Personal Statement
My fascination with digital media, video, and animation started at an early age when I enjoyed creating Lego stop-frame animations, paying attention to detail by adding splash screens and visual effects to create end-to-end stories. When I started gaming, my fascination turned to the characters, the story behind them, and how the games were made. I would sketch characters, give them identities, perform different actions and visualise gameplay. Similarly, when watching films, my fascination turned towards production. How did they do that? How do they make the characters so realistic? This interest drove me to research CGI and 3D animation and how they are used to bring games, movies and stories to life.
In secondary school, my favourite subjects included computer science, where I learned Python computer logic, which I have used for 3D scripting, and DT (Design and Technology), where I used Google SketchUp to develop 3D prototypes for projects. Building on these skills and broader interests, I am currently studying Creative Media (Level 3) at Shrewsbury College, following the Games Design pathway, allowing me to pursue my passion for digital 3D creative industries.
I have completed college projects utilising Blender’s modelling, texturing, and baking techniques to create large-scale environments, including an expansive island. Taking the Blender files into Unreal, I made three versions of the island environment representing different historical periods as part of a season-based game concept. In other projects, I have animated a standard rig using Maya and extended my Blender skills to include compositing. I am proud of my work through these projects, seeing my initial ideas develop from concept to completion.
In addition to personal projects, I have worked in a team alongside five of my peers to create a demo game. My role in the team was environment designer, which included compiling other team members’ work into the final demo. As a team, we presented our work to the class, explaining our ideas and the potential expansion of the concept. In this project, I learned valuable teamwork skills such as brainstorming, communication, prioritising, time management, and working to each other’s strengths.
While at Shrewsbury College, I have learned to work methodically, taking projects from start to finish. I have taken advice on how to develop my skills and have been able to reflect upon the successes and challenges of each project, developing my problem-solving skills. In addition, I have gained a foundation in animation and computer art using Maya, Photoshop, Blender Unreal, and After Effects – which widened my interest in the creative digital industry.
During my time at university, I aim to extend and refine my knowledge and capabilities in modelling, rigging, animation, compositing, and rendering using industry-standard software to the highest possible level. In addition, I plan to gain a complete understanding of industry-wide production pipelines, establish my role and create a strong portfolio, providing me with the skills, knowledge and inspiration to pursue a career in the digital creative industries and succeed in working my way up the ladder in established studios. Or to start my own!
In short, the natural progression from Lego stop-frame animations when I was younger, through character designs, to creating large game environments make this course perfect for me. Hopefully, my passion for, and prior understanding of, industry-standard software (Maya, Blender and Unreal), my time management, demonstrated by consistently high attendance, my ability to work independently and as part of a team, my listening to others and sharing ideas and the leadership skills gained so far will stand me in good stead for selection.
