I became interested in games design because of the developments behind the processes of concept art and how creative ideas thrive between students and teachers throughout my Level 3 Games Design course. Before studying more about games, my hobbies included: drawing, gaming, and scripting. But the course interested me further as it had all my hobbies combined, along with additional activities for me to extend upon my skills and challenge myself. 

The skills I developed within my first year of college combined with determination and commitment will become a benefit for my next stage of learning. For example, I have developed research skills as I am required to conduct research in all projects to frame out the concepts and layout for a game. As well as extending my knowledge and creativity within my research, I have also created blogs on my website about my actions, developments and progress. This enables me to reflect upon my creative journey and allows others to feedback on my progress. 

As well as my developed research skills, I have also developed coding skills with a free game-making website called Construct 3. Since I started using the website’s own coding mechanics, my coding knowledge and problem-solving have grown stronger and more advanced, especially from the end of my first college year. Before this course, I already held the skill of drawing, but the course taught me other important features of drawing, such as iterative design, the use of semiotics and artistic study. Furthermore, the course helped me to overcome difficult challenges and, instead, see them as opportunities to learn additional features and boost existing skills.   

I have volunteered to help an owner of a small animation club in a primary school that teaches young children about the basics of different types of animation. In the middle of January, 2019, I set myself a new year’s resolution that I draw/sketch every day to improve my drawing skills and this has been reflected within my concept art. Two years before I started college, I created a roleplay on my friend’s Minecraft realm, which consisted of basic in-game coding, numerous story writing, design and world-building. This was fun as it stimulated my brain, with creativity, to think of materials to suit certain themes, and feeling the characters’ emotions as I wrote their dialogue, reactions and actions.  

In addition to this, I have also participated in NCS where we learnt teamwork, networking and volunteering to help the local community. For example, my group volunteered to refurbish a private preschool. After finishing secondary school, I achieved The Yvonne Burgess Prize for Progress Award, because I was judged to have made the most outstanding progress since admission to the school.   

 

Currently, I work as a part-time retail assistant in WHSmith, in Chelmsford. Despite my enthusiasm for art supplies and stationery, and learning more about them at the store, the workplace has taught me communication, practicality, teamwork and conscientiousness, which will help me settle into university life. I have also volunteered to create different posters for a small club, Ideas Hub, in the Chelmsford Library, for its different activities. This has enabled me to use my creativity whilst working towards a client’s brief.  

I have also been given the opportunity to create a PEGI rating 7, educational game for Essex County Council’s, Virtual Crew. We selected a PSHE topic, conducted research, presented our ideas and then produced a game that could be rolled out into local schools.  

After I complete my university course, I will work for the gaming industry as a concept artist and will continue to discover the diverse opportunities within the games design industry.