Games art at wcuc

19

Original post

by momotori_xx

I’m interested in studying games art degree at wcuc ( Warwickshire college and university centre) which is based in leamington spa. I just want to know if anyone went there and studied games art or animation there and what was your portfolio like?

Hey there! I'm not familiar with WCUC, but I am a Game Art graduate. I'm happy to chat about portfolios and university options etc.
What's making you lean towards WCUC right now? Are you currently doing A-levels, or a different qualification?

Reply 2

OP

7

I’m thinking of studying foundational studies in art and design - ual (level 3/4). Would this qualification help me get on games art degree ?

Reply 3

19

Original post

by momotori_xx

I’m thinking of studying foundational studies in art and design - ual (level 3/4). Would this qualification help me get on games art degree ?

Ah is this the UAL Foundation art diploma? Yeah absolutely! I knew plenty of people on my course who had come from studying on this or similar courses. Because it's a little more freeform than studying art at A-level, you get to do a lot of exploratory work, polish your portfolio, and get some good practice in for uni on self-motivating and managing your time. I think it can be a great transitional step for a lot of people.

Have you been to visit WCUC? I looked at their page and they don't seem to have any examples of their students' or recent graduates' work, which is a shame. I always think universities should show you a portfolio (like you do to them!) so you can see the quality of the work their students are producing. After all, you're paying them to learn the skills! Sometimes Universities show their work on open days though, even if it's not available online. I went to DMU in Leicester which isn't too far from Warwickshire. They have some great industry links and lots of quality resources. Maybe worth looking into?

Reply 4

OP

7

Yes the UAL Foundation art diploma! I’m interested in the wcuc games art degree because it’s a screenskills recognised course. Tbh, I like the idea of studying games art because you get expert advice on 3D art, rigging etc. And , according to screenskills you can apply the skills to other art related fields like animation. It’s just I’m concerned whether I would have enough art skills to get a job in games art. Have you worked as a game artist?

Reply 5

19

Original post

by momotori_xx

Yes the UAL Foundation art diploma! I’m interested in the wcuc games art degree because it’s a screenskills recognised course. Tbh, I like the idea of studying games art because you get expert advice on 3D art, rigging etc. And , according to screenskills you can apply the skills to other art related fields like animation. It’s just I’m concerned whether I would have enough art skills to get a job in games art. Have you worked as a game artist?

Yeah, my course was also Screenskills approved. I recommend looking at TIGA accredited courses too, as they are more specifically vetting courses that are providing modern games industry skills. I can also recommend looking at Linkedin at your favourite UK studios and tabbing to People > Where they studied to see where they went to University. It might help with adding to your shortlist!

I work in the games industry in a AAA company in an art-adjascent role. I work with environment artists everyday, but my role is more niche :smile:

In general - the more targeted your skills are (i.e. becoming a specialist at realistic environments, or vehicles, or lighting, or something like that) - the better that translates to roles in major studios and AAA development. The more generalist you are, the better that translates to making your own games independently, freelance and indie games development.

Considerations for AAA - highly competitive, low number of entry-level roles, often leads to more "secure" roles & steady income, often have good workplace benefits, often requires relocation, crunch expectations

Considerations for Indie/Freelance - lower barrier for entry, financial instability, only a few number of people "make it", more freedom in the work you do

Reply 6

OP

7

Thank you for your advice. It’s a goal of mine to work in the gaming industry, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to study games arts at uni. I’ve been reading around and it seems to be that it’s your portfolio that’s more important than having a degree in games art. Therefore, what would you recommend to include in a portfolio when applying for a games artist job or a similar role ? I’m willing to learn art in my free time to achieve my goal!

Reply 7

19

Original post

by momotori_xx

Thank you for your advice. It’s a goal of mine to work in the gaming industry, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to study games arts at uni. I’ve been reading around and it seems to be that it’s your portfolio that’s more important than having a degree in games art. Therefore, what would you recommend to include in a portfolio when applying for a games artist job or a similar role ? I’m willing to learn art in my free time to achieve my goal!

It's absolutely true that you don't need to have a degree, although there are cases it can be useful (i.e. to obtain a visa to work abroad, occaisionally in some of the more corporate/major studios/roles it may be useful when applying for promotions, and sometimes some internship and graduate roles are exclusive to those that have graduated from university).

It can sometimes be difficult to discern good quality resources from poor quality/old/outdated ones. I'd spend a lot of time reading reviews of courses/video tutorials etc that you do and where possible, follow the guidance and resources made by/recommended by people who are currently working in games.

Some software licenses can be expensive out of pocket when you don't have access to student licensing. I suggest starting with Blender for 3D modelling and scultping, Marmoset for some texturing features and presentation, Unreal Engine for game engine work. Texturing alternatives for substance painter/designer are harder to come by, but you can get a one-time purchase version on Steam for ~£160 (pretty good, compared to the monthly subscription hell of Photoshop and similar).

Escape studios also do short courses/evening classes for a set period with a set fee, if that's achievable for you (covering a variety of skill bases and topics) https://www.escapestudios.ac.uk/course-finder/?refinementList%5Btype%5D%5B0%5D=3&page=1

Portfolio should ideally have between 3-5 pieces of polished game-ready (so optimised for run-time) scenes/models, with appropriate breakdowns showing your work. I.e. texture breakdowns, wireframes, high-poly sculpts (if applicable), references and credits to any tutorials or resources used. If applying to a specific role in a studio try and taylor it to the role (i.e. don't include characters in an application to an environment art role). Make use of Artstation and it's tools, resources, and huge amounts of inspiration.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 8