S. Heard
S. Heard
Class Year
’27
Hometown
Lake Villa, Illinois
Major(s)
Game Development, Studio Art
Minor(s)
Animation
A recipient of multiple scholarships and grants from Carthage, such as the Highest Honors Scholarship, S. Heard ’27 is a double major in game development and studio art. As they work toward their dream career of owning their own gaming development company, S. gains artistic exposure by involving themselves in the art scene at Carthage. Through their classes, collaborative projects, and support from professors and peers, they continue to grow as both a developer and an artist.
Beyond campus, S. finds additional inspiration in the local community. “The city is full of small art galleries and craft stores,” S. says. “You’re never too far away from anything!”
Faculty mentors
“My professors are some of the kindest and most motivating people I’ve ever met. They understand when I fall behind or miss class; at the same time, they inspire me to do the absolute best work I can. I know that I can reach out to any professor, current or past, and they’ll be there to guide, teach, and rekindle my inner spark.”
Favorite class
“My favorite class was Stop Motion Animation, an on-campus J-Term course. Not only did we make incredible art in that class, but I also learned about more early and traditional forms of animation. The best part was the community of artists we built in that room — a group of peers who have seen each other grow and were excited to see what happened next.”
Toughest class
“My most difficult course was Data Structures. It’s a course that makes you dive deeply into the code you write and really understand the fundamentals. While challenging, the class is important to being a proficient programmer and was one of my favorite experiences of my sophomore year.”
Internships or campus employment
“I am a tutor for computer science through the Peer Tutoring Center. I am in love with being a tutor because I get to guide others to success, all while keeping my own skills sharp and developing professional practices in my field.”
Career goal
“I want to make video games for a living. While I’d love to start my own development studio, I’m especially curious about game art and 3D modeling, which my animation minor has helped me explore.”
Favorite spot on campus
“I love the H.F. Johnson Center for the Fine Arts. I’ve made so many fantastic memories and friends in the rooms there, and I can’t wait to make even more!”
Favorite memory
“Every course I’ve had with Professor Joshua McGowan has been a pleasure. He is a brilliant artist, and working with him in animation has introduced me to so many new concepts and areas to explore. Every animation course I’ve taken at Carthage has pushed me as an artist and inspired some of my favorite works.”
Best study tip
“I highly recommend using the Writing Center and the Office of Peer Tutoring!”
Best tip for making friends
“I’ve made most of my friends in my art classes. Don’t be afraid to talk to your classmates!”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“I have a feeling that an 8-year-old me would stop and say, ‘Wait, that’s a job?’ and wouldn’t be able to hold back their excitement when I told them all about it. My career in games and art means I can satisfy that childhood passion I’ve always had: the need to tell stories and invent.”