UNIT 11
Show Reel
This is a showreel that showcases the highlights of the work I have done over the two years I have been studying level 3 UAL Animation and Games Design.
UCAS
At the beginning of the year two course, I was not very keen on going to university. I was at a point whether I could not decide if I wanted to go or not. The entire class then had gone on a trip to the UCAS fair and there were interesting people there to talk about their courses and their university. Going to the UCAS fair made me interested in going, after all, I then looked into universities, I've looked at were Hertfordshire, Escape Studios. Escape Studios was a different type of university which focuses more on getting you more studio ready and gives the experience like you are in the industry. They particular got my interest with the way they approach things. I have received a conditional offer from Escape Studios after I have gone to their Interview, which was a great experience.
The interview was a group activity, where I and another 4 people had to show our work to the lecturer and then we did another activity. Escape Studios environment is also very professional as well as having teachers who have worked in the industry.
I have received a position to study at Escape Studios if I get an overall pass in my current course. I have chosen to study The Art of Animation but I could not decide between VFX as well; They also give you the options change later.
Personal Statment
Being able to take a concept and developing it to look real is fascinating for me and VFX and
3D animation is how I can bring my ideas to life. In 3D Animation and VFX, the possibilities
are endless, whilst creating a truly believable and entertaining experience for the viewer.I
believe this course will allow me to develop my current skills and knowledge necessary to
develop my character animation and compositing further as well as stretching and challenging
my creative ability.
I've learnt that the smallest detail can have a substantial impact on one's work and the
development should be a journey. Through my previous Level 3 course, I have developed a varied
skill set and understanding of multiple design tools. In one project I created a stylised
architectural visualisation of an abandoned house combining multiple techniques. It layered 2D
rotoscoped animation within a rendered Maya environment I have used Crazy Bump to create
normal, displacement and ambient occlusion maps for texturing and After Effects for editing &
colour grading, Mudbox to model the main characters within in the scene. I personally was very
content with how the end result turned out and exploring different techniques and software to
achieve the result I wanted from the beginning to end.
I find learning new software and different techniques enjoyable. Outside of college, I create
concept art, model in MAYA and explore new software. For example, I am using substance painter
for hard surface texturing my models as well as experimenting with substance designer, a
node-based texture editor where I can merge and blend compete for texture sets. I enjoy
experimenting with motion graphics using the MASH editor in Maya. Also, I have explored
Bifrost for water simulations and smoke. My most recent (and most enjoyable to date) was a rig
I created using Set Driven Keys for transform animations and Mel scripts to make a fully
working rig and can be animated. This is an area I look forward to developing further as well
as character animation.
I recently visited Bluegfx 2016 exhibition, keeping up to date with developments in the
industry such as the new features within Maya but also offered an invaluable opportunity to
meet and talk with key professionals whilst also trying out the latest developments in
technology.
In 2016 I won the Jack Petchey Award for being dedicated and being an outstanding achiever.
Coming from a difficult upbringing this award has helped me to keep believing in myself and
help me even be more determined to be the best I can be. Working in retail as a sales
assistant gave me the opportunity to further develop my communication and problem-solving
skills being up front with customers and working with members of staff. My time working in
retail has shown me that working apart of a team in the work environment is a key essential.
Having successfully discovered my goals and completed my course of choice, coupled with my
determination and drive. I hope to become a character animator and complex rigger within an
industry that is constantly evolving and developed a wide varied skill set.
Dream Job
After university, I think that I will clearly know where I would want to go and do as my dream job. I enjoy creating an environment as well as rigging in animation, or I'll become a VFX artist, working in the major studios and being able to composite real life into a digital world.
As an artist, I enjoy doing a little of everything from concept art, 3D modelling, lighting and texturing, Most of these skills go hand in hand. VFX, games and animation have a very broad number of jobs in the industry.