Introduction

So, I guess I should start with a little introduction for anyone who doesn't know what this blog is for.

My name is Ellen and I'm in my third year of studying BA (Hons) Computer Arts at Abertay University.  This blog is for my Computer Arts Practice module and will serve as a sort of record of my studies and (hopefully) improvement throughout this class.

This year I have to start specialising- a word that in just one week I have began to both loathe and fear.  My problem is I'm interested in, well, pretty much everything.  So here's some ramblings to help me get all my ideas out of my head and on to paper (or, screen, I guess.)

Concept Art

I've been interested in concept art since before I even came to university.  I think it's great seeing an idea be fleshed out from what could just be a doodle of an idea on a scrap of paper to potentially an epic scaled mood painting.  Unfortunately, the general reaction to wanting to be a concept artist it seems is a big, fat "THERE'S NO JOBS IN IT" which I can't help but feel a bit off-put by.  However Alessandro Taini in particular has been a massive inspiration for me for a long time now.  Currently, he works as the Art Director for the games company Ninja Theory (DMC, Heavenly Sword, Enslaved) and lately I've been mulling over the idea of working to become an Art Director one day (emphasis on the one day.)  Of course, this would likely involve becoming an awesome concept artist first...  Even if there are no jobs in it.

Alessandro Taini, concept art for "Enslaved," 2010.

Design

Over summer I worked as the UI artist and graphic designer for a game.  At the time I thought I had drawn the short straw;  everyone else got to design cool characters or make awesome looking little buildings and here I was making health bars.  Turns out, making visually appealing yet functional health bars is actually a really fun and interesting challenge!  My main issue with this one is...  I'm very new to it.  I have some experience sure, and I've started learning (and enjoying!) Illustrator, but with so much emphasis put on specialising this year, and a portfolio to think about, I just don't know if I'll be playing to my strengths.

 

Annie Wu for "The Kilimanjaro Dark Jazz Ensemble," 2010.

    Symbolism/Environmental Storytelling

This is probably a slightly more obscure one but I'm fascinated by the idea of symbolism in all media forms, so I thought I'd throw this in too for the hell of it.  I'm constantly picking apart everything I watch/read/play trying to find some sort of deep hidden meaning.  I would love to see this utilised more in game design as I find this concept really interesting.       

Screenshot from BioShock (Irrational Games, 2006.)