Ben Cammarano
About Ben Cammarano
Ben Cammarano serves as the Studio Creative Director at Wizards of the Coast, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles at Microsoft Studios, including Senior Director and Creative Director at 343 Industries. He holds a BFA in Fine Arts and Computer Animation from Allegheny College and has a strong background in arts and design, particularly in user experience and interface design.
Current Role at Wizards of the Coast
Ben Cammarano serves as the Studio Creative Director at Wizards of the Coast, a position he has held since 2017. In this role, he oversees creative direction for various projects, contributing to the development of games and related content. His leadership is instrumental in shaping the studio's artistic vision and ensuring alignment with the company's objectives.
Previous Experience at Microsoft Studios
Cammarano has extensive experience at Microsoft Studios, where he held several key positions. He served as Senior Director from 2009 to 2014, and prior to that, he was the Director of Art for one year in 2008. Additionally, he worked as Senior Creative Director at 343 Industries from 2014 to 2017, and held various roles including Senior Art Director and Technical Art Lead from 1998 to 2003. His tenure at Microsoft Studios spanned over a decade, providing him with a deep understanding of game development.
Art and Design Background
Cammarano has a solid educational foundation in arts and design. He studied Fine Arts and Computer Animation at Allegheny College, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree from 1988 to 1992. His expertise encompasses user experience and user interface design, which complements his skills in console game design and computer animation.
Early Career and Teaching Experience
Before his extensive work in the gaming industry, Cammarano held various roles that contributed to his skill set. He worked as a Maya Instructor at Edmonds Community College for five months in 2004 and served as Project Lead/3D Artist at Manhattan Center Studios from 1994 to 1997. His early career included positions at Microsoft Game Studios, where he developed foundational skills in technical art and animation.
Industry Expertise
Cammarano possesses a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment industry, with a focus on game design and art direction. His experience spans multiple roles and companies, including Electronic Arts, Inc. (Tiburon) and various positions at Microsoft Game Studios. This diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the creative processes involved in game development.