I came to university with the intention of tailoring my artistic skills toward something with a more present career path than just fine art. In my opinion that's what Universities are for and that's why they were put in place. They are for people who have ambitions but don't have the skills the achieve them yet, for people who know roughly what they want but need to try different things to get there, but mostly for people who are willing to learn and want to better themselves.
All I expect from university is for them to provide the tools, the learning spaces and the tutoring. To actually learn, understand, develop and grow into my career path I know is up to me. So far I don't think I'm doing too bad. Now I'm into my second year I'm beginning to feel capable. Capable of doing any task given to us, whether it's concept art, traditional art, 3d models or environments in engine. I'm happy with my choice to come to university. Not only to further my eduction but to further my possibilities and opportunities. Especially now I have the BMW internship to go on. I wouldn't have been able to get that opportunity this early on if I hadn't of come to uni.
University does also have a few downsides though, especially the costs. It evokes the questions, 'Is 40k worth of debt, the best way to start a career?' I even have to pay £650 to the university so I can go on my internship. I'm going to have to work a lot over summer to fund it, but then again that's life. If you want amazing opportunities you have to earn it.
Overall in this second year, I feel like I'm adapting to the thought of being a game artist. Concepts and ideas Ive had for games in the past are a lot easier to visualize now, as I know exactly what I would need to do to make them a reality. I feel like my 3D work has developed a lot, and I'm a lot more at ease with the tools. 2D still needs work though, especially my traditional work and drawing from life. However I've learnt a lot from Mitch about how to be efficient and quick about getting an idea down onto paper and what tools and tricks you can use to quickly visualize ideas. I've already got ideas for what I would like to try and achieve in my third year through my FMP, but those ideas my change after I've been at BMW for a year. I'm definitely sad about not being with the same friends in my 3rd year but it will just motivate me to work harder, as I'll know they've already gone at got jobs.
