Daniel Jankolovski is a mentor at the Game Design Academy, an industry that has seen significant progress in recent years. He shared some interesting data about how the academy operates and what students learn in our conversation, as well as what happens after completion.

Introduce yourself and tell us what your expertise (superpower) is?

I am Daniel Jankolovski, a 3D animator and modeler by profession, and a trainer at the Game Design academy focusing on Autodesk Maya.

How does an academic program run, and what are the biggest challenges you face at the academy?

The program is designed for beginners, so we start with familiarizing students with the software (interface, navigation). Then the material is divided into three modules (Modeling, Rigging, and Animation), each with two tests and projects. Classes are held twice a week with regular homework assignments. The biggest challenge is always the diversity of individuals in the group and finding a balance   between all their different interests and abilities.

After completing the academy, what can students work as? (brief explanation of main job positions)

After completing the academy, students can work as:

-Game Designers, which involves the entire process of creating a game such as designing game mechanics/rules, aesthetics, and player experience.

-Unity Technical Artists, working on implementing the above elements.

-3D Modelers, creating various models.

-3D Animators, bringing characters and visual effects to life.

Highlight the best project from the academy?

I have to highlight the game that students from the previous generation created at the Global Game Jam within 48 hours. It’s a 3D game with underwater navigation and puzzle-solving with small combat elements. This forced them to utilize all the knowledge from all the subjects at the academy and rely on each other’s strengths.

Recommendation/advice for the students’ further success?

To continue regular work and not lose motivation, to maintain communication within the sphere they choose, and not to fear any challenges or work tasks, as that is essentially the real progress in their work.