CFCC Visual Arts Alumni Find Footing in Digital Creation and Game Design
Parker Spencer and Jordan O’Brien are graduates of Cape Fear Community College’s Visual Arts program . Both artists found their footing in digital creation and game design through hands-on classes, encouraging instructors, and a mix of traditional and digital art exposure.
They recently returned to campus as guest speakers for a Digital Arts Day event hosted by Arts Club Advisor and Instructor Sharon Wozniak-Spencer and Simulation and Game Development Program Director Paul Markert . The event gave current students a chance to hear directly from alumni about their creative paths and how they’re applying what they learned at CFCC in the real world.
Parker’s New Direction
Parker Spencer originally planned to study science. However, he changed his direction after struggling in math-heavy courses like trigonometry. One of Parker’s turning points was a 3D design class with instructor Rick Conn.
“That class was a lightbulb moment for me. We were creating sculptures, and I submitted a piece to the student art show and won first place in sculpture. That helped me realize I might be good at this.”
He earned an Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts at CFCC, then returned to take additional graphic design courses to expand into digital media.
One of those classes, taught by instructor Nicki Bloomer, had a lasting impact.
“She helped push my professional development,” Parker said. “She kept me accountable and challenged me to do better.”
Parker began designing textures and levels for video games using Adobe Photoshop and eventually submitted a level to Valve Software , the company behind Team Fortress 2.
His map, Krampus, was officially added to the game in winter 2023.
“It helped me break into that space. Every time someone buys something related to the level in the game, I get a percentage of the revenue.”
He’s working on new content, including a boss level inspired by Medusa and a shipyard map modeled after the Port of Wilmington.
“I didn’t know what to do for a long time. Now I know.”
Jordan Transfers to CFCC to Explore More Art Options
Jordan O’Brien always knew art was his path.
“In high school, I spent a lot of time drawing and creating characters,” he said. “I realized I could make this a career.”
After starting at another college, he transferred to CFCC for its broader range of art courses.
“CFCC had more classes I was interested in,” Jordan said. “I liked that I could just take different art classes and enjoy them.”
One standout class for him was painting with instructor Deborah Quinn.
“I didn’t have much painting experience, so learning different techniques was cool. We did wax painting with beeswax and silk painting. It was a great class.”
After earning his degree, Jordan returned to CFCC to join the new Simulation and Game Development program . Since then, he’s focused on 3D modeling, animation, and game implementation using Unreal Engine .
“It’s been great to see the whole process from creating a model to rigging it and bringing it to life in a game.”
Outside class, Jordan works freelance on illustrations for children’s books, book covers, and logo design. You can view more of his creative work at jro-art.cc/portfolio .
Traditional Art Skills Translate to Digital Tools
Both Parker and Jordan say their experience at CFCC gave them the tools to grow creatively and professionally.
“Everything you learn, even in traditional classes like painting or sculpture, translates to digital,” Jordan said. “I’d love to be working at an indie studio doing concept art or character design. I want to create the kind of characters that bring games and stories to life.”
Advice for Future Artists
“Keep producing art. Keep learning,” Jordan added. “Because the industry moves fast, and if you’re not evolving, you get left behind.”
“Know your limits, and set expectations for yourself,” Parker said. “Care for yourself, physically and mentally, to keep growing.”
