Students inspired by tips from Lego and Marvel games artist
Ant O’Donnell, art director for two thriving development studios, visited Coleg Llandrillo to talk to Games Development students
Games development students were inspired by a recent visit from Ant O’Donnell, an art director who has worked on Lego and Marvel titles.
Ant recently visited Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhos-on-Sea campus to give a presentation to learners studying the Level 3 Diploma in 3D Animation and Games Development.
He gave them feedback on their work and offered them continuing support as they strive towards careers in the gaming industry.
Ant is art director at co-development studios d3t ltd and Coconut Lizard, both of which specialise in adding value to games on platforms such as Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo Switch.
He has worked on games such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel Super Heroes 2, and with Coleg Llandrillo Games Development lecturer Rob Griffiths on titles including Lego Mindstorms.
Rob said: “He talked to the learners about the industry, told some stories which helped to humanise it, and then he did performing reviews for the students. He gave them feedback and guidance, and also gave students his email address so they he can keep in contact with them and offer support.”
Students Lucie Metters and Summer Feehan, who both aspire to be artists in the gaming industry, found Ant’s advice invaluable.
Lucie said: “It was a really good opportunity to meet someone in the industry. He told me what I need to be doing to achieve what I want to achieve.”
Summer added: “It was good to get an opinion on our work from someone outside of our tutors, someone in the industry who can tell us what will help you get a job and what won’t. He gave us useful tips about our portfolios, and about cherishing the process of what you’re doing.”
The Level 3 Diploma in 3D Animation and Games Development gives practical knowledge in a range of areas, introducing tools and techniques used in the media industry. Students focus on 3D design and games, but the skills they develop are applicable to a wide variety of media careers.
Lucie and Summer were full of praise for the course, with Lucie saying: “I think it's really good. It’s not something you expect to have on your doorstep in North Wales, but we’ve got brilliant facilities and the teaching is really good.”
Summer said: “A lot of the tutors, especially Rob, were in the industry, so they know what’s expected. That’s really useful, and he’s able to tell us ‘This is what you need to do, and if you don’t do it you’re not going to get the job’. That’s what we need, that straightforward feedback.”
Do you want a challenging career in the games and new media industry? Click here for more information on the full range of Computing, Digital Technologies and Games Development courses available at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai.