Personal statement & CV P3/M3

This is my personal statement which I used for my application on UCAS for higher education.

From a young age, art has been something that has interested me. As I got older, I developed a love for games, how they work and how they are created. I have an enthusiasm for level design, asset creation and games as a whole. I want to learn how to create them as I enjoy playing them, so hopefully I can create something that others will enjoy. I have the motivation to succeed and gain a career as a games designer to create triple-A games.

I have an interest in Xbox and PC games, motorsport and skateboarding. I enjoy being outside as I use to ride motocross and skate which required focus and determination to improve and continue with a positive learning curve. I also spend time playing games and whilst playing, I enjoy examining the details game developers go to, to make every piece perfect. In games, I think that the small details can make the game much better and seem more refined.

The gaming industry is something that is constantly improving. The quality is ever increasing and the boundaries are being pushed on consoles and PC’s. This is something that fascinates me, how game developers can create realism. Gaming is huge and I want to learn and be a part of the development of the gaming industry. I feel that gaming is something big, something that can only grow because games have been around for many years and it will continue to develop into somewhat much greater than what it is now.

Studying Interactive media and game arts, I have realised that I want to make a career as a games designer. I have gained skills in Photoshop, Flash, 3Ds Max, After effects and UDK. These programs are necessary for understanding the creation of a game and I have knowledge in these to competently. I have also been developing my hand drawing skills and taking them onto the computer and improving my digital drawing skills as well. My 3Ds Max skills are getting stronger, I understand the interface and how to work with the different shapes to create something interesting. My Photoshop skills are good enough to create materials and graphics for posters. Adobe Flash is something I have worked with for two years and have created a variety of animations and a couple of games. Although my scripting skills are not the strongest, I can create games and animations to a high standard with good graphics.

UDK is something that is new to me through a tutorial and I know that understanding how use this program is a key program for this course, as well as 3Ds Max and Photoshop. I understand the level of work that is required and I am willing to put in the time and effort to push myself to experiment and learn.

I enjoy working with 3D programs; I get satisfaction from creating new models, understanding materials and learning how to make new models through experimentation. I enjoy the idea of creating landscape, buildings and vehicles. Out of this course I want to be able to produce vehicles and landscapes at a high quality. My ambition would be to work at Codemasters or Turn 10 because they are well known for creating high quality racing games, I have a love for motor racing and I want to create something I have a love for, because if you enjoy something and you can do something for others who share the same passion, then that can only be a good thing. I feel I am suitable for this course because I want to succeed, I have competent knowledge with programs and I’m still learning. I enjoy creating assets, working with materials and lighting within 3Ds Max.

To ensure I am not on the back foot, I have been experimenting with UDK and 3Ds Max, completing tutorials to further developing my skills so I can understand them better, giving me a greater chance of creating work at a high standard.

I have taken my own time to help promote the college, gain more students for my current course by talking to potential students, explaining what we do and how it is done. We attracted their attention by setting up a game for them to play and win. By putting this on, I was able to develop presentation skills. I have also been involved with the design and development of the new Plymouth skate park by attending meetings, suggesting ideas and working as a team.

CV

I looked at creative CV's and how I could make one for myself. I create a basic CV for myself as I do not have a CV created to apply for jobs. This is the first CV I have created and it is something I will develop and add to, to ensure I can gain a job and potentially a career.

CV

Matteo Sardu

2 B park road

Plymouth

PL3 4QH

Num: 07*********

E-mail: msardu95@gmail.com

I am a hard worker who can work well individually and as part of a team. I have been in education at the Plymouth art college for three years now, I have completed a level 2 art and design course and I’m currently studying the interactive media and game arts course. I am going to be continuing my studies for a further three years at the Plymouth art college. I am able to work within a time zone to complete the give tasks efficiently and effectively.

Education

Plymouth College of Art

2011 – 2012 BTEC level 2 art and design – Pass, 5 C GCSE

2012 – 2014 Level 3 interactive media and game arts – TBC

Employment

Paramount 21 frozen food factory – line work, team skills

Skills

I have strong Photoshop skills where I can create clean professional work, my Flash professional skills allow me to create animations and games which can be played on androids, in after effects, I am able to create game trailers and small animations. My 3Ds max skills enable me to create many different assets and add materials. Although I have basic UDK skills, I can create buildings and add lighting to the creation. I am able to work as a team to complete a given task as well as individually. 

Business card

I chose these two business cards because I feel that these are very creative, especially the photographers lens. I think have the business card as a lens is clever because it is instantly recognisable. The graphic design business card has a really clean layout and the colours of the business card make it stand out. 

Here is my business card. I wanted to create a simple design the was clear and easy to read. I have a small design and logo at the side of the card with details down the centre. I didn't want it to be messy or have a design covering the whole card.

Portfolio

Here, I have created an .epub file for my portfolio. This can be viewed on Ipads, androids and other tablets. I created this with an app on the Ipad.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/caf6djw9n1u794a/Matteo%20portfolio.epub

I created a word press portfolio because I wanted a more accessible portfolio for if and when I have an interview for education or for a job. I feel that creating a portfolio on wordpress is a better location to have it compared to an Ebook because it is easier to access and it is clearer.
http://matteosardu.wordpress.com/

Plans for units

Lists of work that needs to be completed or uploaded to the blog

After completing this list, I have taken screen shots of the presentation I gave with Lewis and Bradley. I have created my business card and created a CV

everything on this list has been photographed and uploaded.

I have completed every thing that I ahve put on this list and ready for the deadline.

Contextual Influences UNIT 5

752 BC – 1461 Length of ancient Rome

752 BC - AD 476 Time of Centurions

About Centurions

The Centurion was an officer in the Ancient Roman army. They were often selected for their skill and bravery in battle. Centurions led their troops from the front lines, leading their men by example. They also sought to display the skill and courage which may have got them their rank in the first place. However, because of their presence on the front lines, they suffered a disproportionate number of causalities in battle when compared to their subordinates.

Each Centurion was put in charge of a centuria, or century containing about 80 men. Being directly responsible for the training and discipline of the legionaries under his command, centurions had a well-deserved reputation for dealing out harsh punishment.

Stand out historical moments – Rome vs Carthage

264 BC - 241 BC 1^st Punic War

218 BC - 201 BC 2nd Punic War
202 BC – Battle of Zama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFT_WzQRetU

149 BC - 146 BC 3rd Punic War

Religious Figures

The Romans worshipped their Gods out of fear. This meant they would participate in festivals, offer sacrifices and offerings.

Mars – God of War

Mercury – The messenger of the Gods

Neptune – God of the Sea

Janus – God of the Doorway

Diana – Goddess of Hunting

Vesta – Goddess of Hearth

Minerva – Goddess of Healing & Wisdom

Venus – Goddess of Love 

Roman Centurion amour

A Roman soldier wore armour made from strips of iron and leather. On his head was a metal helmet. He carried a rectangular shield, curved so it protected his body. The shield was made of wood and leather. He also wore leather sandals which were made to not slip on wet rocks.  

Roman clothing

Tunic

The Roman tunic was worn by citizens and non-citizens. Citizens might wear it under the toga, especially at formal occasions. The length of the garment, the presence or lack of stripes, as well as their width would indicate the wearer's status in Roman society.

Toga

The Roman Toga was an important social representations, denoting power, occupation, and social place of upper class Roman citizens.

Toga virilis – made of undyed wool, this toga was off-white in colour and was the “everyday” toga for an adult male citizen.

Toga praetexta – Also off-white in colour, this toga featured a wide purple border that denoted the wearer was a Senator or some type of Magistrate, such as an aedile or consul Stripes of varying width would have indicated the specific government position.

Toga pulla – this toga was a dark gray or brown garment that was reserved for periods of mourning.

Toga candida – A toga for political candidates, its bright white-dyed colour symbolized the candidate’s purity and honesty.

Toga picta – this special toga was dyed purple (the colour of royalty), and featured elaborate gold embroidery. It was worn by victorious generals during triumphal processions, and later by Emperors for official state events.

Presentation

Group presentation feedback

I had to give feedback on the presentation given by Jordan Ash, Alex Stubbs and Corey Reading. 

the layout of the presentation and depth of the presentation was good and had useful information.

The presentation flowed well but had some pauses.

All spoke clearly, had positive body language and made consistent eye contact.

The idea was clear from the beginning and made sense all the way through, their was a lot of images and had a good idea generation.

I learnt a lot about the history of art from ancient Japan and what they wore, but I would have liked some more background on ancient Japan.

Political influences on art

I looked at comic books and chose captain America because I think it was used to show children in America the Nazi Germany were getting beaten by America.

In this comic book cover, it is showing Captain America punching Hitler and beating Nazi Germany. This was used to keep the spirits of America high during the war.

PPD Year 2 P1/M1

http://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/artadvantage.php?pageID=57&courseID=5&misCourseCode=DFFH1A1314&courseField=course_info#.UjGGk42cd8E

FD Design for games – Plymouth college of art

http://www.futureworks.co.uk/game-design-course.html

BA Hons games design – Lancashire university

http://courses.bournemouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate-degree/games-technology/bsc-hons/550/course_information-course_overview/

Games Technology BSc (Hons) – Bournemouth university

I want to study these courses as I feel that they will give me the best chance to pursue a career in games design. I have skills in 3D modelling, concept art and animation, which I can develop in this higher education course. The courses allow me develop an understanding of gaming technology, learning environments, psychology, project and business planning. I aim to improve my skills in 3D modelling and concept art as I enjoy this and wish to continue this further.

Comments

Task 1 P1/M1

3D ARTIST

 A 3D artist is unique in the combination of the necessary skill and flare needed to make a stunning 3D Rendering or Animation.

The tasks of 3D Artists can be broken down into a few:

Modeling

Texturing

Lighting

Animating

Compositing

Modeling is the creation of 3D Mesh to form shapes. These may be the walls, windows, doors, roofs and solid features of a building as well as smaller things like furniture and decorator items. In fields outside of architecture it could be a character.

Texturing is the application of surfaces to the 3D mesh to simulate real materials. Textures may be made from photographs or can be totally abstract. A finished surface may actually be a combination of many textures that simulate features such as roughness, transparency, reflection, diffusion, specular, illumination, etc.

Lighting is the placing of 3D light sources within a scene to simulate real life. Just like reality there are many different kinds of lights that also have many different features. Complete books have been written on 3D lighting, as have on other parts of a 3D artist's job.

Animating is the addition of movement within a scene. 

Compositing is the blending of real life video or photography with the 3D scene/objects. A movie or finished rendering doesn't need to be all 3D, in fact sometimes it is best if it is only partial.

Here I have looked at what skills a 3D artist requires to be successful. Looking at this, it has given me an idea of what skills I need to know if I want to have a career as a 3D artist. I think this has made me realise that there is a lot of skills required to be successful. I feel that I can develop myself to a high standard to ensure that I can gain a career.

Task 2 P1

WEB DESIGNER

A thriving digital marketing and communications agency seek a talented Senior Web / Digital designer to join their growing team. Above all you'll need to demonstrate bags of creative flair and want to join a growing, thriving design agency that is already well established.

Role: Senior Web / Digital Designer

Location: nr Exeter

Salary: around £25k - £35k p.a. depending upon experience

You will be joining a small team so you will get loads of responsibility, training and a real chance to shine. You'd be working on a variety of digital communication projects for a broad and established client base. This will include Websites and Mobile apps, email marketing, presentations and pitches as well as mobile sites and apps.

We seek solid Dreamweaver, Photoshop / Fireworks, Powerpoint and Flash skills in combination with a strong understanding of current web technologies and standards.

Ideally you will possess a degree in computing, Multimedia or other relevant web graphics design subject (this is not a 'must-have') with an impressive portfolio of similar work (this is required).

Candidates will need to be well organised, extremely personable and able to offer creative solutions. You'll be working to some tight deadlines so the experience of working under pressure and on multiple projects is expected.

Our client can offer challenging design projects and a very friendly team set-up in a great office location.

Send me your CV and Design Portfolio for immediate consideration.

We believe this role is commutable from Exeter, Exmouth, Newton Abbot, Torbay, Torquay, Paignton, Taunton and many areas across the South-West.

prosperIS is a recruitment consultancy specialised in the sourcing of experienced web designers, graphic designers, web developers, web application developers and freelance designers for clients across the South-West.

3D ANIMATOR - Milestone - Games studio

Strong knowledge of 3D animation with 3D Studio Max. Must be a strong team player, have good English command and the desire to work in a young and dynamic environment.

location: Milan

UI ARTISTS

* Fixed Term Contracts may be considered dependent on Project requirements

To do this, we need the freshest, most distinctive graphic design out there.

If you’re the next hottest thing in graphic design or user interface design and you want to work in the coolest industry in the world, Blitz Games Studios wants to talk to you.

Specific requirements for this role:

Essentials:

Menu Flow and Design - Demonstrated interface development with a strong sense of user interface flow and consideration for end-user experience.

2D artwork - The ability to conceptualise and create high quality 2D game art assets using expert skills in industry standard packages such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Graphic Design - Specifically the use and application of numerous artistic and professional disciplines which focus on visual communication and presentation. The use of various methods to design, create and combine symbols, images and/or words to create a visual representation of ideas and messages from the game system. Production disciplines include: -

Layout design

Typographic design and layout

Font selection, design and localisation

Logo and icon design

Colour theory application

Pre-visualisation - The ability to rapidly prototype interface look and flow - primarily using After Effects and supported with industry standard packages such as Flash / Dreamweaver.

TRC Considerations - The ability and wish to both work within and learn the TRC requirements of the 1st party hardware vendors.

Communication - Strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills working within cross-functional teams

Create and iteratively develop game assets from inception to final review on the target hardware within the game engine using appropriate tools (BlitzTech Tools).

Beneficial Qualities

3D Experience - Experience in the use and application of industry 3D packages such as 3DS Max and Maya to created and animate 3d art assets for the user interface.

Simplification - Experience in simplifying complex workflows in menu systems.

Cognitive Ergonomics - Experience with and a wish to develop skills on the fit between human cognitive abilities and limitations of the game interface. Specifically the ability to design easy-to-use interfaces using user and task analysis, information architecture, interface design, heuristic evaluation and usability testing.

Qualifications - Formal user-interface design qualifications in related fields such as information design, information science, cognitive psychology, human-computer interaction and human factors.

Task 3 P1/M1

Origin - Website design - London

Origin is small company that create websites on a high quality. They have created sites for the likes of; Marvel, Nissan, James Bond, DR Who and Indiana Jones. Not only do they create high quality websites, they have also created games for these websites to help make themselves recognised for a variety of abilities. Skills required to work for Origin consist of Photoshop, JavaScript, HTML and Flash animations.  

Codemasters - Games - Birmingham

Codemasters is an award winning game developer and publisher company with a 25 year heritage. Titles they have created are DiRT, DiRT 2, DiRT 3, DiRT Showdown, Grid, Grid 2, Formula 1 2010, 2011 and 2012. They have become known for their racing games and have re-branded themselves as Codemasters racing, this shows how committed they are to the racing game genre. Skills needed to work at Codemasters would be Photoshop and Autodesk 3D studio max. 

Blue fountain media - Website design - New York

Blue fountain media is a huge website design company who have worked for a many big clients. Some of their clients are; P&G, at&t, NASA, NFL, Canon, Walt Disney and Nike. This company has high standards and their work shows what they have achieved and how they have come to work for such well known companies. Skills needed to work at Blue fountain media are Photoshop, JavaScript, HTML.

I have researched into design and game companies, looking at the kills required to achieve a career as a designer or 3D artist. I looked at web design because that has been something that has interested me but it requires HTML skills which I do not have. I have Flash skills but I don't think I have a strong knowledge to enable me to develop myself to become a web designer. I have looked at codemasters who are very high rated for their racing games, predominantly use 3Ds max. I feel that this is something that I would like to do as a career. 

Task 4 P2

Here we had a demo on how to create a simple book file on Indesign.

Task 5 P2

These are different ways to present my work by using actions in Photoshop 

Here are some development shots of an early portfolio layout created on Indesign. this is very simple but I would like to develop my portfolio onto an Ipad/tablet or website.

Task 6 P3/M3

Creative CV 

Here I looked at creative CV's so I can develop my personal CV to look more creative. I think this is good in the creative industry as it shows you can be creative with something as basic as a CV. I feel that creating a CV for normal job should not be creative because I think applying for a job at Tesco's, does not need the time and effort put into a CV. These portfolios have given me an idea on how to create a basic and creative portfolio. This will help me develop my CV as a basic layout and also as a creative CV.

Basic CV