Game Studio

Connor DeKenipp

Why do you want to be a tutor?

I’ve always sat in the labs doing work and seeing the passions both myself and others work on and being able to help someone work towards that big goal of theirs or even just a small milestone brings me joy.

Advice to Champlain Student?

Don’t be stuck to your computer 24/7, a key part to being able to create life means you must also have one of your own.

Fun Fact

I’m huge into reading and collecting comics.

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Keegan Nilsson

Why do you want to be a tutor?

Because I love what I do and understand how hard it was when I first started.

Advice to Champlain Student?

You get out what you put in.

Fun Fact

I play hockey.

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Liv Santamauro

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Marc Chartier

Why do you want to be a tutor?

Having to rapidly learn so many brand new, unfamiliar concepts and software in the first two years of game art was so jarring and overwhelming for me, and I understand that it feels that way for most game artists. Going into the game art labs and learning from the community of upperclassman was such a massive help in getting my assignments done on time and to a high quality. I loved having an open and welcoming space with other people who also went through the same courses and struggle. I really hope to provide a similar experience for the current underclassman who are going through what I went through. I also understand that most underclassman in the past couple years have been underutilizing the game art lab space and opt to work in different computer labs or at home, and I want to help encourage underclassman to give the gart labs a try.

Advice to Champlain Student?

I think a really great skill to have – especially in game art is to always submit on time. It’s better to submit something that’s unfinished or something you’re not particularly proud of instead of spending another week on it.

Fun Fact

I have been a barista for 5 years!

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Brandon Bell

Why do you want to be a tutor?

I’ve learned a lot at Champlain, and I think helping other game art students can help me learn my craft better.

Advice to Champlain Student?

Your project will never be perfect! Focus on the project as a whole, and don’t get caught up in perfecting tiny details. You can learn so much more from doing multiple rougher projects than one totally perfected one!

Fun Fact

I’m a fan of making VFX!

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Ethan Whiton

Biography

Research

Distinctions & Awards

Publications & Abstracts

Why do you want to be a tutor?

So I could offer support to other Game Designers as someone who had switched majors and had little experience coming into the major.

Advice to Champlain Student?

If you feel yourself getting burnt out, take a break! Working through burnout is a surefire way to get less work done at a lower quality.

Fun fact

I worked an internship position overseas in Japan in 2024.

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James Johnson

Why do you want to be a tutor?

I just enjoy helping people! There’s so much information out there, but it only takes a nudge in the right direction to make the whole process easier. I want to pass along what other tutors have done for me!

Advice to Champlain Student?

Be frank, keep it simple, & be honest with yourself. The rest is easy.

Fun fact

Early 2000’s scene was the peak of music culture and no one can change my mind!

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Michael Levy

Why do you want to be a tutor?

I wanted to give back to the Champlain community.

Advice to Champlain Student?

You are more than your work; it is okay to stop and take a break.

Fun fact

I lifeguard at an amusement park over the summer.

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Zax Nathanson

Why do you want to be a tutor?

I want to share my knowledge and learn a new skill.

Advice to Champlain Students?

(Game design specific) Remember your design goal.

Fun Fact

I love underwater photography!

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