Wednesday 14 December 2011

My action plan

My personal ambitions


My present ambition is to succeed in achieving a Diploma in Extended Interactive Media and Game Arts. I need to explore my option to study in Higher Education and discover which courses would best suit my area of interest. I would then like to complete a Foundation Degree.

By exploring these areas of study I feel I will discover a sense of direction and discover how I can apply my skills to employment.

Personal Goals: Immediate, Short and Medium term

I enjoy the subject of interactive media and game art and want to learn more about it. I enjoy the environment at the Plymouth College of Art, as it has a positive, calm atmosphere. Therefore I would like to continue my studies at a higher level at the College of Art.

I would also like to have more opportunity to mix socially with other students on my course and I look forward to this aspect of Higher Education. I am attending the Peer to Peer sessions on Mondays to help me make contact with other students.

My short term goal is to complete the Diploma course and gradually become more independent.

Next year I would like to be accepted on a Foundation Degree at the College of Art.

Personally I am looking forward to mastering the iphone with the new technology of an iportal, and I hope this will allow me to become more independent.

I intend to attend the open day at the College of Art and the University of Plymouth to find out information about the courses which I have investigated on line. I have written a personal statement which I would like my tutor to read and give me feedback on.  I will complete an application to UCAS before January 15th 2012.

I would like to make contact with students who have completed the course I intend to go on next year. I also intend to talk to my peers on my present course to see what they are doing and if any intend to do the same course as me.

I would like the opportunity to look at the work completed by students on the foundation degree course to see how I need to improve my own work. I also feel I need to develop my skills and become a more confident, independent learner.


In three years time I would like to have completed a degree course. I intend to apply to UCAS and then to the College of Art for a place on a Foundation Degree course. If I have the necessary ability I would like to aspire to a  Degree course.

I will need to work hard and learn new skills and become more self- reliant in my approach to study, exploring my own areas of interest.


Achievements and Skills
I received an Arts Mark Award from Tor Bridge High School in 2010.

I received 2 certificates from the Video Game design and Radio presentation courses from the Summer Mix project organised by the Plymouth City Council.















Details of work experience (inc, place of work)
Dates
Work experience
None














Task
Main sources of information
By when?
Career development actions
Identify chosen career opportunities in preferred industry


College Careers Service, www.connexions-direct.com
Newspapers, trade magazines, websites, Connexions service if under 20yrs old
Careers Resource Area computer (using Pathfinder + HE)

Find out about any further education or training required to develop your career further
College Careers Service, www.connexions-direct.com
Newspapers, trade magazines, websites, Connexions service if under 20yrs old


Identify suitable job vacancies
College Careers Service, www.connexions-direct.com
Newspapers, trade magazines, websites, Connexions service if under 20yrs old
Recruitment agencies


Identify suitable job vacancies
College Careers Service, www.connexions-direct.com
Newspapers, trade magazines, websites, Connexions service if under 20yrs old
Recruitment agencies
Produce a suitable Curriculum Vitae
Handouts, College Careers Service and Careers Resource Area, Course tutor
Practice completing applications for opportunities including work and UCAS and writing a cover letter
Course tutor, College Careers Service and Careers Resource Area


Things I need to develop
How
By when?
Find information about foundation courses
Learn to direct assistants in education










Attending open days


My covering letter

James Kitcher
4 Corsham Close, Birdcage Farm, Plymouth, PL6 6BU
Telephone: 01752 790617 Email: jameskitcher6@gmail.com

30 November 2011

Plymouth College of Art
Tailstock Place
Plymouth
PL4 8AT

Dear Mr Smith,
Re – Foundation Degree in Graphic Design

I would like to apply for a place on the Foundation Degree Course at Plymouth College of Art, commencing in September 2012. My present course is a Diploma in Interactive Game Art and Media, which I feel would give me a good skill base for the Foundation Degree Course.
I am a conscientious and dedicated worker and I always meet my deadlines. I enjoy college life and have a positive attitude to my work. My disability has made me creative in my approach to work and gives me a unique perspective in my areas of study. Although I have physical limitation I am developing skills in directing my own art projects.
I have skills in graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop. Illustrator and Flash, which I have used for creating animations and programing games using ActionScript 3.0. During a week long summer course I have also developed  some experience in game engines, such as Unity.
I have enclosed my CV and would welcome an opportunity to show you my portfolio and discuss the course further. I am happy to meet at a convenient time that suits you. Should you require any additional information prior to a meeting please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours Sincerely


James Kitcher

My CV

CV

James Kitcher

4 Corsham Close, Birdcage farm, Plymouth, PL6 6BU
Telephone: 01752 790617 E-mail: jameskitcher6@gmail.com

Personal Profile: I am a polite and presentable young man. My disability has taught me to be resourceful in my approach to overcoming obstacles. I am a focused and dedicated individual who enjoys digital graphics and Flash. I have had a long standing passion for digital graphics and interactive media and I am determined to pursue this area of study to a higher level.
Skills/Capabilities: 
·       Knowledge in Adobe Flash CS5 and Photoshop
·       Working knowledge of Vector Graphics.
Qualifications:
·       2010 Advanced GCS  Art and Design                                                Grade E
·       2010 OCR Art and Design                                                                  Level 3
·       2010 Award in Creative Craft using Digital imaging                           Level 2
·       2008 GCSE Art and Design                                                                Grade B
·       2008 GCSE Science                                                                           Grade C
·       2008 Entry Level English                                                                     Level  2
·       2008 Entry Level Mathematics                                                            Level 2
·       2008 Entry Level Information and Communication Technology        Level 2
Experience:
·       I produced a public announcement poster in conjunction with the library.
Employment:
·       None to date.
Achievements:
·       2010  Arts Mark Award from Tor Bridge High School
·       2011  Video Game design course
·       2011 Radio Presentation course
Interests:
·       Active member of a community group involved in wheelchair sports and art.
·       All areas of animation.
References:
·       Available on request

a

My personal statement

I have always had a keen interest in creating visual art and I believe my perspective as a disabled person is unique. In the field of computer generated art my disability doesn’t prevent me from developing my ideas freely. I see further study in my chosen field as liberating me to engage in my passion.

My particular area of interest has been in digital graphic design and animation. During my time at secondary school I discovered how to use computer software to create digital graphics; this opened a new avenue of interest and encouraged me to study art further. I started using Coral draw and photo paint, and then moved on to photo shop and flash animation. My interest grew massively during sixth form when I started to use a multitude of software, combining techniques to create a finished product. I developed an interest in other artists and became aware of their technical skills and creative ability.

When I was very young I had an immense fascination and interest in animation and films. Wallace and Gromit was the catalyst that immersed me in my own animation productions, using a USB camera with a Lego studio set. I developed a need for attention to detail, perfecting the practical aspect of producing animations from Lego. My fascination with animation continued by watching animations on the internet and learning more about the application of digital animation. This became increasingly important to me as my disability deprived me of my arm movement and I could no longer use clay and Lego in animation. Although initially frustrating, my disability has always made me open to new approaches and experiences.

During my formative years I was involved in the arts in one form or another. I was a member of Stagecoach and the school drama club, learning skills in communicating ideas to an audience. I later became involved in integrated dance workshops and performances. This involved the skills of collaboration with both profoundly disabled and able bodied peers. I believe that this has given me skills and insight into working with people of different abilities.

During the summer of last year I participated in the summer mix project organised by the Plymouth City Council, I completed the game design course. I gained skills in level design and produced a complete level in a game of my design. I was able to transfer my knowledge and skills in 3D design from this workshop to my present college course.

I also attended a radio production course, giving me insight into how hospital radio operates. I found radio a fascinating media especially for advertising. As part of a team we produced a radio programme, this involved research, collaboration and presentation within a time framework.

I have been inspired by Anthony Gormley’s   ‘The Field for the British Isles’ exhibition. I learnt how Antony Gormley directed his vision in his community based art projects, without actually taking part himself. I was able to see how as a disabled person I too could direct art projects and express by creativity.

Hearing Ian Livingstone speak at a recent Ex-play exhibition had a huge impact on me. Ian Livingstone’s story demonstrated how skills and having a good idea can be very successful. Ian Livingstone talked on the topic of ‘intellectual property’ and would like to learn more about this.

Even though I have physical limitation I see digital art and game design as an ideal medium to express my ideas and create a future carer for myself. I have a positive outlook and a willingness to commit and learn new concepts.

Monday 3 October 2011

Action Plan

CHECK ACTION PLAN ON 14TH DECEMBER.
First thing to do on my action is to pass the second year of my course and get a good grade.

My skills in 3d max aren't up to par like the rest of the group but because most of me just starting it is to be expected, my skills in flash are above par. my skill in photoshop needs a bit more improving

Thursday 15 September 2011

presentation and comunication

preparing a portfolio

Here is a list of work i want to show in my portfolio.

http://jameskitcher2.blogspot.com/2010/10/shops.html
http://jameskitcher.blogspot.com/2010/09/final-outcome.html
http://jameskitcher.blogspot.com/2010/09/final-evaluation.html
http://jameskitcher.blogspot.com/2010/09/leopardoscerous.html
http://jameskitcher.blogspot.com/2010/09/hungry-hungry-hippozid.html
http://jameskitcher.blogspot.com/2010/09/underwater.html
http://icantvisualiseit.blogspot.com/2011/06/close-up-drawings.html
http://icantvisualiseit.blogspot.com/2011/05/dartmoor-game-project.html

The first link leads to little exercise involving photoshopping an image on a store front,  the next link is for a project about under water environments where i used photos of plane wrecks and an image of an ancient greek ruin to make a sunken city and the link below is an evaluation of it. The next link is for an experiment crossing a leopard with a rhino using the liquify tool and the link below is the same except using a lizard and a hippo.  The next link is for another experiment which was to make an underwater scene using photoshop and using photos of a garden and a plane wreck. the link below that is for close-ups of objects for a project about making a game involving dartmoor.

And this is what i can improve on.

http://jameskitcher2.blogspot.com/2011/01/preperation.html
http://jameskitcher2.blogspot.com/2010/11/snooker-balls.html

The first link leads to project about a possible redesign of a big brand name's website or logo. i decided on subway's website. i am quite pleased with the location the site is set in which is a train station. i am not pleased with the menu because of the layout and how messy it all looks. and   thing i like is the animated banner which shows moving subway cars and ending with a subway logo i made with flash. overall i think i could improve on the menus and the layout but i am pleased with the animated banner and the photos.

The second link is for an exercise on making a spherical object like a ball using photoshop. the first image is my attempt and below is the proper way of making one. i am happy with the shiny-ness of the ball. i am not happy with how the oval shapes are clearly visible which are used for a 3d effect, but i am happy with the illusion of smooth-ness overall. all in all i think i did a good job even it has a few imperfections.

Below are some portfolios i have researched on.

http://designforfun.com/

This website is a portfolio of work by a graphic designer called Ben Barry. He has done a fair bit of work for Facebook. I like his portfolio a lot because of its layout which consists of thumbnails that, when clicked on will link to a page with more images and an explanation of the project at hand. one thing i will say is that the background colour is grey which is quite a bland colour for a graphic designer to use for his website.

http://www.fullyillustrated.com/

The link above leads to the website of designer Michael Heald who does a lot of work for video game companys. The layout is very clean with a black background and a blue underline that flashes up when the mouse is hovering over the button or link. I like this alot because of how professional it looks. I also like that when you go to the portfolio link it allows you to go a specific parts of Michael's work such as his design work, illustration work, 3D and Motion work and so on. I find it hard for me to find fault in this portfolio but i will say that the artist doesn't really include much criticism in his descriptions but aside from that the site is very  well arranged.

gathering information

 Game design
 I have been searching for information on being a game designer and how to break into the industry, i have found a article about and have found some tips. you need to have creativity especially you are working on an rpg, need to have a love for other game and critical eye for them as well. If the game comes with level or map editor use it to make scenarios and levels. enthusiasm and persistence is very important in the industry aswell as taking appropriate classes, working with other people is paramount because you will be working in an team-oriented environment.

Graphic design
 I have found some information on getting a job in graphic design, having a portfolio is important as it shows of your work to the employer but including doodles and sketches are a big plus as it shows how you work. work experience no matter how small can help if you impress your employer, taking interest in anything related to your work is good for putting your foot in the door. do research on the company you are going to be interview because they will ask what sparked your interest in that company. and finally if you don't get the job you can try again with a different company, being creative is extremely important.

Web design
 In web design you have (like the previous one) got to have a portfolio which will show off your skills, next you have got to have knowledge and experience in the appropriate software, learning new skills as you work will show how dedicated you are to your job. creativity is also a big plus. Having good people skills is vital even if they are hard to work with, this will help in your experience.


Graphic Designer

About the Job


We are a Sunday Times Price Waterhouse Coopers top track 250 company. One of the UK 's fastest growing privately owned companies.
Our retail concept is simple - we offer 'mid-price' home, leisure and garden products, drawing together everything that could be needed for the stylish home at affordable prices.
As a result of our expansion plans and our continued ongoing success we are seeking a dynamic Graphic Designer to join our business, based at our Head Office in Plymouth.

 
The successful candidate will be working within the design team, on various projects ranging from product packaging, national advertising to POS. The role will include creating and developing graphic elements fit for print design purposes, so knowledge of file types and colour profiles will be an advantage.
The successful candidate will have the following skills:
·         The ability to use Photoshop and Illustrator to a professional standard ideally within a retail marketing department.
·         Must be able to work to tight deadlines and be flexible.
·         A pro-active team player able to work off of your own initiative.
·         Good illustrative skills with the ability to communicate concepts through graphic elements.
·         Good typography skills.
If you are passionate about your work, have a varied portfolio and would like a challenging role then please apply for the position.



Creative Web Designer

About the Job



Here at GFM we love what we do and we are looking for a Graphic Designer to help design and produce impactful, creative websites and digital graphic assets. Ideally, you will be someone used to working with larger corporate clients and have a thorough understanding of Web Design.

What we want is someone with energy and the ability to bring a new twist, with new ideas and a new focus on emerging techniques.

You must have a strong Design background and be knowledgeable in the relevant computer programs and languages.

You will be a part of a small team that designs and produces a range of digital material for our ever-growing client base.

We want you to love what we do!!
What we offer...

In return GFM will offer a great place to work - you will be surrounded by people who are happy and engaged in what they do. It’s a place full of enthusiasm, passion and hard work.

Established since 1989, we are an evolving organisation, who is financially secure in these uncertain times.

You will need...
·         Minimum of 2 years experience in designing websites, e-shots and digital graphic assets
·         Ability to create HTML & CSS
·         Knowledge and ability to use Dreamweaver, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and other Adobe Creative Suite products
·         Ability to work as a team member
·         Be a ‘self-starter’ and once briefed be able to complete tasks accurately and reliably
·         Flexible attitude and able to work under pressure to tight deadlines
·         Time management and the ability to work with several projects to deadlines at the same time
·         Show good communication skills and be well-organised with great attention to detail
·         Demonstrate a good understanding of online design principles and customer usability issues
·         Experience/knowledge of working with Joomla would be an advantage



Designer 2D/3D Artist

About the Job


Designer 2D/3D Artist – London and/or Home Based My client is setting up a games studio You will be creating ##wireframes##, games concepts and original content in 2D and 3D for new multi-touch games. You will reporting directly to the creative director and have significant freedom to use your full creativity to its full potential. The Role • Wide range of creative challenges: from game concept and storyboards to character design, motion graphics and animation • Produce concept artworks and storyboards from a simple brief • Create concepts for innovative interfaces with the challenge of wide range multi-touch installations Experience required • Blender or other 3D modelling tool (e.g. Maya) • Photoshop (or other pro graphics package) Plus if you have... • Unity3D or other 3D games engine (e.g. Torque, XNA) • Experience and knowledge of the gaming industry • Experience creating concepts and storyboards for games My client is looking for someone to start asap.



 http://www.onextrapixel.com/2010/04/09/a-beginners-guide-stepping-into-web-design-industry/
http://www.gomediazine.com/design-articles/design-industry-insight/getting-into-graphic-design-q-a-with-william-beachy/
http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6129276/so-you-wanna-be-a-game-designer
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_design

HE websites

Graphic Design and MultiMedia FdA

Plymouth University

Entry requirements 80
Times league position
for Design
51
UCAS codeW212

Course options

PriceModeStart dateLengthVenue
Contact
provider
Full timeContact
provider
2 yearsPlymouth University
Plymouth, PL4 8AA

BA (Hons) Graphic Design at Plymouth College of Art

The BA degree programme in Graphic Design engages you in all the key skills and roles of contemporary graphic design practice. Developing confidence and competence to communicate design solutions through print based and new media graphic disciplines are seen as fundamental attributes of a graduate of this programme of study.
During the BA Degree in Graphic Design you will be encouraged to develop your individual style and identity through experimentation with media, materials, and processes. You will investigate and practise communicating your concepts through a broad range of design disciplines from brand identity to magazine design, illustration to multimedia and web based digital graphics.
Design research is seen to be of paramount importance and is the creative catalyst to inform all problem-solving strategies. The ability to record the entire design process from initial information gathering to the successful resolution of a communication problem is the key to becoming a successful graphic designer.
Academic and theoretical concepts are integrated into the BA Graphic Design programme to give greater articulation to your graphic design practice. Design theory and vocational realism in all programme assignments is further enhanced by provision of a work placement module taken in the first and second years of study. Placements and programmed specialist discipline pathways will be determined by your personal career direction.
The BA degree programme in Graphic Design encourages students to take ownership of their own learning through the acquisition of time management, scheduling and budgeting skills.
The presentation of project work will place equal emphasis on design and the ability to support creative thinking through written and verbal communication skills.
During the BA (Hons) top-up year you will be responsible for –
Self initiating a programme of theoretical and design production studies

Engaging with subject specific research and the production of a dissertation
Preparation of a self-promotional campaign to support career opportunities

Career opportunities
Graphic Designer * Digital Artist * Art Director * Publishing Designer *
Website Designer * Multimedia Designer * Brand Identity Designer …

Validated by the Open University










http://www.nuca.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/graphic-design
http://www.falmouth.ac.uk/201/courses-7/undergraduate-courses-42/graphic-design-bahons-degree-173.html
http://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/prospectus/Degree-and-Honours/BA-Topup/BA-(Hons)-Graphic-Design-/GDFB1A1112
http://www.whatuni.com/degrees/courses/foundation-degree-university/graphic-design-courses-at-plymouth-university/jc.3/a/0/south+west+england/3758/csearch.html