Plug-N-Play: Video Game Graphics will be taught by Patrick FitzGerald along with his students and colleagues from the Advanced Media Lab. In this workshop, participants will create their own graphics in an interactive game, and then adjust how elements in the game behave. The workshop is open to students in grades 8–12. There are spaces remaining, check it out here if you'd like to sign up for this exciting workshop!

Patrick FitzGerald is an exhibiting artist in ID:ENTITY. He teaches in the Department of Art and Design at NC State University College of Design, and holds an MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. His work has been exhibited across the United States and Japan. Patrick and his colleagues at the Advanced Media Lab are also contributing an interactive artwork for the upcoming exhibition, Born Digital.

Here's what Patrick has to say:

What do you do? I am an artist/designer who teaches design and new media.

How did you get to where you are today? I have been painting and drawing, as my artistic outlet, since I was 12. I received an art scholarship to go to college and then was accepted to graduate school. After 10 years of creating art, I received my breakthrough job at the then famous Center for Creative Imaging.

Why are you teaching this workshop? People think working in digital games is harder than it really is. Tools (like the one we will share during the workshop) for making games will begin to be easier to use and allow more creative people to participate in digital media.

What can participants expect to do, learn, or make in your workshop? Students will help plan the game, create "assets" or graphics, learn a production pipeline, and MAKE A GAME!

What's your favorite material?  I like projected light! There is something magical about it.

Favorite color or color palette? I think of color in terms of color relationships. That question, to my mind, is like asking what your favorite musical note is.

Best thing you've ever made? The decision to adopt our daughter.

Favorite place? Right next to my daughter.

Favorite designer (and why)? Charles and Ray Eames are hard to beat! They worked at the highest levels in so many different mediums. They emanate the optimistic and chance-taking spirit of successful designers.

Favorite artist (and why)? It changes all the time. Right now, I would say Calder. His sense of humor and inventiveness are always refreshing.

Most important thing to remember when desiging/making? Always be working, don't wait for the "greatest " idea to come to you before you get started.

Favorite object or tool (and why)? The eraser. It is a tool that helps create by taking away from the work. It promotes chance-taking. It invites the viewer to "fill in the blank."

Anything else we should know? You do not need ANY experience to come to this workshop–just artistic enthusiasm!

Sign up for Plug-n-Play: Video Game Graphics today!