Futurepoly

FuturePoly is a digital arts training studio with locations in Bellevue and Belltown Seattle. The school does not have a formal grading structure or degree offering. But it offers a chance to soak up the latest techniques in game development and digital art from some of the absolute best in the business. The school was started by a handful of folks working at Arenanet, with varied backgrounds that include other standout companies like Valve and Rockstar.
I found out about the school a year or so ago through an ad in The Stranger. After doing a little homework on their instructors and sitting in on some classes I was pretty pumped to attend. Their prices for each program track are very affordable at a glance, but I can tell you as a student, that for what you get out of it there’s really nothing comparable. It’s a goddamn steal.
If you’re seriously interested in getting in to digital art, you can take it as far as you want here. For as much work as you put in, you’ll get an equal return in support, encouragement and guidance from instructors who are also elite industry professionals. You’ll be learning only the most current and innovative techniques that apply to each discipline and nothing else. No fluff.
Even if you have a very limited background in digital arts, but feel that it’s an industry that you want to pursue, this school is your best option. I’d recommend digging in and getting somewhat comfortable with the applicable software you’ll be using beforehand — mainly just UI navigation, general terminology and digital art principals -, that way you can really use this opportunity for all it’s worth. You’ll have lots of questions and you’ll get the best answers. There a plenty of people who take classes here that have almost no experience in the field; some get frustrated and bail out early, others excel and pave a new career path for themselves. It’s entirely up to you.
To give you an idea of my experience at FP, and where I’m at in my progress with the school: I attended the 3D modeling class from September through December and am now taking the Zbrush class. I’ve become comfortable with concepts and workflows including: High and low-​poly 3d modeling, texturing and unwrapping, creating materials in multiple platforms, and basic concept development for modeling. Software that I’ve been working with: Photoshop; 3ds Max, UDK, Crazy Bump, Zbrush, and TopoGun. In addition to taking classes, I’m now developing a portfolio and contributing to off-​hours projects that the school offers to interested students.
If you want to learn more about my experiences here, feel free to message me. Otherwise I’d highly recommend sitting in on a class or two to see for yourself how good this place is.