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Six University of North Georgia (ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ) students were able to test and grow their skills in a virtual reality course this summer with David A. Clifton, lecturer of visual arts.

The concept was a diving bell, with science-fiction and steampunk visuals, where users could put on a virtual reality headset to explore both the chamber and the ocean around the vessel. In addition to crafting the larger environment, students created 400 digital assets that added to the realism of their project.

Bailey Borck, a senior from Statesboro, Georgia, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in visual arts with a focus in digital arts, was in charge of engine assembly through Unreal Engine, a real-time 3D creation tool. Clifton said this was the most labor-intensive portion of the students' work.

"It's been really fun learning a lot of different skills," Borck said. "It helps immensely. This mimics the workflow of real-life projects in game design."

Clifton said the design of his course is intentional in pointing toward the digital art industry.

"This is as close as they're going to get to working in the industry before they join the workforce," Clifton said. "Everyone is given specific tasks they need to do."

Borck was originally interested in 2D illustration, but her experience in 3D at ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ is encouraging her to keep her options open.

Gabriela Patrick, a May 2025 graduate with a B.F.A. in visual arts with a focus in digital arts, came back to ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ to take the virtual reality course over the summer.

"It's great for my portfolio. I was able to learn a lot more before I go out into the workforce," Patrick said. "It was good for using all the things I learned from previous classes and implementing it practically. It really helped prepare me to be part of a team in a work environment."

Thanks to the skills Clifton helped her learn, Patrick is approaching her next steps with confidence.

"I should have no problem finding a job," Patrick said.

Clifton said the virtual reality course allowed students to apply their wide range of learning in the B.F.A. program. He noted that students learn about a dozen software platforms while they are in the program and are able to focus on specific areas as they approach graduation. Thanks to their determination, Clifton sees a bright future for his students.

"This is a type of art that's very employable because of how hard it is," Clifton said. "The market embraces these students."