Game started: Ella Rathsman’s path to a career in game development

Ever since she was a kid, Ella Rathsman has known she wanted to make a career in art. Swedish, who turns 20 this summer, fortified her love of image and form during high school in Linköping, where she studied 3D and animation at MTU.

“A analog art didn’t feel like an alternative because career opportunities are rather tight,” she says. When I discovered digital art, I was sold. There are many options and I get to work on something that I’m passionate about.

When it was time to choose a higher education, Ella began to examine programs within 3D. She found several promising schools in Sweden, but it was NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti) in Milan that stuck out the most.

The broad curriculum of NABA’s Creative Technologies BA Program, which includes pioneering technologies such as VFX development in real time, character design and animation, and exercise capture systems, combined with the possibility of testing the first year of the three-year program, finally convinced her.

“It felt like a fantastic opportunity to study abroad for a year. I had the feeling that an international school could offer more opportunities for me afterwards, Ella recalls.

Preparing for a career in game design

Ella’s career goals are clear: she wants to become a game designer and create characters, assets and environments for gaming. The rapid and comprehensive curriculum of NABA helps her develop the skills she needs to realize her dream.

– The learning method is quite fast because there is much to learn during the time you are here. You get a very broad base with all different courses, says Ella. She appreciates the balance between theoretical and practical courses, which provide a solid foundation before moving on to more practical applications.

She commends her teachers, who are experienced professionals, for their solid experience. She adds that their different teaching styles can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on the type of student you are.

They have a little different ways of teaching. Some are more educational while others teach as if we are already working in the industry.

A mix of culture and creativity

Living in the design capital Milan has been a revolutionary experience for Ella. She shares a studio with a classmate and has had the pleasure of immersed herself in the city’s lively culture. The lively metropolis is full of opportunities to explore and socialise, giving international students a rich background for their studies.

Milan is a big city with many things to do. I’ve made a lot of new friends. Everything depends on how social you are. But since everyone in the class has the same interests, there is always a common subject.

Ella believes that NABA embodies Milan’s artistic atmosphere within the university walls.

“The school becomes a creative space because there are so many creative students. It also works with some wall art in the corridors; the small details make a big difference!

Support and opportunities

As Ella approaches the end of her studies in Milan, she realizes the importance of the support and resources that NABA offers to start a career. She notes that many of the services are aimed at second and third year students, but the school encourages all students to apply for internships and offers help when needed.

– These services are very important because contacts are beneficial in this area of work. I think it’s of great importance to come out and build up your career.

For those considering starting NABA, Ella has only enthusiastic words of encouragement to give.

If you’re passionate about art, you’ll benefit from this education. Don’t be afraid that you’re not good enough, you’re here to learn and evolve.