Evaluation

Today was our (year two)term one evaluation (queue imperial march music or maybe The Ecstasy of Gold)

I wasn't too surprised by the results, critical studies are on track and 3D had silly little , 2D went smooth as I can output a lot of work and is my comfort zone. I'll note the key points mentioned.


3D    (Good)

• Obvious use of reflected symmetry
• Use of incorrect map sizes (non-binary multiple)
• The building was higgledy-piggledy
• Was a gap in the level created in UDK
• No Collision meshes exported into UDK
• Didn't use normal and specular maps on every asset

In my mind I have rationalizations for most of the points… But rationalizations don't matter, the design document should more than cover these points. I think the root of the problem is trying too hard if that makes sense? I'm trying to throw in as much as I can learn, but miss the fundamentals. The grading for game production is very clinical and the actual artistic content is almost moot. The next project I am going to keep it relatively mundane but ensure that I get all the right boxes ticked and make a solid & clean asset.

Here I have started the optional 3D project, I'm concentrating on the fundamentals & applying recent teachings.  I'm keeping the concept simple - a basic cart and some nature, all of my efforts are to make a nice looking clean scene & maybe rendering in UDK for practice.

2D    (Very Good)

• Presentation needs improving
• Not always abiding to standard paint techniques – layering/building up colours
• Should post more personal work in 2D folder

Visual design went pretty smooth, no major concerns and quite a few positive comments, which is always re-assuring. I haven't been putting as much time into 2D as 3D but have more experience and confidence here. I think my fine-art and graphics experience, and age help me a lot here. I really should be aiming higher though, I'm finding out about new techniques and tricks and could be doing better at implementing them into my practice.

Here's a pic I did that Chris mentioned he liked, I focused on colour theory/harmony and translating how I personally saw the scene - The tree and foliage dominating my path... a natural gem among the concrete of Leicester, with it's surrounds being almost incidental.

Crits    (Very Good)

• More reflection & applying to self
• Comment on 2D & 3D work

Critical studies I was a little unsure of, I do pay attention at lectures and have a basic grasp on writing, but was uncertain of whether I was approaching the subject correctly. To be honest it's difficult trying to work out what not to write.

I'd be honest and say I wasn't sure how on track I was with the syllabus until this evaluation. I do put in a lot of work and time, but that doesn't always equate into good marks. I was only really surprised by the crits score being so high (cheers Mike). It occurred to me that I don't really promote my own abilities or experiences much, I've been drawing for nearly 30 years (on and off) and have to my own surprise retained a lot of knowledge along the way… But how the hell do you know that? I can write it, but that's like showing someone a cake – they can't taste my unique recipe, and barely get a sniff. So I think Critical Studies has helped loads… Not just for the information supplied, but by the encouragement to self-analyze and make larger artistic and personal decisions.  This has helped me be more confident in my own abilities and limitations.