Welcome Thunder Lotus to Game Art & Animation Level 3! This first term is designed to give you core skills in the field. With a focus on pre-production you'll explore a range of skills techniques and contexts, giving you not just a strong foundation of the skills within the industry but the understanding too. We'll build on this strong start in future projects giving you the fundamentals needed for progression into many creative fields.
Intent: To provide you with an introductory understanding of the essential skills and processes involved in game arts and animation. It focuses on building a strong foundation in pre-production techniques and core artistic practices that are crucial for game development. Preparing you for more advanced projects in the future.Â
Implementation: Through hands-on activities and creative
exploration, research, experimentation, reflection and
discussion.
Impact: You will have a clear understanding of the pre-production process and be equipped with the technical skills needed to progress in the field. The project will also instill professional habits, such as meeting deadlines, working collaboratively and engaging in critical reflection. Achievement of Units 1,2,3 and 4.
Industry: This project will introduce you to core skills needed for the games industry and beyond. Elements mirror the pre-production phases of the game and animation industry, where concept art, character design, environment design, and are crucial. It will prepare you for roles such as concept artist, character designer, animator, and 3D modeller. Understanding these core skills is essential for career progression in game development, animation studios and beyond.
Soft skills: Communication, Critical Thinking, Reflection, Research Skills, Adaptability, Creativity, Time Management, Self-Motivation, Presentation Skills, Open-Mindedness, Professionalism, Problem-Solving, Emotional Intelligence
SMSC: Self-expression and exploration of personal values, Ethical considerations in content creation, Teamwork and collaboration, Respect for diverse perspectives, Cultural influences and representation in creative media.
Date issued: 02/09/24
Final submission: 18/10/24
Resubmission: 01/11/24
Unit 1: Introduction to media processes and technical skills
Unit Aim: Provide students with an introduction to a range of processes and skills used in creative media production and technology and to the particular characteristics and methods of communication within the media sector.
Learning outcomes:
Assessment Criteria:
LO1 Understand processes and technical skills used in creative media production.
1.1 Apply understanding of a range of processes to support media activities.
1.2 Apply media processes and skills safely and appropriately.
LO2 Understand the characteristics and methods of communication within a media context.
2.1 Critically compare a range of communication methods used to convey meaning in creative media production.
Unit 2: Introduction to design and research skills in creative media production
Unit Aim: Provide students with an introduction to a range of design and research activities and related skills appropriate to the support of creative media production. The unit will also develop an understanding of the vital role that design and research play in informing and developing ideas.
Learning outcomes:
Assessment Criteria:
LO1 Understand design and research tools, methods and skills used in creative media production.
1.1 Critically compare a range of research tools, methods and skills.
LO2 Understand primary and secondary research sources.
2.1 Critically compare a range of primary and secondary research sources.
LO3 Be able to use design and research tools, methods and skills to inform ideas for creative media production.
3.1 Apply design and research tools, methods and skills to record and interpret information and develop ideas for creative production.
3.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of design and research tools methods and skills to develop ideas for creative production.
Unit 3: Introduction to professional practice in creative media production
Unit Aim: Provide students with an introduction to the diversity of roles, responsibilities, employment and progression opportunities available within the sector. It will introduce the student to professional working practices and give an understanding of the skills needed for a career in creative media technology and production.
Learning outcomes:
Assessment Criteria:
LO1 Understand progression opportunities within the creative media sector.
1.1 Locate, access and use information to support own development.
LO2 Understand the skills needed to pursue a career in the creative media sector.
2.1 Critically evaluate a range of working practices and methods.
2.2 Apply knowledge of working practices to support own development.
LO3 Be able to carry out roles and responsibilities consistent with professional practice.
3.1 Organise self and work to meet deadlines and targets.
3.2 Demonstrate consideration and professionalism in working with others.
Unit 4: Critical and contextual awareness in creative media production
Unit Aim: Provide students with an introduction to historical and contemporary contexts and perspectives influencing the development of ideas and technology within creative media production.
Learning outcomes:
Assessment Criteria:
LO1 Understand critical perspectives that influence the analysis of creative media production activities.
1.1 Compare a range of critical perspectives that influence the analysis of creative media production activities.
1.2 Apply knowledge of critical perspectives to the analysis of a range of creative media production activities.
1.3 Apply knowledge and understanding of critical perspectives to support own practice.
LO2 Understand the contexts within which creative media technology and production are positioned.
2.1 Critically compare a range of contexts within which creative media technology and production are situated.
2.2 Apply an understanding of a range of contextual parameters to support own creative development.
Work will be assessed in the form of weekly hand ins on google classroom, followed by a final assessment. Only the work on your college site will be assessed so it is vital you upload all work, including any development and mistakes.
It is expected all work is reflected on.
Animation and game design practical outcomes (U1 1.1)
Comparison and discussion of styles, techniques and software used (U1 1.2)
Comparison of primary and secondary research sources, comparison of research tools, methods and skills (U2 1.1, 2.1)
Documented development processes and reflection (U2 3.1)
Reflection and analysis of personal development (U2 3.2)
Research and understanding of job roles (U3 1.1)
Reflections and feedback (U3 2.1)
Utilising knowledge of animation and design techniques (U3 2.2)
Meeting production deadlines (U3 3.1)
Working with peers, demonstrating professionalism and effective communication (U3 3.2)
Analysis of designs and animations from critical perspectives, comparisons of different artistic styles within game design (U4 1.1)
Apply critical perspectives to evaluate and refine designs and animations, analysis of game animation through different critical lenses (U4 1.2)
Incorporating critical feedback into the ongoing development of designs and animations, utilising knowledge of critical perspectives to guide collaborative creative processes (U4 1.3)
Comparison of different styles in a variety of game design contexts (U4 2.1)
Historical, cultural and technological context applied to creative outcomes and development (U4 2.2)
Carl's sessions:
Charli's sessions: