From Student to Professional: Zabi Hassan’s Journey in Concept Art

We’re excited to share the success story of one of our talented alumni, Zabi Hassan, who graduated from MTM’s Concept Art for Video Games and Animation program in 2018. Today, Zabi works full-time as a Concept Artist in the video game industry—a journey marked by dedication, creative growth, and a strong foundation in traditional art.

From his early days freelancing with Burning Games to his work with HBO, Ubisoft, and now Tencent, Zabi has continually adapted to new challenges, applying the fundamentals he learned at MTM to bring unique characters and worlds to life. Zabi credits MTM for “providing the core strength of his art,” emphasizing the power of fundamentals and the versatility that traditional skills bring to a concept artist’s toolkit.

Building a Career in Concept Art

So, how does someone become a concept artist in the gaming industry? The path is varied, but for many like Zabi, it starts with mastering the essentials. Here’s a breakdown of what helped Zabi succeed—and what we emphasize in MTM’s program:

• Fundamental Art Skills: Our curriculum dives deep into the foundations of drawing, color theory, and composition, which allow artists to adapt to any creative style or industry shift.

• One-on-One Mentorship: With small class sizes, students benefit from close guidance, receiving tailored feedback that accelerates their growth.

• Industry Software Training: Zabi and his classmates gained hands-on experience with leading industry software, preparing them for real-world production.

• Experienced Instructors: At MTM, our instructors are seasoned professionals in the industry. They bring first-hand experience from studios and understand the latest trends, tools, and techniques.

Overcoming Challenges in the Video Game Industry

Zabi shares that concept art is a competitive field, with standards rising as technology advances. “There are plenty of job opportunities, but competition is fierce, and expectations are high.” He advises future concept artists to “never stop learning, and invest time in exploring new skills that can elevate your work.”

To thrive in concept art, Zabi says it’s essential to be open to continuous growth. This echoes the philosophy we teach at MTM—equipping students not only with technical skills but with the adaptability to stand out in a fast-evolving industry.

MTM’s Concept Art Program: Your Path to Success

Our four-year Concept Art for Video Games and Animation diploma program combines traditional and digital skills in a structured, supportive environment. Here’s what makes our program unique:

• Hands-On Learning with Real Industry Software: From Photoshop to 3D modeling software, students learn the tools that studios rely on every day.

• Experienced Instructors who work directly in the video game industry.

• Individualized Attention with small classes and personalized feedback.

• Career Readiness: Our program includes career preparation so you’re ready for job applications with a final portfolio at time of graduation.

Start Your Journey Today!

If you’re passionate about designing worlds, characters, and creatures for video games, consider joining our Concept Art for Video Games and Animation program.

If you’d like to know more, please Book a Tour or Contact Us anytime!

We are proud of Zabi and look forward to seeing where his journey takes him next!

Online Open House & Free Art Workshop!

Want to get an in-depth look at our college, ask questions, and meet instructors, without travelling all the way to our campus? Our next Open House will be taking place ONLINE via Google Meets - On Saturday, November 16th, from 10 AM - 2PM EST.

During the event, attendees will get to attend a free art workshop - Visual Storytelling with Greg Beettam!

Can’t make it to the live event? That’s OK - Everyone who registers will be sent a full-length recording of the event, including the workshop, so be sure to sign-up!

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