Relationship between the Artist and the Programmer

Eric Mark · 2011-11-19T16:41:48

Hi guys, I posted a question on Tom Sloper's website and recieved a response to it. However, I recently found a few articles that seem to conflict with Sloper's response (In my point of view anyway) I would like to hear other opinions on this here as well. Here is the question I posted: { [size="4"]Do I have to learn programming if I don't like it? >From: Eric M >Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2011 11:31 AM >Subject: Question on the relationships between the artists and the programmers >Hi Tom, before I get started, here are the details about me: >Name: Eric >Age:19 >Education Level: College Freshmen >Occupation: Student >Possible Game Job Aspiration: Game Artist/Animator, then in the long run: Design >Country: United States >Okay, here is my question: >I understand that I should study what interests me (In my case, I am looking into art classes right now for later semesters) although I should take in a broad education when studying to be a game designer. In FAQ 34, you wrote that if artistically inclined, then I should study art. However, should game artists and animators know some programming? I am thinking that since they have to collaborate with the programmers, it would be helpful if the artists know some of the languages the programmers use (i.e C++, Java). >My intended major is Multimedia Computing (In my school, it applies computing to art, especially with computer games) and I am required to take courses in programming. At first, I thought it would be a good idea because of the theory I thought up listed above. Unfortunately, I realized that I am a bad programmer in my C++ Intro class and I find it difficult to "like" programming. Already, I am considering majoring in Art like you suggested in FAQ 34 but at the same time, I am wondering if I should be resilent about it by sticking to my original plan since it seems like a good way to prepare for a career in design for the long haul. >Thanks for your input on this, my apologies if any of these questions I wrote annoy you in some way as I understand that you are not a fan of them, I am currently working on asking good questions like one of your FAQ's suggested. >Eric Hello Eric, you wrote: I am thinking that since they have to collaborate with the programmers, it would be helpful if the artists know some of the languages the programmers use So if you were a chef, and you were collaborating with an architect to prepare a meal for his clients, you would need to be able to design a building? If you were an artist, and an auto mechanic hired you to make a sign for his business, you would need to be able to take a car apart and put it back together? Instead of asking "should artists know some programming, why don't you instead ask these: Do I have to know some programming? No. Do I have to take some programming courses? Do you WANT to? Take them if you WANT to. Or if your chosen degree program requires you to. Let's get back to a question you really did ask: I am wondering if I should be resilent about it by sticking to my original plan Only if you WANT to. Don't force yourself. If it would make you reluctant to get out of bed to go study it, then it would be a mistake to go that way. Tom Sloper Los Angeles, California, USA October 22, 2011 } And here are the articles: - http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/38451/Opinion_Becoming_A_Better_Game_Programmer.php (In the section "Cross Dicipline") - http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/37962/PRACTICE_Do_Designers_Need_To_Be_Programmers.php (Okay, so this one is actually with Designers and Programmers but the comments on it debate if programming is necessary or not) Any input on these (Especially from Tom) is appreciated. Thanks, Eric