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I confirm that the attached assessment is all my own work and does not include any work completed by anyone other than myself and sources have been appropriately referenced.

Finlay Mander

Report

Current Skills:

  • Good creative ability and can visualize ideas in my head easily.
  • Good eye for detail
  • Open to constructive criticism/feedback and make changes as required. In task 9 and 10 I used a survey to gain constructive criticism which I plan to use when I work on improving how I use lighting when I render.
  • I can set myself a work process and stick to it. For instance, I proved in my unit 9 and 10 practical work that I have the ability to plan out what I want to model, am able to take inspiration from a reference images and artwork, which then allows to me create realistic models to the best of my ability -During this task I also proved that when working with multiple different models I have the creative ability to tie them all into one scene in a short time constraint.

Strengths and areas for improvement:

When it comes to using the 3D software i can say that modelling is definitely one of my biggest strengths but making my models appear photo-realistic with texturing and shading is what i need to practice, along with practicing my modelling skills routinely.

From my survey feedback I had some criticism to how the lighting and shadows appeared in my final render of the project. I have tasked myself with working on how my final renders turn out by striding towards creating more realistic shadows, whilst also modelling things which could give off light and add them to my scene. For example, lamps, fires or candles.

During unit 9 and 10 I improved heavily on the planning stage before commencing in any 3D practical work. Although it can be tedious I think its one of my main strengths since it gives me a plan of action and keeps me on track for completing work, which was useful in the short amount of time I had to create an environment.

Entry level position: Environmental Artist at Professional Technical Recruitment.

Responsibilities

  • Taking briefs and designing new retail environments.
  • Using Vectorworks and Cinema 4D to create 3D visuals and floorplans.
  • Liaising with clients and colleagues to ensure projects are delivered on time.
  • Travel to supplier and customer sites, attending meetings and progressing projects.

Skills

  • Proven experience as a retail Space Planner, 3D Designer or Development Designer working for a retailer or consultancy.
  • Experience using Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Experience using Vectorworks and Cinema4D.

Personal development plan

At present I have a good understanding of Cinema4D and gave myself the task to create a simplified floor plan. When it comes to using Adobe software I have some experience in Illustrator and After effects but I need to improve upon my skills

When taking my current skills into account for this position, its clear that Id have to gain some experience with Vector works so that I can develop my architectural and landscape design abilities.

Progression Routes

University course 1, UCEN Manchester: 3D Modelling and Animation for Games and Media (2 Year Course)

Requirements: 64 UCAS Tariff Points and GCSE English Language and Mathematics A* to C or 9 to 4.

This course would allow me to progress onto careers such as: 3D modeller, concept designer, key animator, technical designer, effects artist.


“Explore the skills within concept and 3D development during your first year, experiencing several different roles as a 3D artist and discovering your own strengths and interests. Then expand your creative and technical knowledge in 3D development, using it in a professional industry environment as you work with clients on a set project.”

University course 2, University Centre Colchester

Requirements: 96 UCAS Tariff Points. Interview with a relevant portfolio of work.

“If you want to be a 3D animator, model creatures in the latest sci-fi film, are interested in the more technical side of CG, or perhaps want to design characters and concept art, then this course is for you. It allows you to either specialise in the above or be a generalist.”

This course would allowed me to develop my skills to pursue a career in a number related industry areas including; Entrepreneurship, including small business development, computer games programming, computer games journalism, creative roles within a game company and online distribution and marketing.

  • Entrepreneurship, including small business development
  • Computer games programming
  • Computer games journalism
  • Creative roles within a games company
  • Online distribution and marketing

University course 3, University of Hertfordshire: 3D Computer Animation and Modelling (3 Year Course)

Requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff Points.

“This exciting degree programme introduces you to the artistic and narrative aspects of computer games design, programming, 3D modelling and animation. The course enables you to develop applied research practices, industry entrepreneurship and employment skills including applying gaming technologies to the real world such as designing virtual landscapes for marketing. The course has been developed in association with regional media providers and computer games specialists in order to stay future-proof in the every growing creative and digital media industry. Our course is aimed at providing students with the skills to develop their creative and technical design skills in the games industry.”

The qualifications earned form this course would provide me with employment opportunities in computer animation, work with games, TV and film special effects.

Work Experience/Placement/Internship Schemes

Work: 3D Modelling/Graphics – Work Placement

Creating realistic, natural poses of the companies avatar, improve in house software tools (plugins) for avatar creation, such as adding cameras to visualisation frames. Create studio geometries and different lighting environments to create great-looking light and shadows from our virtual model shots.

What the job offers:

A 2-3 week internship, incredible work experience gain, enhancements to CV, skill development and improvement.

Job requirements

Must be registered as a university student. Have experience with 3D modelling (this is preferred but not essential).Have access to a laptop & internet connection. Self motivation so that you can work from home.

Internship: ZBrush artist

The internship will provide the ability to learn and grow both creative and technical skills

Qualifications:

Excellent ZBrush skills and experience Passion for 3D design Great eyes for detail. Able to work in a team. Able to work under closed deadlines.

Freelance work: Improving upon/ creating and animation 3 models.

The responsibilities of freelance work, taking pre-created assets though build and animation stages all the way up to rendering them. Work closely with clients to come up with the best approach to design and come up with a consistent look and feel for assets. Using 3D modelling software, Photoshop and illustrator assembles scene to brief to clients.

Required skills and personal qualities for freelance work:

Keen eye for detail and for memorable design, fully fluent in 3D software of choice, Photoshop and adobe illustrator. Comfortable working to tight deadlines and in a busy agency environment, with the ability to come up with creative solutions to any problems that may arise. Self starter, but with the ability to work as part of a team if necessary.

2 Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship 1, Stafford Sharp Associates Ltd: SNR 3D Modeller – (Architecture)

Required Skills

  • 3D Studio Max experience
  • 3D Modelling
  • 4D Modelling
  • Architecture Modelling
  • V-Ray Architectural
  • Animation

Other requirements

  • A word CV and portfolio of 3D architectural / construction projects.
  • Good people skills, working with clients and co workers
  • Able to work to a dead line

“We have a fantastic opportunity for a 3D Modeller to join a prestigious software company specialising in Visualisation Applications for Enterprise Construction projects.”

Apprenticeship 2, 1X2 Network: Junior Games Artist Apprenticeship

Required skills:

  •  All round excellence in design and digital illustration
  • An ability to generate quick concepts and realise ideas
  • Have a very creative and imaginative mind-set
  • Eye for composition and colour
  • Good communication skills for working alongside art studios
  • Possess an impressive and up to date portfolio
  • Examples of self-initiated projects
  • An understanding of multi-platform development
  • Ability to follow existing styles and brand guidelines

Technical Skill requirements:

  • Photoshop
  • After Effects
  • Illustrator

Desirable Skills

  • Experience in the gaming industry
  • Understanding and experience with 2D motion graphics and animation skills
  • A degree or equivalent in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Art and Design
  • Digital painting experience
  • Spine 2D software
  • JavaScript

“The role is part of an exciting and growing area of the business and there are opportunities to take on additional projects and responsibilities to grow the role if the candidate has the desired ambition.”