Creative Futures Week Part2

Creative Futures Week

Day 3

The next talk I attened was on the third day, and was easily my most enjoyable one. "Computer Games- Concept art and illustration in the entertainment industry" by Lee Carter was absolutely fantastic. It was so inspirational, and very reassuring that the industry I want to get into is thriving and growing.

Mr.Carter stated some important things to include in your portfolio are figure drawings, show an understanding of cultures and architectures, and that being able to draw well in these areas are really important.

I really liked how he broke down what concpet art basically is. It should never be perfectally rendered and detailed as long as it communicates well and sparks more ideas. Also, if you spend too long on a piece, your client may feel intimdated to ask for changes and alterations. Working quickly but effectively allows you to produce many more ideas and gives more choice for your client or employers.

The majoraty of his talk entailed him showing us various pieces of his, and how he comes to certain conclusions in his work.
I really liked his paint overs, in which he had been given a boring 3D render of a set that looked barren and boring. Mr.Carter then went over it quickly, and the transformations were fantastic.

The best part of it all though actually came after his lecture. He set up a table outside, and I stood talking to him and asking him questions for a good hour after. He reassured me that the prospects of me getting an industry is good, and to just keep going until I get the result I like.

Something that has been bothering me for a long time is knowing what to wear if I ever got an interview for concept art. He assured me to just dress as I usually would; there are same extreme and exentrict people in the industry who probably won't care how I dress. That and I can't imagine it would be a good thing to outdress a prospective employer.

Mr.Carter also gave some great advice on how to start networking, and how important it is. Going to as many conventions as possible and talking to as many people as I can will further the prospect of me being hired, even if it's for freelancing. A lot of work is found by word of mouth, and by friends saying "I have a mate who is good at this kind of thing, do you want his/her details?".
He also assured me that people in the industry are all really nice, and will more than likely give you a few pointers or feedback as to how to improve. And he said if they're rude or horrible, then they're probably not worth knowing. I can imagine that most people in the industry are very approachable and kind, as they were once in my position. I'm going to make an effort to get over my anxieties of asking for critisism, and start contacting professionals and asking for feedback.

It was also reassuring in a funny way that I'm not the only one who sits at my computer all day working. The amount of time Mr.Carter spends working is incredible, and is really very inspirational.

Mr.Carter kindly gave me his email address, and I asked him if I could send him my portfolio and have some feedback. He said certainly, and I am eagerly awaiting his reply, although I totally understand that he has a hectic work scheduel.

All in all, even though I only attended 3 lectures (my work scheduel is pretty busy right now, and I felt that because I'm in my final year that I couldn't afford to attend each an every lecture), I really do feel that I've benefited from this years Creative Futures Week.