Norwich University of the Arts

Learning Agreement

Course and Unit Number: Games art and design 1200521 …………………….Name: Sam Betlem……………………………………………………………………….

Proposal:

Throughout BA7 and BA8 I will be focusing on 3D environment design. I am working towards the goal of designing a lich phylactery. Which is a space in-between space’s that an undead lord would keep their organs. I will be conducting research into real world undead myth, and lore, so that I can create to my own interpretation of an undead mage, and what his phylactery would look like. I will also be focusing on skills and techniques that I will use to complete my BA8 environment, such as sky domes and particle effects. I am expecting the research throughout BA7, to alter the original concept quite dramatically; as the concept is at a very raw stage at the moment. By the end of BA8 I aim to have a fully completed area working and tested in Unreal 4, this environment will show the depth of my research that I have conducted, whilst preparing for the design of the project. I have until the 28th of November 2014 to complete research for BA7, and I have until the 29th of May 2015 to finish the 3D environment.

LO1: Demonstrate consistent knowledge and understanding of your subject area, making detailed reference to current and emerging practice.

Learning outcome 1 focuses on research throughout BA7, I will be researching a range of different 3D modeling skills that I will needed to master for BA8. Alongside various myth’s and storys, that link in with spirits and the undead. I am also going to do research into Egyptian pharaohs who removed their organs upon death, as a starting research point.

LO2: Identify issues or questions relevant to your subject and adopt established research methods, clear analysis and appropriate written and visual communication through a draft research report.

To achieve Learning outcome 2 I will be looking at abusive players in games, focusing on propaganda and censorship throughout the gaming world. To make this task shine I will have to show my research effectively; with my own evaluation of the research.

LO3: Evidence a clear understanding of contextual, historical and ethical concepts using research material from a variety of Sources relevant to your own practice.

To achieve learning outcome 3, I will have to bring my research out and apply it into my studio work, showing a clear path from research, to iteration to completion. Applying research of pharaohs, and undead myth, to help bring my studio work into life.

LO4: Plan your learning, using a range of technologies, references and approaches appropriate to your subject

Learning outcome 4 focuses on time management, and using my time to split my research effectively, this will be shown in my personal diary/blog, and my own timetable of work.

LO5: Evaluate a diverse field of information and ideas in order to make informed judgments about appropriate questions and potential solutions to problems

Learning outcome 5 focuses on research and new concepts for my work, this will be shown throughout BA7 within my blog and will show my creative direction.

LO6: Communicate creatively and appropriately to a variety of audiences using spoken word, text and images.

To complete Learning outcome 6 I will be designing various technical images, and informative artwork. Showing certain design process’s that I will undertake when pushing this idea in BA8.

LO7: Demonstrate consistent understanding and detailed knowledge of the key characteristics and boundaries of subject practice.

Learning outcome 7 focuses on quality of work and self-evaluation, showing a clear pipeline of my studio work, from start to finish. This will be shown within my blog. Improving my work with evaluation after each stage, to push my work further, always aiming towards an industry standard of work.

LO8: Show evidence of sustained critical engagement with an issue or question relevant to your subject, referencing the bodies of knowledge that support and challenge your discipline, and communicating your findings through appropriate written and visual communication presented in the form of a research report.

Learning outcome 8 focuses on the research agreement, and how the factor of abusive players is regulated in the virtual and real world. Showing my findings and evaluating them effectively and clearly.

LO9: Demonstrate awareness of debates within and around subject practice, acknowledging pluralistic and open-ended approaches to the development of specialist skills and knowledge

To achieve learning outcome 9 I will show off my unique idea of a lich phylactery effectively and professionally. Showing the breadth of my research on this niche concept and applying it to my 3D environment.

L10: Demonstrate the capacity to manage your learning, using a range of approaches and resources identified through independent research into your subject.

To complete my learning outcome 10 my work and research will be constantly updated through my blog, showing a clear progression of research, and progression of my studio work.

L11: Apply subject skills and knowledge to develop and extend projects beyond initial findings and solutions towards resolved outcomes

To complete learning outcome 11, I am starting with a very raw concept for my studio work. Starting at a undefined point in this project, this allows this concept to grow and evolve throughout BA7. The research will play a heavy hand in altering the aesthetics for the 3D level, from the current concept that I have, into my BA8 environment.

L12: Communicate effectively to a range of specialist and non-specialist audiences using means appropriate to your practiceLearning outcome 12, is about understanding effective presentation of my work, alongside target audience. Upon completing my studio work, creation and design of an effective show reel, will help me achieve this learning outcome. Alongside a set target audience, that the environment is aimed at.

The reason I am focusing on this project, as a pose to the other ideas I had originally set out on; is to help me improve my own 3D modelling skills. I am going to have to learn new skills that I am unfamiliar with, to make this project stand out. This concept has the uniqueness that I need to help me show off what I am capable of, as a pose to my other ideas where I was sticking firmly in my comfort zone. This project is going to be the key piece of my portfolio, for 3D work.

Assessment Work: I will be handing a range of different aspects for BA7 and BA8.For BA7 I will hand in:

Design document 1000 word research report for C.S (Games being used as an abusive outlets) Artwork for asset’s to be designed Environment artwork Technical images Research report for studio work

For BA8 I will hand in: Turntable of assets Walk around video of level 5000 word research report

Schedule of Work: (to include the deadline for submission of assessment):This is an example of a timetabled week for my BA7, when and where; I want to work on specific aspects of my studio and contextual work. This timetable fits in with my university hours, I will be creating a full timetable for each week corresponding to what I want to achieve in that time period.

Time

Monday Tuesday Wednesdays Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

10-12

Group Teaching C.S research

Drop In 3D/ 3D progression/research

Group Teaching

Artwork Modelling Day off

1-3 Research For C.S Life Drawing

Studio Research Individual Tutorial

Weekly lecture

Modelling Day off

3-5 Drop In 3D/ 3D progression/research

C.S write-up

Applying Research Design Document

Artwork Game engine testing

Day off

4-6 Blog Blog Blog Blog Blog Blog Day off

As I have seven weeks left, I have laid out a focus point for each week throughout BA7.

Week 1: Research for C.s and studio workWeek 2: Layout of map and areaWeek 3: Creation of lich design/ setting for world Week 4: Technical skills to be learnt and put to useWeek 5: Technical skills to be learnt and put to useWeek 6: Creation of design documentWeek 7: Completion of design document

This weekly layout is only directed towards my studio work for BA7; my research report will be continually built throughout these weeks in accordance with Sharon.

Resource requirements:Throughout BA8 I will be using a set use of tools to complete my project.

Essential programs to use Maya Unreal 4 Photoshop Crazy bump / Quixel

Programs that might be implemented Zbrush Mudbox

Key tools Graphics Tablet

Tutor's comments:

Learning agreement agreed and signed by:

Course Leader: .................................................... Date:............................

Unit Leader/Tutor: .................................................... Date:............................

Student: .................................................... Date:............................