Master of Science
Digital Imaging and Design
New York University
Bachelor of Fine Art
Industrial Design
Carnegie Mellon University
Drew Snyder oversees the Visual Arts department's Game Development program. He's been teaching people how to make video games since 2000.
Like many AACC grads, it took Snyder more than four years to complete his undergraduate education. Originally interested in studying the relationship between brain chemistry and psychology, Snyder took his first art class on a whim. He got hooked and took a year off from college to study classical drawing and painting at a private art studio. The next year he transferred to a design school, and graduated two years later with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in product design.
The summer before his last year in college, he landed an internship at a construction toy company. Following graduation Snyder worked several years as a designer and consultant for a variety of construction toy companies both in the United States and abroad.
Snyder taught his first college class at Lehigh University in his hometown of Bethlehem, Pa. During his time at Lehigh he created a range of design degrees and courses, including his first game development course.
In 2006 Synder relocated to Maryland, and he has been teaching at AACC ever since. When he first arrived he taught 3D computer graphics and foundation design courses, and over several years expanded the game development program that the college has today.
Snyder lives with his wife, son and two cats in Silver Spring. He is a certified weed warrior for Montgomery County, and volunteers to remove nonnative, invasive plants in an effort to help protect and preserve the natural spaces and animal habitats in the region.
