, he
simply says to "Be inspired and challenge your limits."
Justin Parish – B.S. 2008, Game Art & Design
Prior to becoming a Motion Capture Technician at Neversoft, Justin Parish acquired his technical skill sets
and knowledge at The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles. Within just two years of working in the
gaming industry, he is proud to be involved with the production of seven games including MX vs. ATV Untamed,
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, Guitar Hero World Tour, Guitar Hero: Metallica, Guitar Hero 5, Guitar Hero: Van Halen,
Band Hero and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. He provides gaming industry students with a simple, yet
effective formula: "Work hard, work fast, take notes and always show up on time."
Open House Dates
Explore your creative side and discover today’s exciting career opportunities at The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles. Our Open House gives you the chance to learn more about our programs and services, tour our facilities and speak with current students, faculty and admissions staff.
Check-in begins at 10:00 AM. Presentations begin at 10:30 AM. Reserve your place today by registering at http://aiopen.com/losangeles or by calling (888)646-4610 for one of the upcoming dates below:
- Monday, February 15, 2010
- Saturday, March 6th 2010
- Saturday, April 17th, 2010
- Saturday, May 22th, 2010