Brandon Korth '15
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Brandon Korth graduated with a B.A. in Media Arts and Game Development in 2015. Now, Brandon enjoys working as the Art Director at Filament Games in Madison, WI.
What made you want to pursue a degree in MAGD?
“Video games were something that brought me a lot of joy and happiness when I was a kid and it got me through some difficult times. From there I always knew that I wanted to create things that could give others the same joy. Seeing others happy because of something I made is a feeling I never stopped chasing. In high school I had a teacher for Graphic Communications that supported me and helped me find schools that would be good for game development. He introduced me to UW-Whitewater, and I knew that it was where I wanted to go.”
What was your favorite part about attending UW-Whitewater?
“The comradery of the people within the major was incredible. I think I knew every single person that graduated in my major. The smaller classes and opportunities for being part of communities through student orgs made the whole experience special.”
How did your UW-Whitewater experience prepare you for your career or transform your life?
“It allowed me to experience such a wide range of things even within my own interest. This wide exposure to things is what allowed me to decide what I did and didn't want to focus on. The team-based classes towards the end of my career there really helped me get prepared for the real world as well.”
Is there anyone you draw inspiration from?
“Dan Norton from Filament Games was and is someone I look up to. During my time at school, Filament sponsored the MAGD Expo each year and would have some of their employees attend. When I won best in show my Junior year, I could not get anyone to give me constructive feedback about my game. Dan was the only person to ask me deeper questions about the games design, philosophy, and intentions. He sparked something in me to always think deeper about my decisions and always be willing to offer critical feedback for others. While working under him at Filament Games now, he continues to be a shining example of thoughtfulness and displays compassion for everyone he meets.”
Where are you at in your career?
“I have gotten to a point where I am very happy in my career. I am the Art Manager for Filament Games where I am in charge of art team process', hire/firing for the department, and managing my employees wellbeing and professional growth.”
What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
“Completing my first game for Filament Games. It was the largest thing I had worked on up to that point and it won multiple awards and has helped so many kids.”
Are there any awards you’ve received?
“In 2016 I received an Honorable Mention award at Glitch Con.”
What advice would you give your former self?
“Dedicate time to practice the specialty that you want to do. Spreading your skills across a wide range feels smart in the moment but it makes you very difficult to get hired for jobs that want you to do one thing.”
What advice would you give your future self?
“Don't let your artistic and development skills decay. The more you get into management and director level positions you will only feel more and more busy with less time for your own game development hobby. Continue to foster relationships with your indie game dev friends and never stop making your own games on the side.”
What advice would you give to a potential UW-Whitewater MAGD student?
"Know where you want to go. Here is an analogy I like to think about that Dan Norton once told me. ‘If you are on a boat at sea paddling with no destination you could land anywhere - but if you know where you’re trying to go, you can make the little direction changes to make sure you end up where you want to be.’ What this means is that knowing that you want to be a systems game engineer, or a 3D vehicle modeler, or an audio designer, or whatever specific career you want is the first step. When you know where you want to go, it becomes so much easier to make the small decisions that will get you there eventually. Finally, I did not get to the position that I wanted until three years after graduating. It will always take a combination of patience, passion, practice, and persistence."
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