Friday, 25 March 2011

Task 12: Personal review of the first year

So the first year has nearly come to an end, and I got to say it’s been a blast. Just as most people I have had my ups and downs but all in all it was all worth it. I think the actual course is laid out pretty well especially visual design. I have always wanted to improve my knowledge on drawing skills when I started the course I was rusty on drawings, however each week I had tasks to understand the basic concepts on how different things work. For example I did not know that the vanishing and horizon lines would be so helpful, it helped me a lot. Visual design has helped me understand more to just drawing an object.

I have to say 3D work was a nightmare to start with but with sheer practice and determination I have learned the basic foundations of making a certain model. 3D modelling is a vital aspect in the industry so it was vital for me to get my head round it. Although the course structure is laid pretty well, I would say maybe add more tutorials on blackboard, even if they are not related to the work we are currently doing. I say this because a few people finish their 3D models well advanced of the required deadline so instead of not doing anything they could help themselves to the extra tutorials. In addition it would be very useful if the tutorials were videos instead of screen shots.

The first academic year went by very quickly maybe because it is not exactly a year only about 6 to 7 months of teaching, this is another thing I would like to address we are paying for well advanced a year but we only get half that time, it’s just not right. Nevertheless the time flew by without knowing it.

Critical research allowed me to understand how the game industry works, in terms of what they need and want from graduates. It gave me a path on where I want to go in the future. I think it would be awesome if we could go to some of the game companies as part of our curriculum, this would allow us to better understand the environment of designers work place and also see with our own eyes a real life game company. It would also give us a chance to interact with designers that we aspire to be like in the future.

I like the fact that we go out on location with Visual Design I think this helps us to realize the topic that we are trying to learn. For example I do not think I would have been able to understand perspective without going to places like the canals or the archway. Guest lectures are brilliant love the fact that they come in and talk about what they want from us to get in to the industry. Also really aspiring when former graduates come in and give us insights on how they achieved their goals and ambitions. In fact I was quite happy when Jolyon said that he was pleased in how the structure of course was laid out and the tutors were doing a great job.

So guys do what you’re doing and keep up the good work!! =)

No comments:

Post a Comment