For Module 5 of my MA Game Art course at Escape Studio, the task was to create a personal project. The plan was to utilise what I learned during the past modules, starting at the bottom from learning how to model a simple shape up to advanced material scripting. The project brief was to show off everything we learned in class with creative freedom.
During my studies, I enjoyed working with materials the most. I knew I wanted to make a scene that would let this work shine, while still challenging myself. I went with a subtle horror theme, eventually settling on a mid-west Americana scene.
I concentrated on self-teaching new techniques that I wanted to master before graduating and starting my career, while also building a portfolio that showcased my strengths in game art. I was eager to apply my art direction skills from previous projects to create something engaging.
Looking back at my work from 12 months ago, I truly see how far I have come. I came into this course freshly graduated with a BA in fine arts. I had self-taught myself 3D-modelling over the past year and was still exhibiting my first game during Module 1. I knew how to get something that looked okay, but I did not know how to model and texture effectively, or how to create performative mesh. I also had not touched tech art yet.
In just one year, the Game Art MA course has brought me up to industry standard. My mesh quality has come a long way. This MA has taught me a lot about best practices, working on 3D projects as a team and so many priceless skills for my future career. This past year has challenged me to work hard, learn fast and put out high quality work. I would not have expected to enjoy working in technical art as much as I do.
My personal project highlights were figuring out my own bird system, troubleshooting an issue I had with the post processing, where the final gather quality setting caused severe artefacts in the final render, and overall working on effects and materials.
I am coming out of this project and this year feeling ready for the next project and ready for the industry.
One resource that I would like to highlight was my classmates and my tutor, Christian Avigini. I could always count on them for feedback and technical support with a high level of professionalism. Under Chris’ excellent guidance, I have grown confident in my abilities and feel ready to break into the games and FX industry.

Final render

Props layout.

Process timelapse.

Final result, Detailed lighting, Roughness, Base Colour.

Master Material layout.

Material layout for a dirt mask over props master material.

Material layout for gas puddle decal.

Material layout for a moth and bird Niagara system.

Material layout for a writhing flesh material.

Material layout for a wind system for foliage and trees.