[alchemyheart]

Hey. ^^

I'm going to be studying Games Concept Design (Stafford campus) this year, and I was wondering if anyone else is~? Thought it'd be nice to get to know some people beforehand. :3
I did have a look back at some of the previous threads but couldn't see anyone mentioning it.

If anyone's already studying Games Concepts and can give me some advice/information about the course and stuff, that'd be awesome. ^_^

Thanks!

[LizMrg]

Ok, right, I'm not doing Games Concept Design, but I will be doing Graphic Design at Stafford...but it's just nice to see another girl going to Stafford (it seems Stafford campus is really mainly male populated haha) and also doing a creative course. So yeah, hello!

[alchemyheart]

(Original post by LizMrg)
Ok, right, I'm not doing Games Concept Design, but I will be doing Graphic Design at Stafford...but it's just nice to see another girl going to Stafford (it seems Stafford campus is really mainly male populated haha) and also doing a creative course. So yeah, hello!

Hello! ^^ Ahh cool I'm interested in graphic design myself so, maybe I'll see you around!
And yup, I've heard of the lack of girls... xD Makes me a bit nervous (I'm not used to male company)! But I look forwards to meeting lots of new people. And it's nice to meet you! :3

[LizMrg]

I've always usually been surrounded by boys due to the sort of subjects I took at school and college...I kinda want to be around more girls! D: I'm getting bored with ladish behaviour now haha. Will you be staying at uni, like in halls or something? Or are you staying at home? Nice to meet you too

[mistermojo]

(Original post by alchemyheart)
Hey. ^^

I'm going to be studying Games Concept Design (Stafford campus) this year, and I was wondering if anyone else is~? Thought it'd be nice to get to know some people beforehand. :3
I did have a look back at some of the previous threads but couldn't see anyone mentioning it.

If anyone's already studying Games Concepts and can give me some advice/information about the course and stuff, that'd be awesome. ^_^

Thanks!

I'm just about to go into my final year of Games Concepts what kind of stuff did you want to know about?

[alchemyheart]

(Original post by LizMrg)
I've always usually been surrounded by boys due to the sort of subjects I took at school and college...I kinda want to be around more girls! D: I'm getting bored with ladish behaviour now haha. Will you be staying at uni, like in halls or something? Or are you staying at home? Nice to meet you too

Ahh ^^ I see! I'm just too shy really, but I'm more confident than I ever have been, so hopefully I'll be better when I'm at uni ahah!
I'm staying in the halls ~ I don't live too far away from Stafford, only half an hour away, but I really want the experience of being independent and stuff. Really looking forwards to it

(Original post by mistermojo)
I'm just about to go into my final year of Games Concepts what kind of stuff did you want to know about?

Awesome, hello! Uhmmm ~ ^^ Are you enjoying it? Have you found it hard...? And do you feel you've improved your art skills throughout? I think the course is going to change to be more about art, from what I've heard - is that right? Sorry for all the questions xD

[mistermojo]

(Original post by alchemyheart)
Awesome, hello! Uhmmm ~ ^^ Are you enjoying it? Have you found it hard...? And do you feel you've improved your art skills throughout? I think the course is going to change to be more about art, from what I've heard - is that right? Sorry for all the questions xD

Hey I'm not sure how much of this will be relevant as they didn't run the course last year, so like you say it might be changing quite alot It's a great course and I am enjoying it, it's alot of work though and second year was pretty stressful, not trying to put you off or anything The course isn't as focused on art as I thought it would be be (especially first year). There is a fair amount of 3D modelling on the course so it's good job I quite like 3D (and it's an important skill to have!). We've also covered things like 2D texturing for games, matte painting for films and vehicle design so it's not as specialised as you'd think. Here's the modules I've done so far to give you an idea:

Spoiler:

Show

2D Games Texturing
3D Body Modelling
3D Facial Modelling
Architecture for Concept Design
Aviation Concept Design
Comparative Physiology for Animatronics
Computer Games Design 2A - High Concept and Pre-production
Concept Design 1A - Life Drawing
Concept Design 1B - Game Character Concepts
Concept Design 2 - Digital Painting for Game Concept Environments
Games Engines & Physics 1A
Geometry and Dynamic Character Design
Introduction to 3D Modelling for Games 1A
Introduction to 3D Modelling for Games 1B
Vehicle Concepts Design

Almost all of the modules require drawing to come up with initial concepts, it's more about using those concepts to produce something solid rather than just drawing for the sake of it.

I would definitely say I'm a better artist than I was 2 years ago, I think first year was a little slow in this regard but this last second year has forced me to improve as a digital artist which is something I'd never tried before I'll send you a link to my DeviantArt profile if you like as there's alot of uni work on there, to give you an idea of the kind of work we're doing.

Hopefully that was helpful, sorry if I rambled a bit if you have any other questions just drop me a PM

[alchemyheart]

(Original post by mistermojo)
Hey I'm not sure how much of this will be relevant as they didn't run the course last year, so like you say it might be changing quite alot It's a great course and I am enjoying it, it's alot of work though and second year was pretty stressful, not trying to put you off or anything The course isn't as focused on art as I thought it would be be (especially first year). There is a fair amount of 3D modelling on the course so it's good job I quite like 3D (and it's an important skill to have!). We've also covered things like 2D texturing for games, matte painting for films and vehicle design so it's not as specialised as you'd think. Here's the modules I've done so far to give you an idea:

Spoiler:

Show

2D Games Texturing
3D Body Modelling
3D Facial Modelling
Architecture for Concept Design
Aviation Concept Design
Comparative Physiology for Animatronics
Computer Games Design 2A - High Concept and Pre-production
Concept Design 1A - Life Drawing
Concept Design 1B - Game Character Concepts
Concept Design 2 - Digital Painting for Game Concept Environments
Games Engines & Physics 1A
Geometry and Dynamic Character Design
Introduction to 3D Modelling for Games 1A
Introduction to 3D Modelling for Games 1B
Vehicle Concepts Design

Almost all of the modules require drawing to come up with initial concepts, it's more about using those concepts to produce something solid rather than just drawing for the sake of it.

I would definitely say I'm a better artist than I was 2 years ago, I think first year was a little slow in this regard but this last second year has forced me to improve as a digital artist which is something I'd never tried before I'll send you a link to my DeviantArt profile if you like as there's alot of uni work on there, to give you an idea of the kind of work we're doing.

Hopefully that was helpful, sorry if I rambled a bit if you have any other questions just drop me a PM

Hey, thanks for your reply. ^^ I didn't know that they didn't run the course last year! I think they are making it more about art though, from what I remember from the open day. xD

I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it the amount of work doesn't put me off - I don't mind doing hard work, and I expect it from uni anyway! xD
Hmm, even if it isn't about art as much, I don't mind really - improving my art skills is still something that I can do in my own time, if not at uni. ^^
I'm aware that 3D modelling is included in the course - it's something I've never really looked into, but am looking forwards to it! I'm a bit of a computer nerd so I enjoy using new programs and what-not. Do you use Photoshop much? I use it a lot with my digital artwork. ^^ I also have a graphics tablet.

The modules all look interesting! Looking forwards to doing game character concepts, not so much the vehicles and stuff but hey - will still be interesting to do!
I'm happy to hear that ^^ it sounds really good! Definitely looking forwards to doing the course.

Awesome! I'm really looking forwards to improving my skills, I've just completed a two year Art & Design course at college and really want to improve even more xD Thank you for sending me a link - I enjoyed looking at your work!

Your reply has been very helpful, thank you. ^^ I'll keep that in mind!

[mistermojo]

(Original post by alchemyheart)
Hey, thanks for your reply. ^^ I didn't know that they didn't run the course last year! I think they are making it more about art though, from what I remember from the open day. xD

I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it the amount of work doesn't put me off - I don't mind doing hard work, and I expect it from uni anyway! xD
Hmm, even if it isn't about art as much, I don't mind really - improving my art skills is still something that I can do in my own time, if not at uni. ^^
I'm aware that 3D modelling is included in the course - it's something I've never really looked into, but am looking forwards to it! I'm a bit of a computer nerd so I enjoy using new programs and what-not. Do you use Photoshop much? I use it a lot with my digital artwork. ^^ I also have a graphics tablet.

The modules all look interesting! Looking forwards to doing game character concepts, not so much the vehicles and stuff but hey - will still be interesting to do!
I'm happy to hear that ^^ it sounds really good! Definitely looking forwards to doing the course.

Awesome! I'm really looking forwards to improving my skills, I've just completed a two year Art & Design course at college and really want to improve even more xD Thank you for sending me a link - I enjoyed looking at your work!

Your reply has been very helpful, thank you. ^^ I'll keep that in mind!

No worries yeah I'm not sure why, we were told it was something to do with lack of teaching but I think it needed sorting out module-wise.

There isn't alot of contact time for me, 95% of the work you do will be at home and you're expected to do a certain amount outside of class for each module (think it's 6-10 hours, not sure) first year is fairly easy-going though so nothing to worry about I imagine the the focus will be on art for you if it's changed, even for me some people who weren't expecting any art at all were a bit surprised it's an important part of the course now for me, I think first year is just more of a general introduction to it :3

Haha, me too Photoshop is probably the one program we use the most, along with 3DS Max for the 3D side of things. Later on you'll use ZBrush for digital sculpting which is alot of fun You'll definitely need the graphics tablet, I used mostly pen and paper to start with but once I bought my first tablet I never looked back really!

I find my enjoyment of the module is more down to who teaches it than anything else there are some really good lecturers down there (Ian Naylor, Greg P and Oli Walker have always been really helpful for me) I think you'll get alot out of all the modules but some are definitely better than others

Ahh awesome, I did Art and Design at college too (along with my a-levels so it was a btec national certificate I think?) it'll defintely help. There are a wide range of artistic abilities on the course, some really fantastic artists here which I guess gives me alot of motivation to improve!

No worries, I'm glad you enjoyed it, I have alot to improve on though I'm happy I was at least a little bit helpful, and I'm sure you'll have a great time

[alchemyheart]

(Original post by mistermojo)
No worries yeah I'm not sure why, we were told it was something to do with lack of teaching but I think it needed sorting out module-wise.

There isn't alot of contact time for me, 95% of the work you do will be at home and you're expected to do a certain amount outside of class for each module (think it's 6-10 hours, not sure) first year is fairly easy-going though so nothing to worry about I imagine the the focus will be on art for you if it's changed, even for me some people who weren't expecting any art at all were a bit surprised it's an important part of the course now for me, I think first year is just more of a general introduction to it :3

Haha, me too Photoshop is probably the one program we use the most, along with 3DS Max for the 3D side of things. Later on you'll use ZBrush for digital sculpting which is alot of fun You'll definitely need the graphics tablet, I used mostly pen and paper to start with but once I bought my first tablet I never looked back really!

I find my enjoyment of the module is more down to who teaches it than anything else there are some really good lecturers down there (Ian Naylor, Greg P and Oli Walker have always been really helpful for me) I think you'll get alot out of all the modules but some are definitely better than others

Ahh awesome, I did Art and Design at college too (along with my a-levels so it was a btec national certificate I think?) it'll defintely help. There are a wide range of artistic abilities on the course, some really fantastic artists here which I guess gives me alot of motivation to improve!

No worries, I'm glad you enjoyed it, I have alot to improve on though I'm happy I was at least a little bit helpful, and I'm sure you'll have a great time

^^ ! Ahh, that might be the reason they've changed it this year then ~

Ooh. Sounds like a LOT >_<! But I'm still expecting it and am prepared, this is uni after all! I'm glad to hear that ~
I do hope it's more about art. xD I'm more of an art person than anything else. But I'm still looking forwards to learning 3D and stuff too!

Ahh awesome, I'm so glad to hear that! xD I use Photoshop a LOT. I've never used 3DS Max before but I've heard of it. ^^ I'm tempted to take a look at it but I don't want to be sitting bored in my lectures at Uni I guess. xD
Awesome ^^ I'll make sure to bring my tablet along then ~

I think I've met some of the lecturers already and they seem really nice - it's great to hear from someone else though about them! ^^ I think it really helps if the people teaching you are nice.

Cool! I did a Extended Diploma in Art & Design. I think I did a BTEC too. xD
That's great to hear ^^ !

Ahh well good luck! Your work is already awesome so I look forwards to seeing how you improve I aim on improving too! You were very helpful. ^^ Thankyou ~ good luck with the rest of the course and stuff!

[Near]

Hey qurl. We'll probably be sharing some classes. I'm doing Game Design o 3o)/

[Veralis]

Hey, I'll be doing a Games Design top-up this year. On the modelling side of things rather than the programming.

I can't give you specific advice since I'm not an amazing artist myself, but i can say that you should use all of the resources available to you. Ask the lecturers for advice, ask other students and do a lot of studying. I believe the library has a lot of resources available, I also asked on the firmer's visit/open day and they said they have a lot of videos and such as well on the computers. Which is to be expected i suppose.

Not sure if I'll ever see you in classes, i understand a lot of the work is interlinked. But how much that extends into the different areas of discipline within the University course is something i didn't look much into. Anyway, I'm sure I'll see you around campus because it's not that big anyway!

[mistermojo]

(Original post by alchemyheart)
^^ ! Ahh, that might be the reason they've changed it this year then ~

Ooh. Sounds like a LOT >_<! But I'm still expecting it and am prepared, this is uni after all! I'm glad to hear that ~
I do hope it's more about art. xD I'm more of an art person than anything else. But I'm still looking forwards to learning 3D and stuff too!

Ahh awesome, I'm so glad to hear that! xD I use Photoshop a LOT. I've never used 3DS Max before but I've heard of it. ^^ I'm tempted to take a look at it but I don't want to be sitting bored in my lectures at Uni I guess. xD
Awesome ^^ I'll make sure to bring my tablet along then ~

I think I've met some of the lecturers already and they seem really nice - it's great to hear from someone else though about them! ^^ I think it really helps if the people teaching you are nice.

Cool! I did a Extended Diploma in Art & Design. I think I did a BTEC too. xD
That's great to hear ^^ !

Ahh well good luck! Your work is already awesome so I look forwards to seeing how you improve I aim on improving too! You were very helpful. ^^ Thankyou ~ good luck with the rest of the course and stuff!

Yeah it's a bit ridiculous, I'm not sure anyone actually does that much work though I'm sure you'll enjoy it, I think even a bit of 3D knowledge will help you out after uni and I know what you mean, art is the best bit for me!

Yeah, photoshop is pretty much vital to Game Concepts so that knowledge will definitely come in handy You're one step ahead of me then, I'd never even heard of it before uni, it's quite easy to pick up but difficult to master. The lecturers are really helpful and really know their stuff.

That's awesome ^^ Half of my btec was fashion-related though which I detested.

Well thanks so much I know it sounds stupid but that does mean alot cos nobody really looks at my dA stuff...do you happen to have a dA account? I like cheching out other people's work :3 there is a Staffordshire Uni group but it's never updated or anything really.

I'm glad I was helpful Good luck to you too! You'll have a great time here

[Deadlights12]

Hi there, i also did a foundation year in Art+ design/media, and also applied to the same course but accepted a place on games technical art instead, which is more 3d orientated, so i might see you around on overlapping lectures starting in sept stafford court

[SamFreshy]

Iam studying Games Concept Design this september! gonna be soo much fun, really looking forward to meeting some new people ^ __ ^

[JackKilyan]

Is this course related at all to the VFX: Visual Effects and Concept Design course thats run at the Stoke campus? I'm going to be on that course in September and it sounds suppperrrrrr similar! Anyone know what the difference is?

[Magichild]

I'm starting this course come September, and I'm a girl too. But I was wondering what kind of books I'm going to need on this course. I'm getting excited at all the things on amazon I can learn from - I really want to buy the book soon.